Thought I got a chance to get some decent pics. However, learned that I may need a 5D Mark II or even 1D to get the pics the way I want. Here some pics that came decent enough to publish here.

First, we visited Gardens by the bay. Out of 2 iconic shell-looking gardens, one was open specially for the visitors of World Orchid Show. When we visited, Minister Mentor MM Lee honoured the show with his visit.

Here are some tongue twisting names and their pics.

Gardens by the Bay

Brachiton rupestris also called as bottle tree comes from the family malvaceae.
Xanthorrhoea glauca called commonly as grass tree comes from Xanthorrhoeaceae family; these are from Australia

South African Garden
In Afrikaan language Strandveld means beach vegetaion and could see many of them here.

Fynbos means Fine Brush in the same way and refers to the plants with very sharp leaves thick enough to avoid fire are here. These leaves got a waxy layer that protects the moisure that it got.

Birds of paradise, king sugar bush ( which comes from the same family of King Protea – national flower of South Africa) , Aloeveras planted here.

South American Garden

Chilean wine palm, chilean puya, monkey puzzle tree.Malvaaece, Fuchsia sp, fuchsia magellanica

Tall artifical trees. One of going to allow us to enjoy a coffee out there.

Gardens by the bay

Minister mentor MM Lee

Asteraceae

Brachiton rupestris also called as bottle tree comes from the family malvaceae

Nerium oleander apocynaceae

Hyndrangea hortensis hydrangeaceae

Doritaenopsis John Diamond

Doritaenopsis John Diamond

Doritaenopsis Sogo Vivien Orchidaceae

Marina bay sands from rear

Singapore Flyer

International Youth Floral Art Competition 2011

nepenthes hamata

PADI – (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) – Their course concentrates and derived from extensive recreational experiences and researches.
SDI – (Scuba Diving International). founded by Technical Diving International. As the name says concentrates on the technicality of diving
SSI – (Scuba schools International). follows the guidelines of RSTC (Recreational Scuba Training Council) so does PADI.
NAUI – (National Association of Underwater Instructors) – a non-profit organization which is serious about diving with longer classes tougher certification practices.
BSAC – (British Sub-Aqua Club) – A Club! Homely environment which trains once membership is accepted.

I made my mind easily to PADI and my next search to the diving company that offers padi certification here (Singapore). Well – quite surprised to see the number of operators. Bit more forum reading gave me top lists. Waikiki sounded too professional and serious to me. There were lot of appreciations for the friendly gill divers (www.gilldivers.com).

Just walked-in to their office opposite to Central Mall. It didnt take much time to choose my Theory class schedules and the pool session one. But was in dilemma about the final one. Finally made my mind to the Dayang Island trip. Monica the great instructor helped to understand things quickly about diving and going-back-to-schools work of calculating diving interval times gave a little hard time. Am sure its a relief to find android and iphone apps to calculate these. Search for “Diving” in appstore or Market.

For Pool session, Outram Park secondary school’s swimming pool was used. It was a good few hours under the water. I just wished the day was cooler.

After couple of weeks (as per my opted-schedule) the day came. On 30th Sep evening we left. Prior to that, I got my own set of diving things as I was relatively uncomfortable with the diving suite that I used for pool sessions. Got a cool-looking mask (special thanks to Monica at gilldivers for helping me choose) and a diving suite and convinced myself I could do with that.

I slouched into my as usual sight-seeing posture. In no time, we were at the Marsiling Jetty of Malaysia. Dayang and Tioman Islands are couple of hours of boat journey from there. We saw the entire crowd say 95% are divers. A wave rose in my mind with a sarcastic comment – ” you should have completed padi atleast a year back”. Yes – diving is not new to me but the certificate. While many of caught up in group chat, few settled for smoking. I was left alone as usual. Alien-me!!

I took a small walk and found nothing around except the buildings and small shops. came back and tried to close my eyes for a while as the boat would leave only at 2am. While I was about to get into stage 1 sleep, you guessed- time was 2 and we were packed into the ferries. When am thinking of that boat, am thinking of the stomach of a big toad. No idea – why is that. It was comfortable bit tight for bigger ones to sit in those movie-theatre style seats.

When realized I was in a good sleep in those uncomfortable sea journey (felt lot of waves hitting the ferry hard), we were told that we reached Dayang at 4am. Guess I was half-sleep-walking by then. We were shortly allocated cottages to small groups. It may be called as resort. But its cosy for youngsters on a shoestring budget. I didnt complain. I like enjoying differences in life..

Those row type cottages were right on the shore and the rough sea was trying to barge in. Luckily cottages were 15 feet higher from the sea level. Tried to sleep and after adjusting my ears to the neighbourhood sounds I sunk into one of those dreamless sleeps. A rarity.

Next two days were amazing. My instructor Ben was very kind and taught a lot during next 2 days of diving. Except first diving which was totally for settling down all were fun.

Dive 1

On 1st Oct morning 11:30 at Kadur diving side our first dive took place. We had calm weather and could see few marine activity in the first one itself. We saw bat fish, sea cucumber and the dive lasted 58 minutes. 7 Meters of depth!

Dive 2

On the same day, post lunch we dived at Lang Bay and the dive lasted a minute more than the first one. This time we managed to reach 10.1 meters. We saw cushion seastar, black shrimps and clown fishes.

Dive 3
After a bit of rest we headed to the waters and recorded 16.8 meters depth which lasted for 39 minutes. This time, newer ones were clams, baracuda, seal faced pauper, wart slugs and sponges were spotted.

Dive 4
Next day we had a relaxed dive at 8am at 15.9 meters of depth. We managed to see Titan trigger fish at safe distance (at least for me).

Laters, we got into the toad belly sorry ferry and reached Marsiling. Bus (with the F1-Driver) had some troubles with the bus – but eventually reached Singapore before it was late.

I was hell tired – but sense accomplishment beats everything!!.

It’s the time of the year for “Parents Trip”. (And completion of some exams, ofcourse). While I was scratching my head about it, Island resorts near the Mangalore (Karnataka) tried to end my scratching. Just in time, Irwin’s engagement fell in place and got scheduled to happen in Madurai on 27th Aug 2011. Well – that limited our options (for good).

Madurai is a true tourist destination by all means. However, our choices of off-beat places near to it are very minimal. Kubhi, Vinoth and I were working on this parents-trip over last month. Vinoth quickly accommodated changes and suggested we could go to Tiruchendur and reduce the parent’s trip for 2 days. I was blinking like a lemur that got stranded between two thick branches of a tree. I had no other options than accepting it. Irwin – all for you!

It was planned to leave Bangalore on 25th Aug night in train to Madurai and tickets booked all the way to Tuticorin (in Tuticorin express). Upon checking the time that reaches Tuticorin, I was pale as that further reduced parents trip time to just one day! We quickly got into discussion mode and I suggested that lets plan to go to Kalakkad-Mundanthurai tiger reserve and cover the nearby places. Kubhi quickly shared few links that he sent when he was in London. As per the new plan, we will get down at Maniyachi Train station and the parents trip to start from that place. Somehow all agreed to this and it wasn’t hard for me to fix the schedule.

