New Zealand

In the southwest corner of New Zealand’s southern island is an area that is geologically unique, the elements of which combine to create a trail that some have described as the most beautiful walk in the world.  The glacially carved Southern Alps, as the mountain range is so named, rise dramatically from the Pacific ocean.  Relatively young in geological terms, absent are the foothills that characterize much of the Rocky Mountains in the U.S. and other older mountain chains.  The result are walls of majestic mountains that rise vertically from the valley floors.

The Milford Sound

In addition, warm waters from ocean currents bring moist air that empty their clouds upon contact with the cold mountain air.  Receiving over 250 inches of rain per year, Fjordland is one of the rainiest places on the globe, producing a rare temperate climate rain forest primarily of southern evergreen Beech trees.  With this much rain emptying from the skies, waterfalls pour from the steep mountain sides like streams of silver strings.

An amazingly lush trail

So popular is the Milford Track that the New Zealand government must limit the number of trekkers.  Only 40 independent hikers per day are allowed, and even then they can hike only in one direction and must stay each night in designated shelters.  ‘Tickets’ for the hike went on sale last May 8 and were sold out within minutes for the entire hiking season.  But I was able to get two for Hannah and I.

Beautiful waterfalls

Being in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand’s summer is America’s winter.  On Feb. 2 Hannah and I boarded a small speed boat that carried us across New Zealand’s largest lake.  After 2 hours, we were dropped off at the beginning of the Milford Track.  For the next 3 days, Hannah and I walked through the most beautiful landscapes we had ever seen.  The trails were lined with giant ferns and flowering plants.  Tree trunks were covered with soft green moss.  And every where we went, snow-capped mountains towered on either side of us, with dozens of waterfalls always in view.

Hannah at the mountain pass

Sara joined us at the end of the Track where we enjoyed a boat ride through Milford Sound, described as the eight natural wonder of the world.  This is the only place in the southern hemisphere where fjords can be seen – glacially carved valleys that dip into the ocean, like those seen along the coast of Norway.  Once again, hundreds of waterfalls poured from mountain heights emptying into clear ocean waters.  The beauty was breathtaking.

During the rest of our vacation in New Zealand, we toured many of the Lord of the Rings movie sights, including Mt. Edoras, Mt. Doom, and Hobbiton – the Shire.  We also saw geothermal features, a red-wood forest, and the beautiful New Zealand countryside.  Overall we were overwhelmed with the beauty of God’s creation and blessed to experience it.  But I suspect that what we saw represents only a tiny glimpse of the beauty and glories that await us in God’s eternal kingdom.  Now that is something to eagerly look forward to.