Invercargill to Te Anau

I have to begin with an addendum to the Stewart Island post (spousal pressure) - As we approached Stewart Island, we past the Ti Ti Islands where the local Maori have gathered Muttonbirds (Sooty Shearwaters) for more than 700 years.  These islands are also home to large colonies of NZ Fur Seals, which in turn are a favourite food of the Great White Shark. 84 Great Whites have been tagged in the area and it is estimated that 100 frequent these waters at this time of year. So not the best place to go swimming, especially if you look like a seal. Cage diving with the Great Whites is offered in the area, but we passed on the opportunity. 

In other news, yesterday we drove from Invercargill to Te Anau, stopping briefly at the Clifden Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension span in NZ when it was completed in 1899.  It was also the location of the mouth of an underground river which was interesting to see. 

After a lazy / working morning we walked to the hydro control gates at the south end of Lake Te Anau. We found it very warm after our previous week's weather but apparently the high today was only 19 C. 

On the way back we visited the Wildlife Centre to see the Takahes, a nearly extinct flightless native bird, which is slowly increasing in numbers. 

We also spotted a bicycle which would be the envy of the Qualicum biking group - it seats 7. You saw it here first folks. 

Tomorrow we have an early start for the 2   1/2 hour drive to Milford Sound - we need to get on the road before the buses as although it is only 120 Km it is a slow drive. Hopefully I will stay awake to post tomorrow night.