As I guessed, options to stay were worse in papanasam area. After browsing for hours, Govt Forest Bungalow promised to hold our herd of at least 15 people. I pestered Vinoth and Kubhi to check with Tirunelveli Forest office. They referred us to Ambasamudram Forest Office (04634-250594) and after constant follow ups, they confirmed the reservation. This area has lots of interesting places that are in the western ghat forest range that requires prior permission to enter. Our reservation for the forest bungalow reservation doubled as the permission letter to enter the forest.

Praveen was left with the task of booking bus and train tickets which he completed in no time.

Kubhi quickly helped us to book the vehicle for the trip from Madurai and Ramesh Kannan (the great!) has been destined to bring it from Madurai to Maniyachi that day. That’s all the pre-work.

Pre-tour days

I landed in Chennai on 20th Aug afternoon and a bit of transit time until my next flight to Bangalore. Uma (the doggg!), on & off proof reader of this website – met me and drove me to a temple before dropping me back in the airport. Thanks for being nice always dogg!!.. You are such a host! (As you threatened I wrote here. Is it enough, or should I write more dogg?)

I nagged the next seat passenger as she was ‘coding’ on a 30 min flight. Deadline was the answer. I curbed my thought to pullout my ipad and settled with could-watching. I like when the wind takes revenge on the clouds. They set patterns and makes it to look like something I can’t explain. That day, clouds made some moguls and near-pyramids. In no time, the place where I call most favorite on earth, flight reached. Dad and Vijay picked me up and a worst of worst Bangalore traffic allowed us to reach Silkboard after 2 hours. It took hardly 1.5 hours to reach hometown after that. 

On Sunday, we managed to visit dad’s hometown temple which I see after many years. The place hasn’t changed but the temple on the small mount. I still recollect the dangerous way to reach that temple in those earlier days. It’s a total granite mount and on top of that there was a very small temple. Now, there are more than 4 temples with proper stairs. Little I wished that it was as it was earlier. 
Dad shown me some the carvings he did on those rocks when he was young. Time is still trying to erase it and succeeding slowly. Familiar faces and dad’s friends went gaga to meet us. It was goodtime out there.

We had gala time at Malgudi Restaurant at Maratahalli on the eve of the trip.

Parents Trip
There were few last minute pullouts as usual. I was convinced that the parents joining their sons will have good time. And it was.

As usual, our guys joined us at Cantonment railway station just in time to the train. I couldn’t believe that it was a train station as it was kept very neat. Bakery World – a newly opened bakery was extremely tempting with its baking smell. We bought almost all possible things and finished in no time. I wish I had an empty stomach so that I would have tried more items. While we were checking out this, Vinoth and KasuriRengan packed enough food that could serve us twice. 

Train was on time and we hopped on. At times, we wish we get a compartment just for us. Next time, we should ask. Am sure by the way we are growing, we need a train in 20 years.

As the train started, packs were opened. I was promptly given the job of serving and holding chutney and curry packets until they finished. Bit later, dad and mom joined from Hosur. We had to scatter to our berths as it was time to give the seats to the actual persons who reserved those seats.

While Vijay and Vinoth complained about the person who snored beneath them, I slept hugging my DSLR bag (can’t afford to lose it). Arun’s parents joined from Salem while we asleep. Next morning, Vinoth and Co, promptly bought the breakfast and kept it ready. As this was a long train, we were bit past the breakfast time. Irwin and Joy got down at Madurai.

Ramesh advised us to get down in Kovilpatti itself as the driver suggested. We adhered and there starts the real trip with our complete strength!

We got a decent looking mini airbus with push back seats. I had the plan to visit Manjolai for the first day and settle at the forest bungalow at papanasam and to explore the nearby places next day. All these places covered in this trip fall in Tirunelveli district.

First blow – Driver said he can’t take us to the Manjolai as he never did in his ‘history’. 

He tried to convince and detailed a plan that covered just half of the places that I had in my mind. While I was thinking about it, Dad rescued my with a contact of his friend whose hometown is AmbaSamudram. The Contact – Sudhagar (9003893140), who works in one of the police battalions and also runs a homecare for elders (Anbu Old age Home). He was friendly, eager to help us and had an attitude of make-enemy-a-friend. Without him, this trip wouldn’t be that interesting.

While we collected our printed letter from the Forest Ranger’s office for the night stay, Sudhagar explained the options and recommended Manjolai for some other trip with a different vehicle as ours was reluctant. It’s good to mention that AmbaSamudram is famous for its “Kai Murukku” a rice cracker. Kallidaikurichi famous for its appalams (papad).

We were recommended to have our lunch at Baskar’s restaurant at Kallidaikurichi (3Kms from Ambasamudram) as the papanasam didn’t have anything good enough for our guys. This restaurant also runs a lodge in the same place. Food was good enough to complete it fully.

As the Manjolai plan skipped (am sure I will write in this site soon), Sudhagar suggested that we drive to Manimutharu falls first.

Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve
Actually these are two different reserves that got merged in 1988. I somewhere read that Govt allotted 2 crores for this reserve. Am wondering where that money is and how it’s being spent. This place is rich with 14 rivers and numerous streams. There are many dams that control water and also produce electricity through Hydel projects.

Manimutharu Dam and falls

Our first stop was at Manimutharu falls. To reach this falls, we have to get the permission at the forest checkpost at the Manimutharu dam entrance. This dam looks huge and with 1/3 of water it looked even bigger. We were advised not to leave any plastic bags. Good that these places are changing.

Overflow of this Dam joins the overflow of Karaiyar Dam that joins Papanasam Dam and makes the Tamirabarani River bigger. This place being the collector of most possible water that flows from the hillocks, never goes dry. This makes this entire place look green all the time. Many films are made here for this greenery.

However, at this time (August) Manimutharu hills were dry with dried leafs. It was dangerously close to a forest fire as the sun was shining and playing all possible tricks to make some fire.

Falls can be reached after driving 5 KMs along the road overseeing dam. This place is another spectacular example of how good looking the place is and how worse its being maintained. Unless India steps up in making tourism better, these places will be gone in no time.

If visited at right times, the entire falls can be ours totally. Falls is divided in such a way to give privacy to ladies. That’s one thing to appreciate. A plain rock that’s of 50 feet with micro pools pours so much of water. Somehow those rocks have been carved to have a good forceful shower for us. In front of the falls, there is a big whirlpool which is of 80 feet deep and looks mysteriously beautiful. It even shows the symptoms of its danger by looking very calm. It seems that place was used by the police training camp for diving training which was stopped after an accident.

We got ourselves into the falls in no time. It’s been ages since I gave my head to waterfalls. As the falls had right amount of water, it gave us an experience of a life time. Water was chilling but not cold and could feel the freshness in it. Every second under the falls was nice soft power punches which made us to go back again and again.

After an hour or so, we found some more visitors and convinced ourselves that’s enough play-time at that falls. We even tried to go up and got warned by the guard there. Later I saw something painted vaguely on the rocks not to climb up.

After this, on our way to the forest guest house, we saw the Thalayanai Dam (Translates to Pillow dam) from the AmbaSamudram-papanasam-upper-dam-road. This is truly one of the most beautiful water cascading I have ever seen. It’s not even a dam but has a boundary to control water. And the boundary is a cool concrete of more than a kilometer geometrically built. Overflow of the water from this concrete wall cascades to the lower stages. It’s quite a scene to watch. No wonder many Tamil movies used this place. We had a nice photo session here and I tried every possible way to click Vinoth looking-slim but failed badly. 

