| Coming from Gorge we went to Te Anau our base for the next two days to explore the far south-west of NZ. We arrive at noon but it took us three hours to check-in, have lunch and explore good opportunities for the rest of the day. |  The whole area known as the Fjordland is part of the World Heritage (declared 1996) and a national park as well. It covers all the famous sounds, mountains and huge forests - all mostly uninhabitated. |
 Te Anau is the start point for the famous Kepler Track, one of the Great Walks. You can have a try and choose a day walk as long as you don't need to stay at huts. So we did! The entry point is a long swing bridge ... |
 ... over a calm but wide stream. |
 Further on the way is doted with bridges here and there. |
 We enjoyed our trip through dense native forest in the glow of the afternoon sun ... |
 ... with farn growing on the ground. |
 First stop was the viewing platform on the swampland, which was drier than usual in consequence of the current draught. |
 Second stop and point of return was the XXX hut, some 1.5 hours from the start point. |
 On the tour back there is a little detour of 40 minutes return which brings you to lake YYY ... |
 ... and the small YYY hut ashore. |
 The way back was under much less light conditions in result of the advanced hour ... |
 ... but it provided interesting views of the sky. |
 On the way back to Te Anau we passed a deer farm. You'll find them all around on the south island, but not so commonly in the north. |
 Lake ZZZ with it's part of the hydroelectric projekt in the foreground and the mountains in the background ... |
 ... gave us a beautiful finish of the day. |