Blogs from Mount Cook National Park, South Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 6

December 21, 2009 When Freddy showed up to meet us at the gas station this morning, I was somewhat surprised to see him. It would have been easy to blow us off, but it looked like he was actually going to follow through with his promise from yesterday to take us to Mount Cook Village. So we began the three-hour drive, which took nearly four since Fred drives slower than anyone in New Zealand. We were passed by everyone, but I reminded myself that at least we were getting there without having to hitchhike. Eric and I each slept along the way, still tired from the previous night of partying in Queenstown. We got to Mount Cook Village eventually, and found a place to stay before starting the Ball Pass Route tomorrow. It should be an ... read more

Gregg and Graham's big adventure with Ken and Brayden Dovestone - Nov 2009 This was a big one off the checklist of New Zealand adventures and one that they had tried to do several times before but the weather prohibited it. It is a bit challenging to write about it myself, as I was not there and Gregg and Graham don't seem to have the time to write. But the pictures say it all! This was a Father/Son weekend that turned out to be one of Graham's favorite New Zealand experiences. Not one for me, no electricty at Mueller Hut, LOTS of snow, and a toilet that was buried by snow. ... read more

I have been in Tekapo for around six weeks now. I have been outside of Tekapo for a total of about six hours during this six week period. Cabin fever, or just plain restlessness, has taken its grasp over the last week. I decided on this weeks days off I would skip town. I checked the weather forecast for Mt Cook and Monday was supposed to be sunny and pleasant. Seemed like a good idea, go to Mt Cook, do some hikes and get some nice pictures. Picked up my bus tickets on Sunday for a Monday morning departure. Sunday night I was talking to my good friend Lucas, and after telling him about my Mt Cook plans Lucas invited himself. I was excited to have somebody to travel with as I usually travel solo. Monday ... read more

joined a tour that took us from christchurch to queenstown via mt cook. highlight was definitely the helicopter tour. we had a lot of opportunities to ride in a helicopter during our trip in new zealand. i knew i wanted to do it, but choosing when to do it was kind of difficult. i was going back and forth between helihike at franz josef or mt cook. choosing to do the latter was definitely worth it. we really felt like we were on the top of the world. it was quiet and the view was just spectacular. it lasted only a few minutes (20-30 minutes). if you have a tendency to have motion sickness, take your medz before starting your helicopter ride. ... read more

So onto our last trip of what has turned out to be one great experience and one hell of a place to visit. New Zealand has been a joy to see and with the aid of a fantastic group of people to experiance it with, has been a highlight of my jorney so far. We left Queenstown for a 5 hour road trip towards the Sothern Alps of New Zealand. Again passing rolling hills and finally in the distance the summit of Mt Cook was before us, but still another hours drive before we arrive. The lake that looked like it was not real Then to my right was yet another amazing sight that New Zealand was to throw at us. In the centre of the South Island of New Zealand lies Lake Tekapo. This highland ... read more