On our left, there was a beautiful waterfall across the valley. We learned that that’s the agastiyar (agastiya) falls where the saint meditated. Just above that another falls and learned it was called Kalyana falls. Agastiyar temple is located there.

Papanasam Hydroelectric plant sits at the valley as we proceeded. This place is restricted even for pictures. Papanasam lower dam serves enough water in three biggest tunnel tubes to produce the electricity year around. Little above on the hillocks, we saw a micro town and learned that all belong to Govt Electricity Board and the quarters are for their employees. What a nice place to live for them. Its beautiful.

As we passed we saw few peacocks and wondered how does it manage to carry that much weight and fly (while its pretty tough even to walk for us).

After few Kilometers of drive, we reached Forest office. Even this has some cluster homes but with enough space in between them. We were given with the keys and told that the Forest bungalow is bit far. We travelled back and found a bridge that was made with iron plate without any handrails or fence to guard but with a notice to drive slowly. This place looks very beautiful with the quite turquoise blue water flow. There are concrete blocks here and there and we were told that the same river did that to the previous concrete bridge. Hmmmm.

Our Forest guest house looked better than I thought. It has double layered beds in dormitory style. Each dormitory room can sleep 8 persons comfortably. We got both the dormitory rooms for us (as we reserved earlier). This looks like a haunted house but gives nice vibes. Best with our loved ones in gang. There is a shortcut from this guest house to the river but its not offering any views. Dinner to be cooked by the people there and we agreed to get the necessary things from the town.

As we still had the evening for ourselves, Sudhagar advised us to visit Agastiyar falls and take bath (again) until 7. KasturiRengan happily accepted to accompany him to the town to fetch stuffs for cooking. Poor vegetarian guy accepted to buy Chicken and other stuffs.

Again, we got this falls all for ourselves. This time, falls was even better. More water and more power. Right at the end of the falls we found a way to pass through. That took us to a plain filled with rocks and also a stream with small falls. I wondered how dangerous that would be to visit that place during monsoon. Vijay and dad further explored and found a Thaazam poo plant. (I have no clue whats that called in English – it’s a flower that’s scent is too good and good enough to attract snakes!).

Waterfalls bath reluctantly got ended after an hour of pure powerful water massage. Was it our assumption or not – we felt the water was increasing as the time progressed.

Just in time, Sudhagar and KasturiRengan came back with the groceries. We got into the bus with the stuffs bought. It had eggs and I have no idea who broke it. (Anyhow that turned into egg fry later.) Kasturi also said that while buying the chicken, butler also offered Rabbit meat. He declined without having any ideas that he would get beaten for what he did. Except Chicken, meats are big no-no for me. However, Rabbit meat being a rarity and quite famous for its taste, I would have bought that. He didn’t. That’s a lesson learnt not to send a vegetarian to a Meat shop. However, he is too good for our guys to volunteer to shop meat for our guys. We should thank him for that..

Sudhagar and Kasturi drove ahead of us in a motorbike while we relied on the minibus. It was pitch black dark and the best part is, it’s the forest!. On top of that, it’s a tiger sanctuary. Our guys were teasing that the KasturiRengan is riding with atmost fear. Sudhagar, slowed down every now and then whenever he saw plain as that will be nice place to spot animals.

We reached our guest house and settled a bit. This bungalow has a nice open space right in front of it with many cement benches. We picked some 10 chairs and sat in circle with our snacks. For the two day trip, we had 5 days’ worth of snacks. We were badly in need of that as the bath kept us ever hungry.

Generally, this is the time, I get into camp-fire mode (refer other parents trip/ new year trip articles here if its not making sense. ). However, wanted to play along and kept the chat light. Ramesh Kannan who is responsible for people engagement tried to initiate a game. But even before the start, Sudhagar started speaking and that lasted more than an hour. He kept the bits and pieces of information interesting enough. He talked about himself and even encouraged an ice breaking. We just played along genuinely as its quite rare to see such enthusiasm.

He even managed to scare us with the stories about that place and how worse is that forest. Every now and then he “issssh”-ed and used Led torch to observe the environment. Also we learned that during rainy times, animals totally loved the roads in the nights as the tar road kept them warm. It made sense and not even Nat Geo or Discovery channel said this to us. 

He went on to talk about lots of myths and medicines. Its worth listening to him no matter whether we going to follow or not.

Little later, when it was time for dinner, we took the shortcut from the forest bungalow to the forest office for dinner with the help of LED torches. Near the bridge, we switched off the torches to see how beautiful that place was. Now I recollect and wish am there now to see again. But was little scared as it was open and we were deep in forest.

Right after crossing the bridge, we got to see the deer. They call it as Nila. There were dotted deer too. In that night, their eyes were glowing like powerful lights in red color.
A friendly family cooked the dinner for us that night and kept it ready for us. We had chicken 65, chicken curry, rasam, curd, and potato fry. Do you think it could get any better at that place? And it tasted really good. We sat infront of the house in circle and had dinner at moonlight. These are the dinners I really count. Just to extend the dinner time, we ate more.

Night Safari

Right after our dinner, Sudhagar got us for a night safari on the road. Even before the start, we saw a small python trying to cross the road. Our guys tried to get near to it for taking pics. It was shy and vanished in the bushes. We wish the driver co-operated a bit better by driving slowly. First, we took the Servalar dam road. As the driver drove too fast, we couldn’t see any. His efforts went in vain.

Baana Theertham falls

Next day morning, right after our morning tea, we went to Karaiyar dam. This dam is also known as papanasam dam. A nearby hill is called as Podhigai Hill. After a little walk (we managed to bypass plenty of walk by driving right near to the ticketing booth.

Boats run as per the demand. They take us to the other end of the dam where the baana theertham (or Vaana theertham) falls feasts our eyes. We were lucky enough to spot a full grown crocodile on one of the islets of the dam. After 15 minutes of boat ride, we got down at the other end of the dam. Dam’s edges boasted the lines of the water capacity and hinted on how they would look during monsoon period.

After the boat ride, there was a little walk say for 20 mins. That takes us to the second layer of the falls as the first layer is quite dangerous. This waterfall is the mother all the other falls we enjoyed. This pretty gorgeous and even with minimal water, it was showing its might. For public access, a smallest part is allowed that doesn’t hurt much. Luckily there were only few people and they left as we entered. Good that we were bit early. Again, good time..

Sudhagar managed to persuade the guard and took us on top of the falls. This is extremely dangerous. Rocks are dry and trustable but the moment its wet, its extremely slippery. Somehow we managed to reach the top and looked how that mighty waterfall deposits that much of water. Right at the other end, we learned that Injikudi (a tribal group) lived. As the weather was in complete foul mood, it was drizzling for seconds and shining for the next minute. We had to put extra efforts to climb down safely.

Sori Muthu Ayyanar temple.

On our back, we had a stopover at this temple. This is one of the famous temples with Ayyappan pilgrimages. This beautiful temple sits on the banks of Tamirabarani River and offers spectacular views. We all got tempted to take a dip again. However, resisted as we were hungry. This temple attracts 12 lakh people on a particular Tamil month (Thai). Singampatty Zameen (The raja of Singampatty) honoured at this festival every year.

While we were wondering whereabouts of Vinoth and KasturiRengan, they hided themselves in one of the places that sold vada and other eatables.

