Day 9 Te Anau, NZ

Early morning, but I still managed to eat breakfast and still be on time.

Drove to the Christchurch airport. Checked in with no issues and waited for our plane. I'm getting used to walking on the tarmac to our plane. Short flight to Invercargill, the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand. Flew over plains, farmland, and ocean. 

Our Site Coordinator, Ian Smith, met us at the airport. He and our driver, Ewan, seem to have a great relationship. 

We drove to Riverton/Aparima, a small coastal town. There we visited the Te Hikoi Museum. A film demonstrated how the European and Maori people met and interacted. Our guide was very passionate about the area and her small town. I bought 2 small barrettes made of paua shell.

We walked down the main drag to a community center. There Ian spoke a little about the area. We had a wonderful pre-ordered box lunch provided by a local catering company. My chicken salad with roasted veggies was incredible. I followed "orders" from the chef and finished my salad, before digging into a moist chocolate cupcake. 

We walked to the river's edge, where we learned about the industry of the area.

We drove to the other side of town where people had amazing vacation homes on the "Southern Riviera".

Started the longer drive on the Southern Scenic Route. We saw lots of sheep and cattle. We made comfort stops in McCracken's Rest (incredible view of the ocean and Clifden Suspension Bridge. 

We passed by Lake Manapouri. It was nice and warm at Lake Te Anau. 

We checked into the Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau. I took a short nap while others walked into the town centre to see a film about the lake. I walked to town and ran into the group. I stopped at the Moose Bar for a Three Wolves Pale Ale beer. It tasted so good, drinking it with a view of the lake.

Walked back to the hotel. Got a glass of sparkling wine and chatted with others.

Dinner was a very nice buffet that included crispy fish and chips. I finally tried Pavlova for dessert; it was very interesting. 

Ian led several of us on an after-dinner hike alongside the lake. We saw several birds. 

I stopped on the way back and waded in the lake. The water was a very comfortable temperature. But I couldn't stay in long, due to the big rocks under my tender feet. I'm glad I did it though.

Walked back to the hotel, had a nice shower, and here I am. Looking forward to cruising on Milford Sound tomorrow.

Photo: Happy sheep