A big one to tick off the list

---

If you were reading this blog in 2005, you may remember our efforts to see the highest mountain in the Southern Alps (and indeed Australasia) and our repeated thwartings by cloud, rain and weather. Back then, we were beginning to think that anywhere marked on the map as "Aoraki/Mount Cook View" was either part of an elaborate conspiracy or the perpetuation of a cruel joke.

Well, on Sunday the weather was incredible, and we headed out via the Mackenzie country, through Geraldine and Fairlie, first to Lake Tekapo and then the brilliant blue Lake Pukaki...and there it was! All 3,754m (12,316 ft) of it! And well worth the 4 hour drive and the 3+ year wait.

---

Photos

Lake Pukaki
Glacial action created sediment which is suspended in the water and causes the amazing colour effect...apparently

On the road
Some more of the Southern Alps

Comments

[Wales]

wow!
a rare sight to see it clear, esp the whole range..wow you lucky things!!! Great to hear all your news, keep it coming!X

[maria and steve]

nearly impressed
Thought you'd climbed it- must have been terrible trying to move from 2nd to third gear! Wot a pair of woosies- you can't cross it off your list until you've climbed it. Emma will of course need to grow the statutory beard for the pic with flag on top! Are you catching the olympics- hope you're supporting the brits even though you've traded your national identity to be kiwis!! Looks fab! LOL x