Breakfast was waiting for us back in the guest house. We indulged again. Shortly after that, we packed our stuff and prepared to checkout(??!!) that bungalow. It’s a perfect proof that even government bungalows can bring such happy time.

Unfortunately that good old papanasam Sivan temple was closed by the time we visited there. After bidding bye to the ever-friendly Sudhagar, we were on the highways to reach Madurai. Annachie Mess (Annachi Mess) was on the way near Tirunelveli that served nice food.

It took almost all afternoon to reach Madurai. Our initial plans to visit Ramesh’s home got postponed as it could delay the time we reach Irwin’s engagement. Luckily we were on time. We managed to refresh ourselves with wet tissues and reached the church. Its quite a different experience for us to attend a Christian engagement. Along with those pastors we wished them for their marriage. Now am sure, your wishes reach them too.

…. We are all tempted to have the New Year trip near this place again to cover the missed places. Let’s see what am going to write. )

Download Parents Trip Slides here

At Dad’s hometown temple. Vijay and me.

As much as I like, I miss Vijay in this picture. He was not in mood.

Consolation pose.

Aigondham Pudhur – Temple

Malgudi Restaurent – Maratahalli. Bangalore

Diyaaaaaaaa!!!

Anirudh (Vinoth’s son) watching his papa.

Bangalore – Maniyachi train (as per the plan)

Sweetheart Zinia

Kallidaikurichi

Manimutharu – dam entrace (where it says no photos – Not mine, please catch Kasturi

Manimutharu Falls

Near Thalaiyani Dam

Karumanthi as they call or Lion Tailed monkey (not macaque)

Thalaiyani dam

Kalyana Theertham (just above Agastiyar falls)

Govt forest bungalow – papanasam

Well – Its a matter about cork – please refer ‘expert’ Vinoth/Kasturi

Wish no tollywood director sees this.

Walk for Tea from Govt Forest Bungalow

Its the trust that there are no Tigers in the vicinity

Almost missed the peacock. Find it!

Karaiyar Dam – to visit Baana theertham

Well – Locate the croc here. Am serious!

Gorgeous Baana Theertham falls

Going above the falls. A must no-no.

Right next to the guest house

If this need to be explained, Ayyappan – so does the bus name. But Karadi is all I can think.

difference-e illa..

Irwin and Beula – Engagement

Here are pics – captured when we went to Krish, Kubhi’s homes (they are neighbors now) and Shiva’s home at Chennai.

Tanisha

Zinia.

Krish and Valli

Me and Sujan

I could have bettered this photo by removing my tanned face.

Sujan with ladies..

Thats boys club. Sivakumar, Sujan and me.

Didnt want to leave him – but had to.

That evening, we landed in Auckland and for the local driving we got a Corolla (again) which was bit stiff and less interesting. I convinced myself and drove it to the Ventura Inn hotel (in the airport boulevard). This is for budget travellers and one can expect really disappointing levels of service. I parked my car and found an Indian restaurant that offered to pick us and drop us back to the hotel. Couldn’t expect more than that. Though service is poor, rooms are quite big with the view of Auckland roads.

Blueskies Skydiving – Parakai.
It was not at all blue the next day morning. I was hoping it to get better and drove all the way to Parakai that is 50 Kms of drive. My outdated GPS maps made it bit longer. However as we started early I had the luxury to drive slowly to enjoy those roads. After Helensville, almost it was clear that the clouds had plan not to let single ray of sun to the earth or atleast to Parakai area. We went there and the staff from Blueskies too eagerly waiting for the sky to clear and we were their first to be dropped from the sky. Skydiving is not an easy stuff that sounds as simple as it does. It’s a matter of drop off from 12000 feet high above from the surface and a 45 Seconds of free fall. Later a parachute travel of 4 minutes will takes us to the land. So what? Its hardly a matter of 5 mins right, you may say. But I must have lost deep sleep thinking that falling. My wife was really ready to change her mind and asked 100 times about cancelling it. Weather played against us and won that day. We cancelled our booking headed to Auckland. A girl and her father from Hamilton were talking to us for a while – else we would have started earlier.

Mount Eden – Maungawhau
That means Mountain of the Whau Tree . This place is hardly five kilometres from the city of Auckland. This is one of the biggest crater that still lives to tell the story. However cooled long back and promised not to erupt again. This is the highest natural point in Auckland. As usual my gps took us to a haunted garage and called it mount eded. Had to drive couple of circles to find the correct road. This crater is completed tamed now and grows long grasses. Maori considered this as sacred place.

We parked our and walked the complete circle and called it the experience.

Drive to the airport was smooth. We picked our stuffs and waited for our long haul flight to Bangkok. We stayed in Bangkok airport hotel. Early morning Thai airways flight got us to the place where call, “Home” now.

The long and spectacular journey came to an end. I patted myself for driving first time for that long in a new country. My ego poked that I got a speed ticket too.

I believe these pics look decent. My wife, took all the pressure from me to take those nicest pictures. My heartfelt thanksgiving hugs to her. I love you bujji!

Download Auckland slides here

Mount Eden

TSS Earnslaw.
This was build for 21000 pounds and had to be dismantled after the construction just to transport it to the Lake Wakitapu. It served from 1912 to 1984. After that, its carrying tourists for the lovely exploration tour for Real Journeys (yes – this is also real journey owned). This travels between Queenstown and Walter peak high country farm. This journey takes 90 minutes to return.

This trip offers good views of Queenstown Bay, Crown range, Remarkables (a skiing resort), Kelvin heights, Cecil Peak and Walter Peak. We are allowed to go to the base of this ship from where the steam engine powered by coal can be seen. Its quite an experience. Upper deck has a snack bar that serves coffee and stuffs. Though bit slow to the modern marvels, it allows us to enjoy the beauty of that place. After like 45 minutes, the other end of the Lake Wakitapu – Walters Peak high country farm. There are other tour options that allow us to get down and explore the place. Farm visits and Horse riding and few other stuffs are there for us. However we chose the shortest 90 mins return tour as the Air New Zealand was waiting there to take us to Auckland.

Later we handed over that lovely car (rented) half-hearted (??!!) in that small but cute Queenstown airport. While waiting for the flight, I managed to get some booking for the skydiving at Auckland for the next day.

Download Queenstown Part 2 slides here

Walters peak country farm

Queenstown is dramatic by looks and dreamy to feel. Queenstown sits at the shores of Lake Wakitapu and happy to share the canal like shore to the sister town Frankton. Queenstown hill oversees the lake and the little town. This hill measures more than 900 meters vertically. In simple, blessed to be rich with the best of nature’s gifts.

After that stint with the cop, we reached Queenstown in the late afternoon. We stayed at Novotel hotel which is one of the biggest out there offering all ranges of views. It had all the notable touch of the city and the disturbances come free. However, it’s welcoming as the previous week was spent in lonely, quite hotels.

Weather was following us from the Milford sounds which looked to rain anytime for long. We wanted to encash the non-rainy time. The very first of the attraction anyone will hear is Skyline on the Bob’s peak. Reaching Skyline is via Gondola that operates for 3/4th of a kilometre. It has a fine dining restaurant, few souvenir shops, Luge and an auditorium that plays Kiwi Haka (Maori Culture Show).

Mostly these can be combined together and packaged based on our interests right at our hotel itself. We settled with Gondola, Luge and Kiwi Haka show. We had enough time to refresh ourselves and walk to the base from where Gondola starts.

