Date: 3rd November 2024
Day 4: Milford Sound & Arrival in Queenstown
total distance covered = 403 km; total time taken = 5 hr 26 mins
The day we’d been waiting for—Milford Sound. Our cruise was set for 9:45 a.m., so we planned to leave by 6:30 to give ourselves time to find free parking and walk to the terminal. The alarm rang at 5 a.m. and outside, it was a biting -1°C. Thank goodness for our Decathlon haul—those thermal pants and jackets turned out to be lifesavers.
While I got ready and layered up, Harshit braved a quick hot shower. We both stepped out into the freezing morning, camera in hand, and caught the sunlight just beginning to stretch across the sky. The car windshield was dusted with snow, so we pulled up a video tutorial and carefully cleared it off before heading out around 6:45.
Despite the cold, the moment we slid into the car, a calm warmth settled over us. The outside world was glowing—snow melting into sunlight, mountains and lakes unfurling in slow-motion beauty. Milford Sound is often called the eighth wonder of the world, and honestly, the road leading there felt no less enchanted. Every curve brought a new backdrop—snow-capped peaks, shimmering water, lush green valleys. It was like driving through a living painting.
We managed to find a free parking spot, and thankfully, the walk to the cruise terminal wasn’t far. We resisted every urge to pull over for photos—we’d made a pact to save those for the drive back. For now, all focus was on making it to the cruise on time.
And wow, it delivered. Milford Sound was every bit the marvel it’s hyped up to be. Towering cliffs, graceful waterfalls, penguins skimming past, dolphins dancing in the water. The fiords were otherworldly, more majestic in person than any photo or description could ever do justice. Standing on the deck with a hot coffee in hand, wrapped in layers, surrounded by that raw, silent beauty—it was one of those rare moments that makes you feel small in the best way possible.
After the cruise, we wandered around, soaking in every corner of Milford Sound and clicking what must have been a thousand pictures. No matter how many we took, though, they all felt like pale imitations of the real thing. That landscape lingers with you, even after you step off the boat.
Lunch was at the only restaurant around, and for vegetarians, there was just one option on the menu. But honestly, with a view like that, the meal didn’t need to impress—nature had already stolen the show.
We began our drive back toward Te Anau with a little less energy than we had in the morning, but with cameras still clicking. Every turn seemed to offer another chance to remember this road forever. Somewhere between frames, we remembered we’d left our cold drink and food back at the Te Anau hostel. It was on the way anyway, so we made a quick stop to check—but no luck finding them. No big deal; we had new memories to gather.
By evening, we rolled into Queenstown—a town that buzzes with energy yet feels wrapped in magic. Finding free parking was a bit of a puzzle, but we cracked it with some extra walking. That night, we cooked dinner at the hostel and then wandered into town to explore. We were staying close to Patagonia Ice Cream and the famous Fergburger, which felt like living next to temptation itself.
At Patagonia, I asked the receptionist for a flavor recommendation. The moment I mentioned Venice, her eyes lit up—she’d been there too and agreed: best gelatos. And just like that, food became our common language. We picked two Patagonia scoops, and oh my gosh—what a treat. Even months later, I can still taste them. So many choices, so many flavors calling your name. For the first time ever, the cold got to me before the ice cream did. I tucked the rest into the fridge to savor later.
By the time we strolled back to the hostel, light drizzle had begun to fall—gentle, soothing. After such a full day, we wrapped ourselves in that quiet calm and called it a night.
Must-Visit Places in Queenstown
- Lake Wakatipu – A stunning lake with breathtaking views.
- Skyline Queenstown – Ride the gondola for panoramic scenery.
- Coronet Peak Ski Area – A winter wonderland for skiing.
- Queenstown Gardens – A peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
- Moke Lake – A hidden gem for nature lovers.
