• About Trudy
  • Contact
True Wind Healing Travel
Live & Travel Well for a Healing Journey...
  • Home
  • Destinations
  • Healing Travel
  • Wellness
  • Resources
  • Shop
  • 0
Tag:

sceniccruising

    Fiordland New Zealand
    New Zealand Travel Destinations

    Cruising New Zealand’s Spectacular Fiordland

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    written by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

    Cruising New Zealand’s Fiordland through labyrinthine passages is a leisurely, breathtaking way to experience the magnificence of Mother Nature. I was told once that the 3 most beautiful fjords in the world are in New Zealand, Norway and Chile. I’ve been fortunate to experience all of them! So read on to learn about why New Zealand’s Fiordland is home to some of the most beautiful fiords in the world.

    How many people can say they cruised through New Zealand’s Fiordland more than 15 times? Well, I can as an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, working on cruise ships. Our scenic itineraries included cruising Down Under from Sydney, Australia, crossing the Tasman Sea and circumnavigating New Zealand’s eastern coastline. Lastly, the Grand Finale included cruising Fiordland National Park on the South Island’s southwestern corner. However, getting there was not always smooth sailing, as the Tasman Sea is considered one of the roughest seas in the world. Because it’s located on latitudes of the “Roaring 40’s,” the strong westerly winds roar across the sea. Nonetheless, crossing the Tasman Sea is always an adventure.

    Fiordland National Park Background

    169861_1823690755874_2536222_o

    Glaciers sculpted New Zealand’s Fiordland more than 550 million years ago, when it was a part of the ancient supercontinent, Gondwana. Overall, this supercontinent included Australia, Africa, India, Antarctica, Zealandia and South America. Contemplating this, gives me chills and puts into perspective the mystery and enchantment of this ancient part of the world.

    Aotearoa – “Land of the Long White Cloud”

    Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Site, is insular and pristine in its remote setting. Each cruise was unique, due to the variability in weather, creating diverse scenarios from which to experience this natural gem. The climate is very wet, receiving 6,300 mm of rainfall per year. The most common Maori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa, translated as “Land of the Long White Cloud.” Moreover, there are many opportunities to see the exquisite cloudscapes above and reflected below on the water throughout the fiords.

    172004_1823684875727_1896530_o

    The ecology is fascinating with temperate forests and diverse habitats, including many endemic plants due to its isolation on the southwest corner of New Zealand. Common trees are the silver beech in the fiords and red beech inland. Overall, this ecosystem consists of 14 fiords (misnamed as Sounds). The breathtaking views are embraced by the snow-capped Southern Alps, with steep valleys filled by the ocean waters.

    The granite peaks were carved out by glaciers over a period of 100,000 years. The Maori believed that a giant stonemason hoed out the steep sided valleys with an adze. Additionally, Fiordland National Park is renowned for its tramping (NZ word for hiking) paths. The Routeburn Trail winds through this park and has been rated by Lonely Planet as one of the World’s Top 10 Treks.

    135348_1803442289675_7008096_o

    Cruising New Zealand’s Fiordland

    Our mazy paths navigated us through Milford, Dusky and Doubtful Fiords. When the skies were clear, I had a very lucid experience. Then the details and nuances of the sculpted rock formations and waterways reveal themselves. Steep canyon walls guided us through a water labyrinth with awesome views. One moment you may be seeing bright blue skies and sparkling waters. Then suddenly you may hear and see a waterfall dramatically plummet from a high precipice.

    Related: New Zealand’s Dramatic White Island Cruise in Bay of Plenty

    171512_1823682515668_6324763_o

    Overall, the beauty from the granite heights of snow-capped mountains, intermixed with briny-alpine air is exhilarating to all the senses. There lingers a suspense as to what will be experienced around the bend in the secret chambers as you wind throughout the inlet. The element of surprise is everywhere, breaking through any shrouds of expectation. I learned quickly to just let go and let nature guide me, with no attachment or expectation.

    Cruising Milford Sound
    New Zealand’s Fiordland

    IMG_2004

    Milford Sound is the most famous in Fiordland and was described by the writer, Rudyard Kipling as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” There is a unique, lonely feeling, that I experienced at Milford Fiord on a sunny day: The winds of deep silence resonate throughout your bones, quieting the mind into a natural, meditative state. It uncannily felt as though I was riding the crest of a silent wave, with suspense of impending sound that could break the wave any moment. The intense serenity quiets the ego, into realms of wordless bliss, that are strangely lonely in a good way.

    The other 2 sounds are just as stunning. Doubtful Sound’s name is due to its more inaccessible location deep inside the granite walls. My most memorable cruise through Dusky Fiord, I experienced as the name implies. Its skies were dusky, even though it was early morning instead of dusk. Overall, there was a subtle twilight, diffused with damask skies’ violet and pink undertones. The moon was setting into the sea. As we cruised, the skies began to cloud up with soft, billowy shrouds that clearly reflected back from the calm sea.

    Maori’s called Fiordland
    “Ata Whenua” or Shadowlands

    IMG_0032
    Ata Whenua or Shadowlands
    IMG_0389

    The Maori called Fiordland “Ata Whenua” or Shadowlands. On a rainy day, this name comes into being with a mysterious darkness. Within an hour after rain, ubiquitous cataracts powerfully surge thousands of feet from granite precipices, spilling into the water. I found this power of nature so exhilarating, that I shed a few tears. From the cascades’ effervescent water splashing in the air, along with rain, I felt invigorated by fresh feelings, cleansing all negative thoughts and emotions.

