New Zealand 2015, second chapter

Monday 26 January 2015, Dunedin

This is not a journey of fantastic new discoveries. Too much was already visited in 2009 and 2010 with Mieke. It is a pleasant renewal of an old friendship. Rolling hills, glacier mountains, blue sounds and volcanic lakes in all colours. Humans have settled here recreating their ideal landscapes Moari tribes living the tales of their ancestors, Scots reliving their rugged mountains near Invercargill and Dunedin, Englishmen having their perfect golf course, the land made for sheep, cows and growing fruit. The Kiwis had a bit of a problem with all the newcomers but still their cries can be heard at night. To make this ideal land down to earth, quakes shake the people out of their dreams and volcanoes can and will show their teeth at times.

New Zealand does not need the rest of the world, the Kiwis focus on their own and see outsiders like tourists as a confirmation that only New Zealand is worth staying in. Multiculural societies are not for here and foreigners need a lesson in the Kiwi way, our driving style is frowned upon but praise for Kiwi land receives a smile. In closer contact this divide goes deeper Maoris, Englishmen and Scots all have their own Kiwi way and do not mix easily.

First Morning light on Mitre peak, Milford Sound

Big dolphins at Milford Sound

Bowen Waterfall, Milford Sound

The wife of a Crayfisherman?

Kea's at the Homer tunnel from Milford Sound

Enjoying a swim in Hollyford river.

The Key hilltop with a view into three valleys and numerous Tarns.

Southland, just beyond Fjordland

The 'awesome' slope, the most southern point of the south island.