Lake Wakitapu looked ravishing and roaring like a sea. Interestingly the colour was a nice blue color even when looked from the shore. This tows is well planned and built. Am pretty sure their needs will be manifold soon. Town is getting extended along both the side of the shores of Lake Wakitapu.

Within 10 mins of leisure walk, we found ourselves at the base of the mountain. A gondola took us to the skyline. We have got AJ Hackett bungy jumping has their jumping pad here with a breathtaking scenery of Lake Wakitapu. One dares a plunge there, could call himself daring, I bet. Right outside the skyline building a small path takes us to the Luge. That takes us to the peak in open chair lifts. We were thrilled with the Luge (in scenic view). The other route for the luge is faster. We were happy to get inside the building after that as it was starting to get colder.

Kiwi Haka
Maoris ruled this nation for long and the civilization is changed now. Still the descendants of this culture keeps it living forever with their shows. This show explains how their ancestors lived and about their habits. Its little bit interactive too. We were happy to be a part of it.

Later, we walked through the streets of that town to find an Indian restaurant. Happily indulged with our food and called it a day.

Download Queenstown Part 1 slides here

Lake Wakitapu

View from Skyline

Next day morning we were awaken by the announcement systems . This time, seals were resting on those rocks near to those cliffs. Too lazy in the morning. (It seems that they prepare that way for the busy day. They got to find 10% of their total weight of fishes to call it a day. They swim between meals). Those pups were too cute. Rich shiny black color gave a sheen that’s still in our eyes. Little later, our cruise went to the possible closest place to the Stirling falls. Here no matter what, it may look small. As these places were the handy work of nature, they downplayed the role and made it simple but magnified sizes. They look at the pretty normal size from below. If the real height to be realized, as our captain advised, Try to look reverse standing next to the handrails of the ship. I did, but the water droplets messed with my eyeballs and I said no thanks..

We got dropped at Underwater Observatory as we wanted to cover that too. It’s a nice secluded house that has an observation chamber going under the water for 10 meters. This is place where they protect and study about the black coral (Antipathes Fiordenis) which is supposed to grow at the depth of 30 meters below the sea. But here its grows here within 10 meters. Its named after its thorny look. The living coral community that cloths the skeleton in a white frosting of tiny, sea anemone-like animas are called polyps. Each polyps consist of fleshy cylinder with an open top circled by 6 tentacles. Those tentacles armed with stinging cells for protecting itself. Best part about this coral is it looks just like the plant.

Spotty fishes can be seen in those aquarium style observatory windows. An interesting thing about this fish is until they grow for 20 centimeters, they grow as females. Butterfly perch and Sea perch also can be seen here.

We had been picked up by a small boat as the vessel left to the shore. Later, we collected our stuffs from the cruise.

Weather started to get worse in no time. We had plans to check out Hollyford town when returning. Weather had different plans. We zipped through that place without seeing the road to Hollyford.

In no time, we reached Te Anau. We went to the Ranch again for lunch.

Manapouri
Before heading to Queenstown, we wanted to look at the Manapouri that’s another lake town down the road. Real Journeys offer Doubtful Sounds trip from this place but not as famous as the Milford Sounds. I recollected that the Doubtful sounds is equally beautiful . Manapouri’s power generation site is widely quoted on websites. Just before reaching Manapuri town, we get access to the lake via the mud road that takes us to the Fraser’s beach. This place is isolated and hardly has a road between the lake and the bushes. When we went, dark-ash colored clouds made no difference to the distance horizon camouflaging with water or the vice-versa.

Our next stop was at Wilderness Scientific Reserve (Te Wahipounamu). Here beautiful Bog pine (Halocarpus bidwillii) spread over the entire reserve. This is one of the things that forgot the evolution. They stay as they were 10000 years ago.

After these sight-seeing, drive to queenstown looked to be monotonous. Little bit of fatigue settled on my face. Right after Kingson I believe, a straight road at least for a KM came. Yes, I did accelerate. With nice music, and a car that supported every one of my move, it shown no discomfort . At the distance horizon, a police car was waiting. Damn, had I realized that would have saved 400 bucks. Cop came out of the car and cross the road and flagged down my car. I had no clues and slowed down. His machine recorded 137. I was just lucky enough not to breach the 140 level, had I been, they wouldn’t have allowed me to drive. Guess that’s the good thing in the bad thing. Anyhow, later I had to pay that online. I was little upset about that but later in Queenstown, hotel staff told me that they get all the time. Hmmmm..

From this time on, I kept an eye on the odometer and never allowed it to stay above the 100 range. Learning!.

Download Milford Sounds Part 2 slides here

Stirling falls

Spotty fish – underwater observatory

Underwater Observatory – from above

Homer Tunnel

Fraser Beach – Manapouri

This is what happens you drive that long ..

Wilderness Reserve

We reached that departure terminal (for boats/ships) just 30 mins prior to our scheduled time. We redeemed our confirmation with standard boarding tickets and joined those people who were waiting for the same.
A bit about this place before we head to our vessel.
A little excess to 6 meter (yes – meter) it rains here in generally every year. That makes this plae one of the wettest places in the world. This place is extremely vibrant right after a heavy rain.

Maori story – piopiotahi
Maori legend has it that Tuterakiwhanoa a god was given the task of shaping the Fiordland coast. He chanted powerful and attached the with hiss weapons. He carved perfectly on the north side where the water can be calm even during tough weathers. Milford sounds said to the perfect work. Our Maori hero was called off before he made that inlet to go further to mainland. Piopiotahi – few call that’s a canoe that came to buy greenstones. Few say that’s a bird name that’s extinct.

European Version of the story
In 1770s, Captain James cook visited this coastline but thought that nothing is there as this Fjord is perfectly hidden. People say later one of the mariners who born in Milford haven in Wales found this place and named. As they wrote, “On the left hand side of this place is a deep and narrow passage between two tiers of mountains which we called the flue and through which the wind blows at time with great violence” – we felt that very very clearly. You will see the wind lines in the pictures below.

This place is bit of surprise for the new comers. Am overwhelmed by what I heard. This is one of the rainwater harvesting basin that collects from various hills and forms a good layer on sea water. It takes 3-4 days to merge with sea water. Until that period, it just get strained and lookslike like tea. Science quote that the stain is caused by tannin and few other organics. This makes the place ideal for few creatures that I will cover under Underwater Observatory section here.
Milford Mariner – Real jouneys
We have got tour operators running scenic tours starting from small boats to cruises. The biggest players are Real journeys and the other one Southern Discoveries. Both are good in their own senses. Southern Discoveries use smaller but limited seats which reach up close to the falls there and its almost personalized trip. Real journeys offer big interesting mighty cruises with more options.

Real journeys offer Nature cruises, Scenic Cruises, Milford Mariner and Milford Wanderer. First two are day trips and in hours to be precise. Whereas Mariner and wanderer offer night stay options. Wanderer has quad-share bunk style sleep options with shared toilets (wetclean). Milford Mariner offer private suites with attached toilets. You know which one I would have chosen. Yes – Its Mariner. It not cheap option compared to Wanderer. Next time am going to choose day cruises for obvious reasons.
Cruise is built very nicely with limited number of rooms to accommodate us. Crew was very very helpful and well informed about this place. They love their jobs and are best at it. Cruise has two levels one is for rooms and the upper layer is shared for dining, mini entertaining place and a micro bar. On top of that its open space, we proudly share with the captain’s room. This place is very windy and cold. We had jackets that helped us bit.

