New Zealand - Queenstown
About This Journey
Discovering the magic of New Zealand's South Island
📅 Daily Journal Entries
Milford Sound - Eighth Wonder of the World
4:30 AM start for Milford Sound. The drive through Fiordland National Park was spectacular - pristine forests, mirror lakes, and mountains touching the sky.
Entered through Homer Tunnel - 1.2km carved through solid rock. Emerging felt like entering Narnia - a different world of fjords and waterfalls.
Boat cruise was otherworldly. 1000-meter waterfalls from sheer cliffs, seals on rocks, Mitre Peak rising 1692m from water. Rudyard Kipling called it the eighth wonder - he wasnt exaggerating.
Stood under Stirling Falls as boat positioned beneath the 155m waterfall. Getting drenched by glacial water while surrounded by ancient fjords was exhilarating and humbling.
The silence in Milford Sound is profound - broken only by waterfalls and bird calls. In complete quiet, you can hear the earth breathing. This is untouched wilderness.
Skydiving Over Paradise - The Ultimate Rush
Today was skydiving day! 15,000 feet above Queenstown with panoramic views of lakes, mountains, and valleys. The plane ride up was nerve-wracking, but the views calmed my anxiety.
The moment of jumping was pure terror and exhilaration combined. 60 seconds of freefall at 200km/h with the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and Queenstown spread below like a living map.
When the parachute opened, the world became peaceful. Floating silently above this incredible landscape, I understood why people become addicted to skydiving. Its not about adrenaline - its about perspective.
Landing in a field surrounded by mountains, legs shaking from adrenaline and awe. The tandem instructor said Welcome to the addiction, mate. I think hes right.
Celebrated with a beer at a local pub, sharing stories with adventurers from 12 different countries, all drawn to Queenstown to push boundaries in the most beautiful place on earth.
Shared By
Kaan Topal
Travel Enthusiast