Mount Aspiring National Park — Attraction in South Island

I've been to Milford Sound on two separate occasions - once in May 2014 where it had snowed and I was part of a large 50+ day tour group departing Queenstown at 5am, and the second in September 2018 in sunshine and self-driven in a hire car in a group of 4 (also departing at 5am). Both experiences were breathtaking in their own way. 2014 was magical for the snow, an even layer blanketing everything on the drive there and back. However a timed bus experience is rushed and despite the snow, my 2018 trip was better - more relaxed, with plenty of stops along the way to see all the sights in Mt Aspiring National Park and the shining sun made for some amazing photos. The waterfalls at Milford Sound were full on both my trips and the cheeky carpark Kea's ever present, and are seriously a highlight of any Otago experience. I love them so much. But please...

Mount Aspiring National Park in the Southern Alps of the South Island of New Zealand, north of Fiordland National Park, and between Otago and south Westland,is unbelievably beautiful!. The park forms part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. There is water everywhere you look in the form of rivers, lakes, ponds, and many cascading waterfalls. The blue water is pure and clear. Everywhere you turn is another mountain and stunning scenery. There are many hiking trails to explore. Bring your camera because you won't be able to resist taking photos everywhere you turn. I definitely recommend Mount Aspiring National Park for a nice, long vacation. You will want to stay for a week or two so you can take the time to search and explore every inch...

The Rob Roy Glacier Track is really beautiful. You can see the glacier tip from far away when you walk 15 minutes from the carpark to the bridge above the river. To get a closer look at the glacier you'll have to hike up at least 3-4 hours return, so be very mindful of the time you go. Best is to ahead there in the morning, as there's a long stretch of gravel road to drive which slows your travel speed down significantly, along with many fords along the way. It's about 1 hour 30 mins drive from Wanaka. It's one of the best ways to see a glacier without having to spend much money on helicopter rides. It's not worth the drive there if you are not going to hike the full track, so...