We were explained with ground rules (ship rules ) after boarding the cruise. They care to give an experience of a lifetime – hence they don’t encourage to be up after 10. We were told that the vessel will be anchored at Harrison Cove that night. By this time, cruise started to sail. We were curious and joined the crowd at the top layers. It was extremely windy and cold. I couldn’t even stand there. Shortly picked jacket and managed to go back for few shots. Water looked stained tea colour which was bit disappointing. But having a clean weather was good enough to compromise that.

Vessel was gliding at this time and was passing the Bowen falls. This is vertically measured to 160 meters. As the wind was tearing up the water, falls had spectacular spreads of water.

Copper point
This rock has much of copper in it and that explains why ‘this’ name. This place is strategically designed by nature which makes the wind to enter this place at more than 180 Kms of windspeed.

Anita Bay
This is the place where maoris found their good amount of greenstones. We will hardly notice this place unless explained by the crew.

Rahotu – Mitre Peak
Highlight of this place is Mitre Peak which rises from the sea to the giddying heights of 1692 metres. This is believed to be one of the highest mountains that rise out of sea.

This place offers very mystic looking sea-scape. It will scare us completely if sailed alone. Exactly the eerie looking scenes from the Pirates of Caribbean. Our cruise anchored at this place and we were given options to choose either Kayaking or a speedboat ride. We happily opted for the speedboat. A crane mechanism pulled the speed boat from its shelves and gently placed on the water. We boarded with life jackets and precautionary words. Few others opted for Kayaking and the rest opted to relax.
Within minutes we started to explore that place, a herd of dolphins flocked the mouth of Milford sounds. Our speed boat engines came to life and we reached near them in no time. They were happy and fearless to dance around us. Many shown interest to guide our small speed boat and shown who owned the water. Our speedboats are nothing in front of those champions. It was really a nice experience to see them at their natural places. Little later, we went back to explore the edges of the Milford sounds. Nothing looked easy to our eyes. Everything were the remains of the millions of years of nature-at-work. They look unfriendly but very interesting.

After this we passed through St Anne point which was a lighthouse in yester years. Dale point which is little ahead marks the entrance of the Milford sounds from sea.

We took a U turn to mark complete the journey and headed to the Harrison cove for anchoring. Stirling falls is also the same as Bowen but this falls directly in to the water. On an extremely adrenaline filled day, I would want to take plunge. But now.
By this time, we refreshed ourselves and settled for dinner. Dinner is quite exquisite and really appreciate them to get them at that place for us. Am pretty sure they travel all the way from Queenstown but tasted fresh by all means. After that lovely dinner, we had a multimedia presentation which showed the seasons out there and how worse the weather could go. We were thrilled and felt lucky to have that decent weather. That presentation was humorous, entertaining and quite informative. They were happy to answer our silly questions too.

After that most awaited moment of that day came. Dark started to eat the light and the place looked too dramatic. I was scractching my head with the confusion about the lens to be used. Finally I made my mind to take pics on both. However, wind and the shaky vessel gave me hard time to get a decent picture. After a while, I just settled down started to breath those few minutes. At times, time will make you light. Mine was even more lighter as I had a cup of New Zealand Merlot at the other hand.

Download Milford Sounds Part 1 slides here

Bowen falls

Stirling falls

St Anne point

Harrison Cove

Milford Wanderer

If a little definition needed, Sound is actually an area covered by seawater that is larger than bay , wide, deep. Fjord (Fiord) is narrower channel like but runs deeper than the sea with steep cliffs created by the might glaciers and their meltdowns. And if you are curious about this Fjord-word, it came from Norway where many Fjords can be seen.
Fiordland National Park.

Fiordland National park is approximately 1.25 million hectares and the largest in the New Zealand. Obviously this virgin-looking landscape secured a place in the Unesco heritage site. This site proudly includes the neighbouring Mount Aspiring, Aoraki national park to share that prestige.

I was looking for this day very much as this is the highlight of the trip. I had my dreams running wild about this place. It’s a sea, extreme cliffs that’s rise nowhere from the sea all the way up to the heights of 1000 meters with nice snow caps with Serene, calm looking seas. Sounds interesting isn’t it?

Luckily, it was one of the clearest skies in those 9 lovely days. We started right after our breakfast to cover most the attractions on the way before we reach Milford Sounds for an Overnight cap at Milford Mariner. Road distance between Te Anau to Milford sounds runs at 121 KMs that takes little more than 2 hours. If we add relaxed scene stops it may run well over 3 hours. We tried not to miss any of the stops that had a board. Curious eyes!

As I mentioned earlier, people generally do a day trip from Queenstown which is too much of a travel in one day and mostly rushed. People choose flights also which has the lowest on-time record due the geo-location of that place. If a straight line been drawn, it will hardly take 130 Kms from Queenstown. But what we drive actually is more than 280. Somewhere I read that they were working on a better road plan but got dropped at might disturb ecologically. Anyhow, its worth that long journey I would say. One thing to note is we don’t get fuel until we return Te Anau. A full tank is highly recommended.

Lake Te Anau feasts our eyes until Te Anau downs which is actually starting point of the famous Milford Track. (This is one of the most famous tracking route and scrutinized thoroughly. This is called Finest walk in the world by one of the New Zealand’s poets. This track has its obvious Maori routes which was used for transporting Jades (Greenstones) to the mainland. In order to tramp this track one need to get prior permissions and mostly it has to be sponsored by the guide companies which does group tours. Only north-way of tracking is allowed and strictly to use the mentioned accommodation that are limited. Only during summer these conditions are applicable. This track runs 54 Kms and to be finished within 4 days. If more detailed needed Dept of Conservatory of NZ may help).

I was routing for this track earlier in my plan, however dropped later as the overheads were high and making her to walk that much of KMs would be a tough task for me. Roads were nothing less with the finest views which further made to stick with the road.

Right before Te Anau, we got a place to get our mugs filled with nice coffees. I was even felt jealous at those people living, enjoying that secluded life. The woman who helped us was happy for a chit-chat and told us the winter will be unbearable and the shutdown the lodge, restaurant and move near to Queenstown. Living in Singapore for the last 5 years made me to forget that the season-changes totally. We were able to feel the sun on our skin that day and my assumption that the places near to poles will be colder was totally wrong.

Eglinton Valley
After like an hour of smooth woods covered journey, mushrooms of Hills appeared after what it seemed like a long plain desert of green grass. Promptly my wife announced that we reached Eglinton Valley verifying the maps after I saw the board which was announcing the place in bold colors. This place is really beautiful and an excellent stop for shutterbugs. Probably this is the only place where a picture can be taken that covers the hill and us completely. I tried to pose for some pictures and all went in vain. One of the curious was on a bicycle all the way from Queenstown. At mirror lakes we managed to have a word with him and he said confidently that he would reach Milford sounds in 4 hours. (And we took more than an hour from that place in CAR).

