This week we continue with our South Island trip which, while published weekly has seen quite a hiatus from my side. Today we’re on the Milford Road. Recent posts were written some time ago as I had to build up a stock to accommodate my study and exams which were taking most of my free time. Yesterday the final exam was done so today I am back to writing and publishing on the day which is great as I can relive the adventure rather than have a scheduled post publish automatically. My photography has really suffered with inadequate time this year but I have been lucky to have a few trips with some decent opportunities so have  a huge backlog of images to edit and process and am really looking forward to that. 

While the main purpose of our trip along the Milford Road had been to search out Rifleman and Rock Wren it is impossible to ignore the stunning natural beauty of the area. To access alpine and bush scenery like this would usually need to be earned with days of hiking or paid for with an expensive helicopter trip. We made a point of stopping a few times to enjoy the view the Milford Road offers despite the freezing weather conditions.

Being a (once obsessive) trout fisherman, the rivers always draw me and there is nothing quite like a clear mountain river running through Beech forest. The Hollyford River runs alongside the Milford road leading toward the Homer Tunnel and is spectacular. In the past I would have been looking for fish but now look for compositions of rock, water and forest. I find being by water deeply soothing and relaxing and these alpine rivers are among the best places to be. There is even the chance of a Blue Duck!

Photos with Nikon D810 and Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5 lens.