Picutres of Places in New Zealand This is a very modest gallery focusing mainly on Milford Sound (because fjords are cool) and Dunedin (because I lived there several months), but also include photos that were unique, amusing, or representative of one of the world's most picturesque countries. SOUTHERN ALPS A common sight in New Zealand - snow-capped peaks rising above a herd of white sheep grazing below. QUEENSTOWN My favorite place to visit in New Zealand, the small, mountain town of Queenstown has everything an adventure-seeker wants. Jet-boating, skiing, bungy jumping, skydiving, and four-wheeling are just some of the activities this place has to offer. This photo, taken from the lookout point at the top of the gondola, overlooks the great shopping, restaurants, and a cute mini-golf course below. MILFORD SOUND This picture was taken on a sunny summer day, which is uncommon on the west coast of South Island. MITRE PEAK This is the photo everyone takes in Milford Sound; even my camera took a postcard-quality picture. MILFORD SOUND A picture of one of the biggest waterfalls along the deep water. MILFORD SOUND This waterfall is the same as above, but taken on a rainy, wintry day. This is a sign taken from a highway in Southland showing the distance to the two nearby cities of Clinton and Gore. (The 'Presidential Highway' bit was no doubt added much later) DUNEDIN This was taken from a park in the college town of Dunedin on the South Island. The coastal city with it's green, rolling hills and Gothic Cathedrals is one of my favorite places in New Zealand. MOERAKI BOULDERS An hour or so north of Dunedin on Highway 1 lies a beach with some very unique boulders. I've never seen anything like the people-sized spheres lying on this particular beach. TUNNEL BEACH Just south of Dunedin is another beach with unique formations. The short, steep hike is worth it for the beautiful naturally-carved rock cliffs. UPPER HUTT My search for Lord of the Rings filming locations did not yield as much as I had hoped. Clearly, the set (now taken down) and computer effects is what made Rivendell so impressive. Although the huge camping and wilderness area north of Wellington is very pretty, the lack of a flowing waterfall and nothing more than a plaque to show that the Middle-Earth gang was here was hardly worth the trip. (My search for Hobbiton in 'Matamata' was even less successful since you cannot yet access Bag End on public roads) ZORBING in ROTORUA The real attraction in Rotorua is the Maori. The descendants of the indigenous Maori tribal culture are enthusiastic about sharing their history and, after decades, know how to give a tourist a fascinating glimpse into their life. However, there are a number of other touristy activites. Among learning all about sheep, taking a trip to a Maori Village and, of course, bungy jumping, there is a New Zealand-made 'sport' called Zorbing. Get into a big plastic ball, throw some water in, and roll down a hill! Lots of fun!