South Island

Hello! We crossed over to New Zealand's south island. For the past week we have been traveling down the beautiful west coast. The south island is more rugged and less populated then the north. There are so many lakes and rivers. We have visited several national parks, doing some cool hikes.
In Abel Tasman National Park in the northwest, we walked through amazing forest (the location for Chetwood Forest in The Lord of the Rings) to Harwood's Hole- the biggest cave in the southern hemisphere. We also went to Te Waikoropupu Springs, or "Pupu" for short. They are the largest freshwater springs in N.Z. and supposedly the clearest in the world. Although all the water in N.Z. is sparkling and clear- but especially here!
We then drove to Farewell Spit way up in the north. It's pretty bleak, rough country with lots of birds. We had fun playing in the sand dunes.
Heading south, we have camped by some beautiful lakes and rivers (apparently with no fish!). There are so many nature trails and cool sites to see here. Yesterday, we walked to two different glaciers, both were spectacular. The only thing we really don't like about the south island are the horrible biting sand flies. We are hoping they are only on the west coast!
Today, we moved inland to the popular action packed town of Queenstown. This is where I have been before in 2001, and where I did my first and second bungee jumps! There are so many adrenalin seeking activities here. Doug and I went on a jetboat ride on the Shotover River. It's a fast 25 minute water propelled ride where the driver constantly does 360's and drives close to the rocks. It was very fun.
For tomorrow, we booked a day tour to Milford Sound down south. It is supposed to be some of the prettiest scenery in New Zealand.
Hope everyone is well!