LOCATION: Kingston, South Island, New Zealand. About 40 miles south of Queenstown
WEATHER: Rain, downpour. Highs in 50s
We got up early to take advantage of a little sunshine. We took off for the beautiful, famous Milford Sound. Our sunshine quickly gave way to another downpour. On a positive note, the rain created these gushing waterfalls on every mountain.
There is a long tunnel right before you get to the Sound.
George found the spare tire in what seemed like an inaccessible space. The company had bought our van, then just built the kitchen area ON TOP of the opening to the spare tire. We called the rental car company and they explained how to get to the tire and tools, admittedly with difficulty.
I helped with the jack as George lay on the wet, cold pavement pulling out the spare. After about 3 hours in the cold, non-stop rain, we finally finished. By that time, the clouds had rolled in and there was zero visibility. We decided to scrap the Millford Sound cruise, and to return to Te Anu to get a new tire. The gushing waterfalls and rivers were even more spectacular on our way back, so we think we got a pretty good flavor of Millford Sound.
In Te Anu, we found a garage with the right tire, and were on our way again.
We stopped in Kingston, a pretty little town on a lake. We will explore Queenstown tomorrow. After dinner, we sat in the lounge and shared in a birthday celebration for a 24-year old French traveler.
DINNER: Homemade ramen with leftover grilled chicken, garlic, ginger, onions and carrots. It really hit the spot!
Wow, you two are having such luck with your rental vehicle...not! Sounds like fun though and we are learning a lot about the south island of NZ.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you missed Milford Sound, it really is spectacular - but only in good weather....
ReplyDeleteWorse things can happen!
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