Sheep, Scenery, and Celebrations in Fiordland National Park

Another day, another stunning drive through New Zealand! Our journey today took us through the varied landscapes of Fiordland National Park, offering up an ever-changing tapestry of waterfalls, clear vistas, wide open plains, and mirror-like lakes. And, of course—SHEEP! Lots and lots of sheep.

The highlight of the day? A full-on sheep parade! As we cruised along, Neil pulled over just in time for us to witness a classic New Zealand moment—sheep minders stopping traffic as an entire flock moved from one pasture to another, right across the road. The woolly procession was mesmerizing, and it felt like something straight out of a travel documentary. Fun fact: there are five times more sheep than people in New Zealand, and today, it sure felt like it!

After a day packed with sightseeing and photography tips from Neil, we made our way to Fiordland Lodge, a rustic retreat built from beautiful local timbers. Before dinner, we stretched our legs with a nice walk around the property, taking in the serene landscape and getting our steps in.

A Cozy Evening with Fellow Travelers

Fiordland Lodge is an intimate boutique property, with only about 10 rooms, making for a warm and friendly atmosphere. During the evening cocktail hour, we connected with fellow travelers and swapped stories from our adventures. We especially enjoyed meeting Jen and Louise, an Australian couple celebrating their 3-year anniversary and finally taking the honeymoon they had postponed due to COVID.

Since it was still the 18th in the U.S., we took the opportunity to celebrate our anniversary again—because why not stretch out the celebrations when you’re on an epic adventure? The evening was filled with great food, lively conversation, and plenty of laughter, making for the perfect end to another unforgettable day in New Zealand.

More adventures to come—stay tuned! 😊