Mirror Lakes
Our next stop was Mirror Lakes. This is one of that mystic looking place that offers the mirror images of the nearby mountains. This is created by the Eglinton river as it flowed through the valley. This flows all the way to the Lake Te Anau. During this flow few pools are created and abandoned later which are called Oxbow lakes. These lakes doesn’t get those gentle touches of the wind or even breeze, which makes the water to look still. However those ducklings are euphoric and show that they own that place. Happy feet! Boards read that this place is really quitter at the mornings and the nests can be seen after hours of observation. Also if we are lucky we may even see Australassian Bittern or (in a easy way) shy fernbird. Sad to know these are endangered species. Right under those calm waters long-finned eels live happily. Those eels calculate moon phases and decide when to start their journeys to Sea to complete their lifecycles. Young eels return to the same places where their parents lived. Height of mysteries.

We didn’t stop at Knobs as it was less alluring, really.

Lake Gunn
This is one those places we feel that we already own that. Lake is simple and shallow. Enough place to use for barbeques and camping. Perfectly tailored for our needs. We learned that there is track that runs for 40 mins for return that gives nature walking experiences on the shores of the Lake Gunn.

The Divide
The lowest east-west pass in the southern alps. This is the starting place of Routeburn, caples, Greenstorne Tracks to Lake Wakatipu (Yes- the one Queenstown touches). But am afraid we zipped through this.

Key Summit
This tramping route starts from the Divide and follows the famous Routeburn track in the forest then reaches Key Summits. Its learned that it takes 3 hours. This one joined the skipped list easily for us.

Lower Hollyford road turnoff and lookout – Pop’s view
This is one of the spectacular places where never-forgiving-look hill that oversees a superb valley covered by distinct hills. Even now, with all the engineering achievements, this place looks bit dangerous. The legend Maoris tamed this land on all seasons. They searched for the precious rock takiwai (called bowenite) and pounamu (greenstone or jade). Hollyford river has fame for stopping them with its power often mostly with water or snow. They called avalanches as hukahoro and worried less.

This road construction from Te Anau to Milford started in 1929 by non-professionals. They built the road very slowly and when neared this hollyford valley started settling down too and created that little town after realizing those avalanches were part of the winter drama.

Creek Falls
Little later, creek falls greet our eyes. They look at the most lovely turquoise blue, looks the cleanest and pure. This has also a route that takes 2 hours to complete.

After this all those high-rise mountains were leaking beautiful small streams that’s less than falls and greater than vertical-streams.

Monkey Creek or Lyttle’s Flat, Mount Talbot
Imagine a small stream with pebbles and the carved stones that look blown up potatoes, spectacular icy mountains with snow caps and a flat where grass throws the autumn look. That place is this. Mount Talbot is the special attraction that has a veranda full of snow and pushes away the overfill. The rest of them are part of Darren mountains that’s visible there. This also offers better view of Upper hollyford.

Homer Tunnel
This was opened in 1954. And frequently closed during winter whenever the avalanche plays cat and mouse game. And poor people, if the snow finds the tunnel a safe place to hide, takes ages to make that road good for the vehicles. This was one of the best engineers feet at this complicated location. We the might humane, didn’t budge for nature, drilled the mountain between the valley of Eglinton and Hollyford river near cleddau. Signals change every 15 mins from 9 to 6 in the day (yes – its one ‘scary’ way) and this signal system is only during summer. In winter, avalanche risks are high and they don’t want us to park the car waiting for the signal at that time. It was work and work-in-progress between 1935 to 1954. I was happily clicking the Kia’s without realizing that. Govt is considering making that tunnel into two ways or getting a avalanche shelter.

Kia
It’s the not the car. It’s a breed of rugged alpine parrot and unique. These are inquisitive about the surroundings and cares least to fear human. These little are bit rugged to build their nests at the rocky mountain cliffs life vultures and show interest in eating junks. But please do not feed them. During winters they hate to eat berries for that fact. When we were there, It was literally asking for food, glad that I didn’t have any. It was negotiating with us for a while and checked if the rubber can be peeled off from the protective windows. Shortly, our signal turned green and said bye to that. It was ignorant and cared less even to look at me.
Tunne is very dark. Headlights are mandatory. Water is trickling everywhere. This stretch gives a feeling that we are driving right inside a coal mine.

The Chasm
In simple, a gap formed by the ever persevering water. These look as if they have been carved and finished to the pebble looking giants. There are holes, pits and all look they have been drilled by the finest machines.

“ The finest workers in stone are not copper or steel tools, but the gentle touches of air and water working at their leisure with a liberal allowance of time” – David Henry Thoreu.

We got to park our vehicles in the carpark and enter the jungle. Pathways lead to steps and we hear the noisy falls that drilled vertically right on the rocks. Little further walk gets us to the river and the remains of previous full flow of Cleddau river. This river has the same attitude when it passes the hard rock and the soft rock. Soft rocks budge and allow the river to create series of falls. These soft rocks join the river’s journey and meets the hard rocks. That deadly combination of soft rocks and water carves the hardrock over the thousands of years through grinding and swirling. This place is ever-changing.

After that, a short drive took us to the Milford car park. This place is quite dense with nature’s own things. Water falls, creeks, fiords, hills, cliffs, sea, and freshwater. All at the same place.

Car parking is almost 10 mins walk from the actual Milford Sounds – departure terminals. Near the carpark we have eateries (blue café) and few other facilities. We parked our car at the end of the car park and spent good amount of time on what to carry and what not to carry to the vessel for the night cap.

Download Milford Sounds Drive slides here

Te Anau Lake

Te Anau Downs

Te Anau Downs

Te Anau Downs

Milford Track Starting place

Eglinton Valley view

Eglinton Valley view

Eglinton Valley view

Eglinton Valley view

Eglinton Valley view

Mirror Lakes

Mirror Lakes

Mirror Lakes

Mirror Lakes

Lake Gunn Nature walk

Lake Gunn

@Hollyford valley view

Creek falls

Mount Talbot

Homer Tunnel

Kia

Kia

The Chasm

The Cleddau river

The mitre peak – Milford Sounds

The mitre peak – Milford Sounds

After those adventurous moments at Shotover river jet, we were on the road for another long journey which clocked 200 Kms. It was supposed to be less than 2 hours and thirty minutes. But the rain and other drivers made it longer to me.

Drive towards Te Anau is quite peaceful drive. Lake Wakatipu accompanies happily until a town called Kingston (Kingston-Garston highway). This drive passes through Fairlight, Garston, Nokomai, Athol, parawa, Mossburn and finally Te Anau.

What makes this trip interesting is what has happened.

After Kingston, the drive gets bit monotonous as the meadows after meadows and lush green plains after one another. Herds of sheep can be seen everywhere. We are slowly accustomed to such views by this time. So New Zealand’s beauty to be seen fresh to the eyes, fly to Queenstown and start exploring..

This is the only part of the entire journey I felt road can be seen with cars and motor homes. As most of the people do Milford sounds in single day starting from Queenstown. However, we were not competing with their morning timings. Still people who might stay in Te Anau were driving. I somehow wanted to reach there quickly and wanted to stretch my legs for a while before I head on to Glow Warm caves in Te Anau. I was able to overtake most of the cars and steadily driving at 120. That might sounds high in numbers, but for their roads, its like cool slow ride. One heady girl was driving a Volkswagen version ahead of us in a hatchback and she was easily hitting 140 and maintained there for quite a long time. My sedan is no lesser with its power. I was kind of tail gating her as it was easy to me to just to follow her to overtake some other cars. Otherwise, it was quite boring to look for the timing. It was kind of cool and it added more cautious-feeling for the driving. Yes – my wife was in one of regular naps as usual. I kind of liked the way the gal drove that car. She looked a European to me. I bet she would have sensed the my tailgating . She increased her throttle and it went on for a while. Just before nearing we had no competitors on the road. Road was dull and sleepy and the weather had serious plans for rain and was testing with drizzles.

