South Island Adventures Day 2: Doubtful Sound

We decided for the Doubtful Sound tour over Milford Sound because it meant 4 hours less in the car. So we got out bright and early to cross Lake Manapouri with the Fiordland Flyer, get out at the Power Station, take an entertaining shuttle bus ride across the Alps and jump into another boat to cruise Doubtful Sound all the way to the Tasman Sea.

There was only a slight drizzle on the Lake ferry, but once we got into the bus and across the mountain it was properly raining. I guess they built that Hydropower station there for a reason - apparently, they get an average of 8 metres of rain annually. Unfortunatley, that meant that all the viewpoints along the pass were just grey soup. On the other hand, we got to see many exciting waterfalls and, as the driver pointed out, the ride along the steep and narrow road was much more relaxing because we couldn't see to the bottom of the cliffs.

The weather didn't improve much on the Sound and it was all a bit mystical. Occasionally, the rain would almost go away and it was bearable to wander out on the bow of the boat and take a few snaps.

Sometimes, the lovely nature guide was the only one out there - she was doing a good job :)

We looked around at the penguin colony but no penguins were to be seen. Instead, more waterfalls.

 And here's the obligatory panorama shot that almost worked.

When we got back to Manapouri (on the other side of the mountains) all rain was gone and we were certain that it was still raining in the Sound!