photos by Roger Bourke White Jr., copyright 1996
Scenes around Fiordland -- western side of the South Island |
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This is called Fiordland because the geology is much like that of Norway's in Europe. Lots of glacier shaping. |
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Lots of people enjoying the convoluted coastline. |
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I'm enjoying a mountain pass. |
A hydroelectric plant in Fiordland |
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A power generating plant, like that at Hoover Dam in Arizona. |
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Getting in is an interesting mix of travel. Part way by bus... |
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...And part way by tour boat. |
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One of the distinctive elements of Fiordland geology is these places where the lush trees loose their grip on the hard rock beneath them. When they do they come tumbling down, and take lots of downhill neighbors with them. I saw this in many places up and down the fiords. |
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This is an air museum. I don't remember where.
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Medals for honored fliers.
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And somewhat related, scenes from an airport. Once again, I don't remember where this one is.
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But it had some neat architecture.
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And sheep... lots and lots of sheep.
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Uphill from the fiords are some remaining glaciers of the sort that carved them. These are still vigorous and active today.
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This one has a neat looking tunnel in it with a stream running out.
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It is big enough for a bus to go into. It looked real interesting to explore... until the roof came crashing down.
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Some hikers enjoying the view and giving some perspective to its size.
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Like Utah, South Island's ecosystems are diverse and close-packed. This tranquil waterfall is about 30 miles from Fiordland.
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