New Zealand, Aoraki/Mt. Cook - February 12,13, 2014

Our two nights at Braemar Station on Lake Pukaki and visit to Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park may have been the highlight of our New Zealand adventure, a trip with many highlights.

 Kay and Natalia admire the view of Lake Pukaki

 Aoraki/Mt. Cook becomes visible through the parting clouds

 The next morning broke clear promising a great day of hiking

 Kay and I are all smiles as we begin the Hooker Valley Track

 Mt. Sefton

 Our guide Andrew, admires the view of Aoraki/Mt. Cook

 Terminus of the Hooker Glacier

New Zealand, Key Summit, Routeburn Track - February 10, 2014

This region of the Southern Alps of New Zealand has many similarities to the Cascades of the Pacific Northwest. With the exception of the vegetation, it reminded me a lot of home.

New Zealand, Okarito Lagoon - February 6, 2014

Our initial New Zealand paddle adventure was in Westland National Park in Okarito Lagoon. The views of the highest peaks in Southern Alps were stunning.

Starting out

Kay & my kind of water conditions

 Be careful with the hand off

White Herron

Relaxing after our adventure

New Zealand, Abel Tasman Track - February 3, 2014

The first big highlight of our South Island Tour was Abel Tasman National Park. The sand and vegetation seemed exotic to Kay and I. The great summer weather in February seemed pretty exotic as well. It was fun to share it with our new friends on our South tour.

 Bark Bay

 The water-taxi left us off at Bark Bay

 Manuka trees

 Torrent Bay

 Lunch spot on Torrent Bay

Pick up point at Anchor Bay