What a marvel! Outright shining precious gem of great holiday resort atmosphere and beauty. This town is gateway to Milford Sound which could be with its natural beauty, one of best examples of the amazing charm and attraction of visiting Southern Alps of New Zealand . The Milford Sound being actually a FJORD , as it would be called in Norway or in other places . Milford Sound is truly resounding in amazement in one mind, while cruising the crystal clear, cold waters. Dynamic rapids , huge water falls , snow covered peaks , seals playing in the water and all other mind boggling reflections one stores in one’s memories, are just truly extraordinary means to keep one happy and joyous with life . Nature here presents to the humanity how powerful she is and simultaneously beautiful . Here in New Zealand one witnesses gentleness of green fields and pastures and fury of strong southerly winds , colours of the waters in its turquoise and pure blue, while heavy clouds coming over the west coast from Pacific with its cobalt , lead and grey, present one with mesmerizing emotions.
The South Island with it’s steep peaks of mountain ranges, crowned by glaciers , valleys with briskly flowing icy waters and the rich Maori culture, with it’s stories and legends related to the New Zealand geological past. Also, being part of the Maori traditional charm and understanding of Gondwanaland, enriches visitors experiences in this beautiful region of the world.
As the traditional story says the MAUI the demi- God took his brothers from HAWAIIKI to the south waters of the South sea for fishing . They were, as story says, magic took them all the way to Te Ika a Maui (the fish of Maui), which is known today as North Island of New Zealand. The South Island known in mythology as Te Waka a Maui (the waka of Maui) . There are many stories which incorporate geological concept of modern understanding how these volcanic Island came about . So Ranginui (the sky) of its blue beauty on sunny day the Papatūānuku (the earth) with its beauty so divinely represented in South Island are all in the Maori mythology . History of geological past indicates that volcanic activity, earthquakes and geothermal areas, related to the position on the boundary of the Australian Plate and Pacific Plates gave birth to these magic islands.
For travellers who visit New Zealand’s South Island there are places like Te Anau, where one can start a relaxing trip to Milford Sound , Wanaka the gateway to Mt. Aspire, with fun like Helicopter flights, including glacier landing and Twizel, starting point for Mt. Cook adventure. Here the famous New Zealand salmon can be fished or simply purchased for next dinner with very special New Zealand wines . Cromwell being just short drive from Queenstown is also attractive place to visit, as the drive allows to visit the place of the adventures people, indulging in Bungy jumping . New Zealand has many truly wild concepts of fun awaiting visitors. Speed boating on the wild rivers , bungy jumping , paragliding , tandem parachuting, trumping, biking or just to enjoy culinary speciality of green-lipped mussel, which as it is said have very positive effects on health . Of course walking is also one of the magnetic attractions for many . With beauty of countryside and getting lungs filled with pure air , drinking cool, like spring waters, short day tracking or as some do, few days walks across the Southern Alps is very special experience . For these who can not allow themselves walking to the heights of the mountains there are helicopter rides to the glaciers . This experience provides joy of seeing , nearly touching these magic mountains, or just have fun with the thrill of helicopter flight .
New Zealand beside its natural attractions , sport , adventure has also human aspect to its beauty . Domiciled by Maori people and people of South Pacific Island, it is also home to many people of European cultures and nations. This is a country where everyone welcomes visitors as the citizens of this country have shown to the world and its dedication to participate in world affairs . When during beginning of last century Europe was ravaged by atrocities of WWI , New Zealanders together with Australians joined the arms in ” ANZAC ” military corps and also in WWII ” ANZAC” forces were also fighting to defend democracy and freedom . New Zealand after WWII became home to many ” DP”- Displaced People and even children of Poland who were escaping horror of war and destruction brought upon the world.
In the turbulence of humanity in today’s modern world, places like New Zealand provide balance and calm into minds of visitors.
GO to NEW ZEALAND , visit this amazing country .
February 2015
WMIG
Websites to consider before visit Southern Alps N.Zealand :
- http://www.newzealand.com.au/ – informative website about New Zealand
- http://www.singaporeair.com/SAA-flow.form – for fares on Singapore Airlines to New Zealand
Mitch Godziemba Swiat
mitchgodziemba