Travel Review: Luxury Tour of Australia & New Zealand's South Island, Sydney, Melbourne, Doubtful Sound Kayaking, Fox Glacier

South Island of NZ is a dream.  Hard to even narrow down the highlights, as there were so many, but hiking to the Fox Glacier in pouring rain might be the greatest.  As our guide said, "There is no bad weather - only bad equipment."  He took us to an outfitter for heavy-duty rain gear, and we set off with 3 guides and spotters.  We hiked to the furthest viewing point of the glacier and felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment in doing something we never knew we had in us.  Inspiring!  And standing between towering waterfalls, a raging river with chunks of glacial ice bobbing downriver, and the glacier in front of us left an indelible impression. And luckily, the evening before, the weather was clear and sunny, and we observed the glacier, Mt. Cook, and the 2 other highest NZ peaks as the sun set from a glorious pasture with grazing sheep and cows.  

Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef was another thrill!  And kayaking for the first time ever in Doubtful Sound!  Sydney Harbor!  So many special moments...