Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo

After slightly rushing to get away by our checkout time of 10am (it felt like they might make a big deal out of being late to checkout at this place, although we’re usually long gone by 10am) we were back on the road passing Lake Pukaki. Being slightly brighter this morning than yesterday (very sunny) the views across it, to the mountains shrouded in clouds beyond, were stunning. The road between Pukaki and Tekapo is ridiculously windy, I had serious issues keeping little Iorek on the road. But successfully navigating those difficulties we arrived at Lake Tekapo, another ridiculously blue lake. Like, just so blue. 

A giant bee

In stark contrast to yesterday the weather was glorious today. So we headed off on a hike to the summit of Mount John. With my shoes and our other clothes not being quite dry from the drenching yesterday, we erected our washing line in the front of the car and hung everything up, and my shoes were perched on the roof safely attached to the aerial to stop the blowing away. This worked a treat and everything is now delightfully dry. The hike itself was great. Bit of gradient, great views throughout culminating in a ridiculous panorama at the summit, and sunny the entire time. We even got to chat to a friendly Dutch couple over lunch. What more could you want. 

Lake Tekapo through the Lupins

After getting back down we had a look at the flowering lupins just next to the lake (we’re also staying right next to the lake, again cheating on Top10) and got an ice cream from the local shop. Tonight we’re doing a stargazing tour at an observatory nearby so we’re having a relatively chilled afternoon in preparation for a late night. 

Summit of Mount John

Our dinner was a barbecue overlooking the lake, very nice. Very much looking forwards to our stargazing tonight, fingers crossed the clouds stay away and we get clear skies.