Date: 4th November 2024
Day 5: Glenorchy & Exploring Queenstown
total distance covered = 100 km; total time taken = 1 hr 30 mins
We began the day with plans to visit Glenorchy and later soak in the charms of Queenstown. But, as always, the weather had a say in things. After a cozy breakfast at the hostel, we set off. Queenstown’s beauty made it impossible to drive straight through—every twist in the road offered another photo-worthy view, and we happily gave in to each one.
By the time we reached Glenorchy, the rain had caught up with us. We ducked into a café for a comforting coffee-and-cupcake break, watching the drizzle fall over the sleepy village. We visited the iconic Glenorchy Hut, once a harbor spot and now a postcard-perfect red landmark that added a splash of charm to the grey skies. Honestly, every corner of New Zealand feels like a contender for “favorite place”—picking one is a losing game in the best way.
We drove back to Queenstown and spent the rest of the day meandering through its streets. We treated ourselves to the iconic Ferg Burger and Ferg Gelato (a combo I now fully endorse), picked up souvenirs for family, and learned a little more about what makes NZ tick—wool, honey, jade jewelry, and the kinds of local cookies that vanish far too quickly.
With the weather slowing things down, it turned into a gentle day. We wrapped it up by repacking our bags for the next leg of the trip, hearts full and ready for what tomorrow might bring.
Must-Visit Places in Glenorchy
- Routeburn Track – A breathtaking hiking trail.
- Glenorchy Animal Experience – A fun farm visit.
- Lake Face Creek Falls – A scenic waterfall.
- Greenstone and Caples Tracks – Stunning nature walks.
Date: 5th November 2024
Day 6: Arrowtown & Wanaka
total distance covered = 100 km; total time taken = 1 hr 14 mins
Finally, some sunshine in Queenstown—just in time for our farewell. But before parting ways with the city, we treated ourselves to a classic Ferg Burger for breakfast. With full stomachs and warm jackets, we headed toward Arrowtown—a quaint little town steeped in history, once home to gold miners and early Chinese settlers. Its quiet charm pulled us in, and we strolled through the streets before grabbing a pizza lunch and soaking in its small-town magic.
Our road trip continued toward Wanaka, and true to New Zealand’s style, the journey itself was an attraction. We couldn’t resist stopping at multiple lookout points to drink in the scenery. Along the way, we visited one of New Zealand’s quirkiest roadside attractions — Bradrona, also known as the Cardrona Bra Fence. Nestled in the Cardrona Valley near Wānaka. Bradrona is a quirky bra-covered fence in New Zealand’s Cardrona Valley, started by a few mysterious additions in the late ’90s. It’s since become a bold symbol of breast cancer awareness and Kiwi humor, with donations supporting a good cause. Clicked a few fun shots before moving on.
By the time we reached our resort in Wanaka, the day had caught up with us. Harshit, who’d been driving long hours for several days, was especially worn out. The moment we got to the room, we both collapsed—he drifted into a long nap while I caught up on some TV and quietly planned for the days ahead.
Later, we got ready to visit the famous #ThatWanakaTree. We clicked some photos, though I did feel it was a bit overhyped. Still, the lake walk around Wanaka was lovely. I had worn a bright red dress, which left me feeling a bit overdressed and chilled in the breezy lakeside air. But gelato has a way of fixing everything—so we stopped for a scoop before heading back to the resort.
Back in cozy clothes, we cooked dinner inside and ate together, followed by a nighttime walk. A burst of unexpected fireworks lit up the sky—a perfect ending to a gentle day. Then it was back to the room, where sleep came easy.
Must-Visit Places in Arrowtown
- Arrowtown Chinese Settlement – A glimpse into history.
- Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge – A scenic spot.
- Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery – A cultural gem.
Must-Visit Places in Wanaka
- National Transport & Toy Museum – A nostalgic collection.
- Treble Cone – A top ski destination.
- Wildwire Wanaka – A thrilling waterfall climb.
- Puzzling World – A quirky attraction.
- Wanaka Lavender Farm – A fragrant escape.
From Office Blues to Worldly Views 