Today’s agenda included a visit to The Chasm and The Divide near Milford Sound. The alarm went off at 9:30 am, prompting me to get up and head to the toilet block for teeth brushing. Yvette was also awake and preparing to leave bed. I noticed I was much quicker, getting ready by 9:45 am while she went, presumably, to the toilets. Check-out time was before 10 am, and as I held my pillowcase, the cleaning lady directed me to dispose of it in a bin nearby our dormitory. She expressed gratitude, as if it were the kindest gesture, possibly because most other backpackers forget their pillowcases.
Feeling Weak but Seizing the Opportunity
At around 10 am, I left the door open and returned the key to the reception to avoid a late check-out fee. When I got back, Yvette had returned. I informed her that I would be waiting in the car, while she went to the kitchen to get some hot water.
While waiting in the car, I noticed I was feeling weak, possibly coming down with a cold. In the past few days, I had occasional issues with my nose, but today it seemed fine. Shortly after, we departed, and I asked Yvette if she was up for one last look at Mitre Peak, considering it was only a kilometer away, and the weather was great. She agreed, and on the way, I realized I wasn’t hearing clearly with my right ear. Despite having the music on, I sensed a difference in volume. I mentioned it to Yvette when we got out of the car and walked towards the lake. Although not a cause for concern, it was a bit annoying. We took some pictures of the lake and left after 10 minutes, heading to The Chasm, another wonder in Milford Sound.
Heading back in the direction of Te Anau, we almost missed the turn for The Chasm about 10 kilometers later. Fortunately, Yvette spotted the sign in time. I parked the car and headed towards the path.
A Visit to The Chasm and its Unique Formations
After a 15-minute drive, we reached The Chasm, a substantial gap hollowed out by stones. Large holes and carvings dotted the area, formed by the powerful force of spinning pebbles in the river.
We spent a total of 30 minutes at The Chasm before departing. Unfortunately, the pictures didn’t turn out very impressive. The bridge where we stood was positioned directly above the chasm, offering views of the river on one side and the stunning gap on the other.
We drove back, and after 15 minutes, we paused before the tunnel. With a 3-minute wait, I switched off the engine and seized the opportunity to capture some pictures of the valley behind me. I knew I would miss this place, but I was glad to know that the scenic road would continue after the tunnel.
After the tunnel, I attempted to capture some photos of the road. Three turned out well, but the fourth one had a bit of a glitch (see below). The mountains and rivers along this route are truly breathtaking, and I couldn’t help but love this place. I had been skeptical about Milford Sound based on pictures and people saying, ‘You have to see this place when you are in New Zealand.’ I thought it might be overrated. To be honest, it was amazing and far exceeded any picture I had seen. The photos may look magical, but the real-life experience is a thousand times better.
Brief Hike at The Divide
After nearly 30 minutes, we reached The Divide, an area offering various tracks. Options included a shorter one taking 3 hours for a return trip and longer tracks spanning four days. The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s renowned Great Walks, spanning approximately 32 kilometers through Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks in the South Island. This multi-day hike features diverse landscapes, including beech forests, alpine meadows, and breathtaking mountain views. Notable highlights include Routeburn Falls and Harris Saddle. Huts are available for overnight stays, and camping is permitted at designated sites. The track is moderately challenging, suitable for various skill levels. Apart from the Divide, another access point is Routeburn Shelter. It’s recommended to check with the Department of Conservation for the latest information and seasonal conditions.
Yvette and I opted for the 3-hour return track but were a bit uncertain. We needed to head back to Queenstown today, and we knew a lengthy journey awaited us. The hike was pleasant, but feeling a bit weak, I eventually decided to call it quits. A sign indicated that the lookout was still one more hour away, and we had already been walking for an hour and ten minutes. I wasn’t too concerned about missing the lookout; we had already enjoyed some beautiful views along the way. Waterfalls, moss-covered rocks, elusive colorful birds (unfortunately, I couldn’t capture them in photos), and distant stunning mountains marked our journey.
Te Anau Stop for Essentials and a Hitchhiker’s Journey
As we approached the highway exit, I made a spontaneous decision to pick up a hitchhiker. Heading to Te Anau, Eric from the United States joined us. During the journey, we engaged in pleasant conversations, sharing travel tips. Eric, a seasoned traveler funding his adventures through stock exchanges, has been on the road for three years. Upon reaching Te Anau two hours later, Eric departed. Yvette and I then visited a small store with facilities and WiFi, where I indulged in some soothing ice cream for my sore throat.
Following that, we stopped by the gas station to refuel for the last time. Yvette secured a booking at the same hostel in Queenstown, ensuring our accommodation for the night.
Around 4 pm, we departed Te Anau, and the road to Queenstown still stretched ahead. Exhaustion overwhelmed me; I was utterly fatigued.
Exhaustion Sets in on the Road
We traversed diverse landscapes, each captivating in its own right. However, my exhaustion overshadowed the beauty; all I longed for was a comfortable bed to unwind. Stuck behind a tour bus with no chance to overtake due to another car ahead, my frustration grew. Finally, when the road cleared, it took 30 minutes until I could make my move. Another car approached in the opposite lane, but I managed to accelerate in time, thanks to Sasha’s ‘sport mode’ button—a rare feature that significantly boosts the car’s acceleration.
The final stretch of twenty kilometers to Queenstown was breathtaking, tracing the shores of the expansive Lake Wakatipu. I made two stops, allowing us to capture picturesque moments. Yesterday, this scenic part remained hidden in the darkness at 6 am.
Parking, Dorm Assignment, and Laundry
By 7 pm, we returned to Queenstown. I instructed Yvette to head to the hostel while I scouted for a parking spot, opting for the same car park as before.
I gathered essentials, including food, dirty laundry, clothes, laptop, and toiletries. As I approached the hostel, Yvette was already waiting with two keys. Due to the high occupancy, I was assigned to a different dorm for the night.
I headed to my room, dropped off my belongings, and promptly decided to do laundry before the facility closed at 10 pm. Realizing I needed washing powder, I made a quick trip back to my car. I hurried back, snatched two pieces of washing powder, and, after 10 minutes, my laundry cycle began. Craving food, I initially headed to the bustling Fergburger shop but opted out due to the long wait. Instead, I explored the city, stumbled upon a Subway, and ordered a chicken teriyaki sub. With the store nearly empty, I decided to enjoy my meal there.
Midnight Musings and a Restful Conclusion
In the evening, I worked on reports and updated the website, sharing some pictures on Facebook. My room had three lively Asian girls—one from Thailand and two from South Korea. They were impressed by my ability to guess their origin, especially with South Korean girls, a skill acquired from meeting South Korean people in Australia. When I expressed my affection in South Korean, they burst into laughter. Interestingly, I didn’t guess the origin of the Thai girl.
That evening, they were quite loud, but it didn’t bother me much. I jokingly remarked, “So, this is what a girl’s dorm is like?” Around midnight, those girls went to bed as they had an early morning trip to Milford Sound. I mentioned to them that Google forecasted rain for tomorrow. I continued typing and watched some How I Met Your Mother on my laptop. Around 2 am, I decided to sleep.