When it was about 2 KMs to read Te Anau, it was a straight stretch and on the right hand side, off the road have seen the siren fitted car. It took 2 seconds to recognize that police patrol car but it was too late to slow down my car back to slower speeds. In a Jiffy, we passed that police car. Am pretty sure the one who drove that VW car recognized and slowed down to 80s. I was already slowing down at that second. Before my heart started to race, I looked at the rear mirror and found exactly what I shouldn’t be seeing. That police patrol car took a U turn and started to follow us in the fierce manner with sirens on. I was totally scared and that’s the last thing I want to face in my vacation. Patrol car closed the gap in no time. I looked at the rear view mirror again. The cop looked at me clearly and made sign to pullover the car. By this time she was out of her disturbed nap and was puzzled at my pale face. I slowed down my car further and prepared my mind to handle that situation. I bet god was with our side or some scientific reason – that police car passed us and pulled that VW and promptly off the road to deal it. I was bit puzzled and not sure whether I should wait or not. Slowly I drove and after pulled over, I overtook them and glided smoothly away from them. That’s a biggest relief for me. When my mind calmed down, I thought about it. Am sure their machine would have caught the speed of that car not mine. So obviously they couldn’t hold me.

Shortly, we found ourselves in the Kingsgate Hotel where I had my reservations. We had little time to refresh ourselves and went to explore the little Te Anau town.

These towns are planned, built and maintained. As there are no reason for a burst in population, this place is soothing and relaxing. These places on earth are still very young as they never had to pass through the evolutions of earth.

Te Anau means Place of – Cave of the swirling water current. I had no why about that until I saw the Glow Warm caves. Lake Te Anau covers around 136 square miles. Major contributor is Eglinton river. Notorins – a bird species calls it a home, but we saw none except a magnified ugly looking statue. They could have done better work there. ;-0 No offense.

We were hungry. Lessons to be learnt before visiting these sleepy little towns are, 1) food will be served only appropriate times, 2) don’t expect them to keep it open after 8pm. I had to drive twice or thrice of those blocks in the center of the town just to realize most of them were closed. To our luck, The Ranch with ranch style was open. Well – if you are going to Te Anau, please do eat there! Else you are missing some experience. Options are exactly like what you would get at a ranch but cooked to perfection by all means. And the waiter was very professional and behaved like a one who worked at a fine dining restaurant. I was surprised to receive that kind of service at that little town. That’s what I call service and that’s what I call work ethics. A lot to be learnt there.

Shortly after our late lunch, it was our plan to view the Fiordland on Film – yes, that little town has a cinema that plays a lovely movie. I didn’t believe until I watched. After that lovely lunch, it was bit heavy to sit at a most comfy place.

SHADOWLAND (ATA WHENUA) – the movie.

This movie is bit mysterious, evocative, exhilarating and utterly spectacular. My version is “Just too good”. This movie talks about the origins of Rocks and Ice, water falls, granite formation, early pathways, the bird species of Kakapo, takahe, Kea and bit about the settlements.
This movie has great opening with extra-ordinary sound and sings lullaby as it progresses. Or I felt that way. I slept for good 10 minutes. That’s to that long journey. I cursed myself. I have bought the DVD just to recoup what I missed. I wish I can upload it here, but it has copyright infringements. I don’t want to get into legal disputes.

Glow worm tour

In 1948, they have rediscovered glow worm caves after understanding the meaning of Te Anau. Lake Te Anau has a maori myth. Lake Te Anau is the New Zealand’s second largest lake. According to maori legend this large body of water was created by an unfaithful wife’s deception. The maori chief Te Horo discovered a scared spring and asked his wife not to reveal its existence. However, when he departed on a journey, she showed it to her lover. As soon as the lover’s face was reflected in the water, a raging torrent burst out, drowning the village and forming Lake Te Anau.

In the mid 20th century, the Te Anau glowworm caves were known only as a place of legend. Maori folklore told of a cave filled with swirling water. Early European explorers also spoke of underground caves. However, over time, the caves location became lost in history. Local Te Anau tour operator Lawson Burrows was so intrigued by the tales that he spent three years searching for the legendary spring. In 1948, he found a stream gushing out of the hills along the edge of Lake Te Anau. He slipped into the cold water, squeezed through the rocky entrance and surfaced in a dark cave. Above his head, he was stunned to see thousands of glittering glowworms.

Real Journey’s offer a spectacular themed ride to the cave and provides extra-ordinary experience. We will be picked at the Lake Te Anau Real Journeys (also i-Site) centre. This part of the earth is kind of melodramatic I should say. It has its own moods and few times mixed ones like the day we went. We had patches of good sky blue weather and just meters away, we had darkest ash colour clouds. It was a windy, cold journey. We have the options to stay under covered area or on open top. I went to the tops only to get some photos. We had a big beautiful rainbow. Generally we have seen a curve of rainbow. But here, a exact half circle was feasting our eyes. It was big, bold and crisp with colours.

Real Journey is the only tour operator that has access to this site. It’s a isolated haunted place on earth. But the make is lively with their building and staffs. We were welcomed and teamed up. This is the second place (after Swiss) I was wondering what has engineering given to this world. Here, they carved the hill, connected to a fall, created a micro dam. Hats off to you engineers (am one too..).

This area is four-level limestone labyrinth known as the Aurora caves system. The caves are about 12000 years old which is young in geological terms. But the limestone they carve through is ancient almost 35 million years old. Unlike many dry cave systems, the Te Anau Glowworm caves are still increasing in size. The tunnel burn river that flows through the caves is mildly acidic which helps the water dissolve the rock and create passages. This acidity is produced from carbon dioxide which orginates from the humus – forest floor- high above the caves.

Entrance to the caves is low, but quickly opens up into the 20 m high. This place is called cathedral. At the end of cathedral we have a noisy waterfall. All the way we can notice the human engineering along with larvae. Everywhere, we could also see the fossilised shell fragments and marine skeletons in the limestone walls if observed at nose-touch level. After the waterfall, a whirlpool and natural sandstone bridge are good examples of how the water wears away at the old limestone.

At the end of the walking, we will be boarding a small boat. This is where it gets complete dark. We will be slowly glided towards the central place where the cave is full of glowworms. They look small bright glowing beautifully. Best part to know is the more hungrier they are, the more brightly it glows. Hmmm…

Later at the reception, we were given coffee/tea which was really we were in need of. However, the quality is not that good – am not complaining. That’s the best they could do at that place.

An interesting DVD was played for us which briefs us about the history of that place and more about glowworms. Its sad to know that they eat each other when food is scarce.

Later, we had some quite time there until our boat came. We sat in that one of the lonely places on earth and watched waves. Return journey was quite.

We picked some fruits from the supermarket and had our dinner at one of the Italian looking restaurant. Pizzas tastes great and even they allowed me to customize that. Thanks dears!.

Download Te Anau slides here

Te Anau lake