Wednesday 28th November

We left Queenstown today and started the drive to Milford Sounds. We were told it was five hours drive. The plan was to stop in Te Anu in order to go to the glow worms. We made it to Te Anu in time to catch the 2.00 trip to the glow worm caves. It was quite warm in Te Anu. The first part of the trip was a 30 minute cruise. The lake looked really calm so i wasnt concerned. It actually was a really smooth trip and i enjoyed it. Once we got to the location we were split into groups. We were in group number 3 . While we waited to go into the cave not only did we see a video on the glow worm but we were also attached by sand flys. Really annoying. After a few minutes our turn came. We had two guides in our group - one was experienced and the other was training. In order to get into the cave we had to bend down really low - this went on for a few feet - not very pleasant. I had forgotten what it was like to be in a cave - its very dark and i get a tiny sense of clausaphobia. If anyone had this fear i would recommend that they never go into a cave. Anyhoo i controlled my tiny fear and proceeded onwards. We werent allowed to take pictures which was a bit disappointing as some of the views were amazing. The cave was quite small with lots and lots of fast running water. There were some mini waterfalls which were good. I really admire the man who found this cave. After walking on see through steel walkways we came to the place where the boat was. It was a little rowing boat - we all jumped in and off we went to see the glow worms. The lights were completely turned off so that we could see them to the full effect. They were really amazing - lots of tiny green pin head dots every where. Every one was really quiet so it was like being by yourself in the dark. It was awesome. Once the boat trip was over we headed back to the cabin to wait for everyone else before we got back the the boat to the mainland. We arrived back about 4.00. We went for something to eat ( didnt really like it) and we started off towards Milford Sounds.

I had expected Milford Sounds to be like every other place we had visited so far - small town with lots of places to stay - well we were in for a surprise!!!!. Milford Sounds is basically a port for crusie ships with two places to stay and one place to eat - it does not even make village status. We went to the first place to look for accommadation - they were full up except for an emerency room - he asked us to check the other place and if no joy to come back. So off we trotted in our little car to the other place - full up. We went back to the first place again and we given the emerency room - it was fine except it didnt have a tv. We wandered off to the cafe for dinner. It is the first time that i got a glass of wine filled to the top - and it made me tipsy. The food was nice and we went back to our room and went to sleep.