South Island Summary

---

Lake Tekapo

Our first stop on the road trip was Lake Tekapo which is located inland, sort of centre-north on the South Island. Cath played a blinder again with the accommodation and we end up with a cosy chalet looking over the most stunningly turquoise lake I have ever seen.

With one day at the Lake we decided to bag our first peak of the holiday; Mount John was next to our accommodation so we made for its summit. A well-marked path gave us a steady climb through a cool forest with some of the most amazing views I have ever seen along the way. There was an observatory on this summit with a cafe to greet the weary (yet satisfied) hiker. Awesome views were starting to be taken for granted by now - the camera has never worked so hard!

In the evening we ate in the chalet as we considered ourselves to have the best view in the whole township - why go anywhere else! I knocked up a pretty wicked middle-eastern spiced lamb with pumpkin and dates (if I do say so myself) and we enjoyed this exquisite meal in picture-postcard surroundings! A perfect end to the first leg of the tour!

Queenstown

The next morning we arose early: destination Queenstown and the southern-most stop on our tour. The first striking view we came across was Mount Cook rising majestically above Lake Pukaka. This was a stand-and-stare moment for me as no superlatives could do justice to the view. It remains a highlight of the holiday.

At length, driving through some of the most wild and beautiful scenery I have seen, we arrived at Queenstown. This was a bustling metropolis after the bare-necessities of the Tekapo township! We expolerd the town and (I) chilled out with frosty beer after the gruelling cross-country drive.

Our full day in Queenstown started with being carried up into the mountains in a small cubicle suspended from a steel sinew that reached up to the summit. Not for those of a vertiginous disposition. At the summit complex we were treated to yet more breath-taking views of the muscular mountains that rise imperiously from the shores of the lake in Queenstown. The name of which now escapes me completely. I hope it isn't Lake Queenstown as that would make me look really stupid. The observant amongst you will also have noticed that I can't remember the name of the mountain we were on either. Note to self: don't do the blog without the guidebook handy in future.

We spent the evening walking along the lakeshore and enjoying the tranquility of the area. That is the area which is just out of earshot of the Irish Pub where Kareoke was in full, discordant swing!

Next stop on the itinerary was Fox Glacier on the west coast. The glacier was singularly - sorry to use this word again - awesome. Again the camera was put into overdrive. Unfortunately those photos will be uploaded next time as Cath is waiting for me outside a shop somewhere and I am already late!

Take care all - see you soon!

Alex and Cath

---

Photos

Lake Tekapo from halfway up Mount John
Our hut is part of the block slightly elevated above the rest of the camp.

View from our Chalet
Best table in town!

Mount Cook
Pukaka - another turqoise lake. Apparently the colour comes from the rock dust generated by the glaciers in the upper catchments.

Queenstown
The town and its lake from the summit of one of its mountains.

Queenstown
Evening unfolds over the lake.