Entirely World Famous Nicquel: FIORDLAND

Wairaurahiri Jet (WJet)

Arrgh when will this weather disappear and show some sunshine! I’ve been coping with the cold but this constant rain and wind… when will it end??

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We departed Bluff Lodge at 7:00am and headed for the Wairaurahiri River for our Wjet boat ride. As we were getting closer to our destination the sky seemed to be getting blacker and blacker. Once we arrived a friendly lady named Joyce came bouncing over to us and quickly said, “you can chicken out if you want to, the weather isn’t so flash for jet boating”. Chicken out we thought!? Well we haven’t just woken up at 6:00am and driven for 2hours to be labelled as chickens. Nope we are doing this damn jet boat ride and there is nothing mother nature can do about it.

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We weren’t able to experience the full 6.5 hours because after a while the rain felt like pins and needles stabbing at my face. It felt like a 3hour session of Botox- I’m guessing that’s what it would feel like.

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The experience provided one of the most exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping rides I’ve ever encountered. The mixture of rain and cold wind only enhanced the feeling of being alive as we flew down the river into the heart of the Fiordland National Park. Despite being incredibly fast, I felt completely safe. Not only is the Wairaurahiri Jet specially designed to handle all of the conditions of the area but also Johan is a very experienced and skilful driver (14 years of experience).

The Wairaurahiri River, consisting of 27km of rugged rock and Grade Three rapids that drop 600ft to sea level, has become a massive water playground for Johan and Joyce.

It was a shame we couldn’t experience the full adventure because we were told it only gets more wild and beautiful the further up the river you travel. I guess you can’t have everything. Wanting us to experience as much as possible, Johan and Joyce invited us back to their house for a BBQ lunch. Any homesickness I may have felt was completely at bay after watching Johan and his son put the ‘snags on the Barbie’ as my fellow Australians would say. A very delicious lunch to end a very delectable day.

Prices start from $225 for more information on tour packages and prices go to their website: www. Wjet.co.nz

Milford Sounds Mariner with Real Journeys

We finally got the sunshine we were after. It was such a magical day for our cruise, not one single cloud in the sky...

According to a nationwide New Zealand Automobile Association survey, Milford Sound was voted the “number one must do” for New Zealanders. Nowhere else in Fiordland do the mountains stand so tall, straight out of the sea- it truly is a world-renowned natural wonder.

What a treat it was to not have to bother about driving to our destination. Real Journeys luxury coaches depart from Te Anau and linked directly with our cruise, which ensured hassled-free connections and a quality experience. Our coach was purpose-built for travelling the overland route to Milford Sound and incorporates an expansive glass roof that provides breathtaking sights of the peaks above.

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You know the saying ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ well I don’t believe that, that applies to Milford Sounds. No photo, painting or picture of Milford Sound can compare to the incredible feeling of actually being there. We boarded the magnificent Milford Mariner in awe. The traditional style vessel features three massive sails, spacious viewing decks, a licensed bar and an observation lounge.

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Cruising beneath the fiord’s towering cliffs is an unforgettable experience. Abundant rainforest clings to the sheer rock walls and waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres to the sea below. The yacht sailed so close to waterfalls that water soaked the foredeck that we ere standing on. Very cool, literally.

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There was a specialist nature guide on hand who pointed out dolphins and seals and shared stories of the fiord’s history.

On the way back our charming bus driver stopped off at several iconic destinations for photo opportunities. Which Cat and I certainly took advantage of...