Today we drove around the Pisa mountain range and down the Kawarau River
valley (famed bungee jumping). We stopped at the Gibbston Valley Winery, outside
of Queenstown, for a tour of the vineyard and wine caves. Oh ya, we did some
wine tasting too! Then we had lunch and a stroll along the boardwalk in bustling
Queenstown before heading down into the Fjordlands and Te Anau.
Upon our arrival in Te Anau we stopped by the visitor's center and reserved
spots on the Glowworm Cave trip for that evening. I have to admit that I was
somewhat skeptical, yet curious, about this highly advertised tour. Even though
I have considerable spelunking (caving) experience, I was still pleasantly
surprised with the uniqueness of this tour. It was one of my favorite New
Zealand experiences. The glowworms look like stars in the night sky on the
ceiling of the cave. And, in large groups, produce a significant amount of light
in the total darkness of the cave environment. The
experience of punting (boating) up the stream that carved the limestone caves
was a natural amusement park-like ride. We were treated to an incredible sunset
as we emerged from the caves. Te Anau Lake and the Livingstone Mountains were
lit as if through a magenta filter. Though no filter was used to make
this image.
Today we drove around the Pisa mountain range and down the Kawarau River
valley (famed bungee jumping). We stopped at the Gibbston Valley Winery, outside
of Queenstown, for a tour of the vineyard and wine caves. Oh ya, we did some
wine tasting too! Then we had lunch and a stroll along the boardwalk in bustling
Queenstown before heading down into the Fjordlands and Te Anau.
Upon our arrival in Te Anau we stopped by the visitor's center and reserved
spots on the Glowworm Cave trip for that evening. I have to admit that I was
somewhat skeptical, yet curious, about this highly advertised tour. Even though
I have considerable spelunking (caving) experience, I was still pleasantly
surprised with the uniqueness of this tour. It was one of my favorite New
Zealand experiences. The glowworms look like stars in the night sky on the
ceiling of the cave. And, in large groups, produce a significant amount of light
in the total darkness of the cave environment. The
experience of punting (boating) up the stream that carved the limestone caves
was a natural amusement park-like ride. We were treated to an incredible sunset
as we emerged from the caves. Te Anau Lake and the Livingstone Mountains were
lit as if through a magenta filter. Though no filter was used to make
this image.