    The tempestuous elements of wind, cold and rain stimulate alertness, engendering a Zen-like focus, fully present, among the invincible power of nature. Not much can top this. The power and ferocious beauty leaves everyone stunned in wide-eyed humility and jaw dropping silence.

    IMG_1674

    Overall, Cruising New Zealand’s Fiordland

    Finally, exiting the granite chambers into the Tasman Sea is one of the most unique moments of my life. One can only imagine the awe Captain Cook and his crew felt when they first set eyes on this rugged, lonely terrain. I truly began to eerily put in perspective the omnipotence of this part of the world, as we sailed away and humbly witnessed its remote majesty fading away into the sea…


    Next: Akaroa’s Stunning Attractions on Walking & Boating Tours

    54775_1803473090445_6413524_o
    Bye, Bye Fiordland into the Tasman Sea

    April 13, 2025 2 comments
    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
  • DenmarkGreenland

    Cruising Greenland’s Prince Christian Sound Highlights

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    The dramatic passage of Greenland’s Prince Christian Sound takes you on a journey through untouched waters. Humbly, I cruised through the pristine waters, fjords, glaciers & canyons of Prince Christian Sound. Being …

    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
  • uncategorized posts

    Antarctica Cruise in Paradise Bay of Northwest Peninsula, Seeing “The Lady in White”

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    The extraordinary Antarctica Cruise in Paradise Bay provides a glimpse into a sanctuary of this mysterious land. Hyperbole is the grand fashion for this “Lady in White.” After all, she is the …

    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Load More Posts

About

About

Hello, Hola, Namaste, Ni hao, Ciao and Bonjour! My name is Trudy and I have been traveling like everyday is my last, over the last 10 years. I've visited 105 countries and still counting! As an Acupuncturist and traveler, I love sharing my experiences and tips on travel and wellness. Feel free to join below my community for coupons and latest travel guides.

Join my Community

Join True Wind Healing Travel to receive the latest wellness & travel guides.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Pinterest

@truewindhealingtravel

truewindtravel

Travel & Wellness Writer, Acupuncturist-at-Sea
🌎 100+ Countries & Counting
📹 YT: TrueWindHealingTravel
Travel/Wellness Content:

As the “City of Music and “City of Dreams” V As the “City of Music and “City of Dreams” Vienna is in itself a masterpiece. Mozart, Beethoven and Freud resonate throughout this entire vibrant culture. The grand architecture, art and 600 coffee house take you back in time. I recently spent 5 glorious days here and love sharing tips. So, read on to discover 21 Vienna Austria top attractions. 

Check out my Vienna travel blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/vienna-austria-top-attractions/

#vienna #viennaaustria #austria #habsburg #classicalmusicians #mozart #beethoven #europetravels #europedestinations #travelbloggers #solotraveler #solofemaletravel #europeanhistory #architecturelovers #artmuseum #internationaltravel
Devin Castle Ruins is near Bratislava the capital Devin Castle Ruins is near Bratislava the capital city of Slovakia. Bordering Austria and Hungary, the Devin Castle Ruins stand on a crag, overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Morava Rivers. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovakia. 

For more info, check out my blog/video:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/bratislava-slovakia-top-attractions/

#slovakia #slovakianature #bratislava #danube #moravariver #devincastle #slovakiatravel #europetravels #travelblog #confluence #ruins #travelingram #archeology #solotravel
Fun Fact: The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur Fun Fact: The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur was the tallest building in the world until Taipei 101 was built in 2004!

#malaysia #petronas #petronastowers #southeastasia #kualalumpur #twintowers #malaysiatravel
Budapest is the crowning jewel of the Danube River Budapest is the crowning jewel of the Danube River. The city lights up the banks with historic treasures from its architecture, bridges and culture. Even more, Budapest is known as the “World’s Spa Capital,” offering 100 local thermal springs. The flow of the river takes you through time and the many layers of the Budapest Hungary top attractions.

During my 5-week tour in Central Europe and the Balkans, I experienced 5 days in Budapest. I visited all these 20 attractions in 5 days. All this time was needed to fully enjoy the sites. Budapest’s World Heritage Sites include the Buda Castle Quarter, Banks of Danube and Andrassy Avenue. I love sharing tips and recommendations. 

Pictures: Chain Bridge, Shoes on the Danube Monument, New York Cafe, Gellert Spa and Hotel, Central Market, Liberty Bridge, Matthias Fountain

Check out my blog on Budapest:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/budapest-hungary-top-attractions/

#budapest
The Langkawi archipelago is a pristine paradise wi The Langkawi archipelago is a pristine paradise with a biodiversity of beauty. Its mountains, rainforests, mangroves and beaches are a nice refuge for travelers. Even more the islands offer amenities with its restaurants, hotels, spas and tourist destinations. 

The duty-free island and archipelago, Langkawi, lies in the Strait of Malacca. Overall, it consists of about 104 islands about 30 km off the coast of Malaysia. Inhabits live on only 4 of the islands. The name Langkawi has many interpretations. One of the most popular being reddish-brown eagle as a symbol of the islands. Mountains and forest-covered hills cover almost two-thirds of the islands. 

Check out my blog/video:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/langkawi-malaysia-day-tour/

#langkawi #langkawiisland #langkawiisland🌴 #malaysia #malaysiatravel #southeastasia #southeastasiatravel #southeastasiacruise #cruise #beaches
Follow on Instagram

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Flickr
  • Youtube
Footer Logo

© 2025 True Wind Healing Travel / All Rights Reserved

True Wind Healing Travel
  • Home
  • Destinations
  • Healing Travel
  • Wellness
  • Resources
  • Shop

Shopping Cart

Close

No products in the cart.

Close