​I wake up before the engine starts again after a night’s good sleep. A sumptuous breakfast is served. Then a journey which takes me through tremendous excitement begins.
 
Last night’s heavy rain provides water for torrential water falls. The sight and sound of the falls attract those on board to take masses of photos. At each of these magnificent falls I voice out loud exclamations: oooh, wow, look at that… Then the skipper brings us to a fall which rushes down an overhanging cave. We are told that the ship’s supply of water is collected from here and because the water is antioxidant it is good for health. Several crew members begin to collect the water with buckets. Glasses are brought out for anyone who wants to taste a bit of this water. The fun is collecting the water. Everyone gets wet right through but no one minds.
 
The ship moves on. Fascinating views of the mountains overlapping behind mists create fantasyland. At some point the engine stops and we are suggested to keep real quiet and listen to birds sing, animal voices – whether it be imaginative or real, leaving it to our own discern.
 
We are introduced to particular kinds of plants and moss and their habitats. The cruise finishes around lunch time and we take the same route back to Queenstown.

​If you ask me what I consider the best part of the trip down south, I will say, “the overnight cruise of Doubtful Sound” without hesitation. It not only comprises of indescribable scenery, fun and knowledge but also delicious meals.
 
From Queenstown we board a luxurious coach which takes us to Lake Manapouri pier for a connection boat trip, at the end of which go on the journey via a different coach before we reach the cruise ship. It is a sunny and warm day. Not long after we are all settled on the ship hot soup is served.Then the ship sets sail.
 
We can see seals on the coastal rocks. We are shown special species of plantations as well as moss on sides of the hills. Then there are activities like canoeing. I go on a boat ride to get close to the plantations. It has been raining after the ship sets sail and it gets quite heavy sometimes. The girl who takes us for this boat ride provides us with interesting information on the plants, such as one that has evolved over the years just to escape from Moas which, before distinction, fed on them, into some beyond recognition.  As the rain gets heavier, with raindrops hitting on the ocean right beside us, it has become so romantic. But we have to go back to the ship just when I’m immersed in this wonderful atmosphere.
 
Shortly after we are back to the ship, buffet dinner is served. The food is not only delicious but with lots of variety. The desserts are incredibly mouthwatering and again of a great assortment.
 
After dinner, some crew members run a session on the environment we are in – with different kinds of birds to different kinds of plants – which serves a knowledgeable lesson for us.
 
I retire to bed all exhausted after such an exciting and enjoyable day.
 

A short drive from the township of Queenstown takes us to another great scenic spot – the Glenorchy. We stop at lookouts and have breath taking views of the coast line. The blue, blue sea, gentle wind, sunny sky, paints a beautiful picture and paints a wonderful mood of mine. We stop by a place where I’m told has the best beef burger but we don’t come for the burger, we come to see the artwork – very interesting artwork. There are quite a few ionized ones and a big piece of tree trunk without the top. They all lie outside on the grass, free for any visitors to see and take photos, which I take advantage of.
 
​The visit to Queenstown is just the beginning of our trip to the South Island and already I love it. It gives me a different viewing perspective – not like those of the North Island, a total new experience!

​This is my first trip to Queenstown, brought on by my daughter’s wedding. Relatives from Hong Kong, Canada came to the wedding. After the event my husband’s side of the family and us took a trip to South Island – the first stop: Queenstown.
 
On arrival the waterfront is so picturesque; I am taken in at once. The mountain ridges show themselves like outstretched fingers dipped into the ocean. The water in its clear turquoise colour looks refreshing. I thought North Island is beautiful but Queenstown, stunning.
 
A stroll along the water’s edge I see a lot of tourists. There are roadside musicians playing guitars. A group of Asian lady tourists are dancing to a young musician’s guitar music and his singing while his companion, a young lady, join in the dancing.
 
We go up in the gondola and have a most shockingly beautiful view of Queenstown from above. I can see the two headlands (one a golf course), all covered in green – tall fir trees, patches of grass and surrounded by blue water. It has a visual effect of vastness, spaciousness. There are some settlements outside these two headlands and yet they do not enforce a busy environment but rather a decoration.