Lord of the rings...

A few years ago my lady and I went for a holiday to the South Island of New Zealand. Arriving in Christchurch we hired a car and travelled south admiring the changing landscapes. Queenstown and the magnificent surrounding countryside was outstanding. Quite simply we fell in love with the place. The area was used for the filming of the "Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking.

When we travelled, winter was just beginning and the mountain caps of "The Remarkables" (above) were covered in snow. The weather was cool as we drove down to Milford Sound through the "Homer Tunnel" a 1.2 kilometer tunnel through the mountain descending toward the Milford Sound. (below) My lady was terrified on the approach to the tunnel and I remember small cries of "No...No...No..." as we entered. The entrance was small and the way unlit. It was quite unexpected on the road we traveled and once upon it you were committed to enter. There was no turning back.

Construction of the tunnel commenced in 1935 as a Public Works scheme employing 5 men using picks, shovels and wheelbarrows. Although construction was fully mechanised in 1946 the tunnel wasn't completed till 1953. Following the amazing experience we travelled from the southernmost areas of the South Island up the east coast through to the city of Dunedin then finally back to Christchurch for the flight home.

I often think of the adventure and If I were ever to immigrate from Australia, the South Island of New Zealand would be my choice...