Lake Tekapo

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Today we took a road trip to Lake Tekapo, just south of Christchurch. The total ride was about 3 hours and when we arrived the Lake was breathtaking!! We couldn't believe how blue the water was.

The amazing turquoise-blue color of the Lake is created by "rock flour", which the glaciers in the headwaters grind to make a fine dust. The fine dust particles in combination with the sunlight create this unique color. As you can see from the pictures, the Lake is a gem. Some of the pics were taking when it was cloudy and some sunny. You will notice the differences in water color.

One of our stops in Lake Tekapo was the Mt. John Observatory which is known as the best place in the Southern Hemisphere for astronomical views! We drove up to the cliff of the observatory and snapped some awesome pics. Each night (weather permitting), there are tours for star gazing. Tonight we decided to check out the stars from our apartment balcony.

What we really want to do tomorrow is take a private helicopter ride to Mt. Cook and step off on to the ice to check out some glaciers! We are crossing our fingers the air will front pass!

Lake Tekapo (about 710m above sea level) is the country's highest and largest lake. On the Lake is the Church of the Good Shepard. The Church was built in 1935 as a memorial to pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. The Church offers awe inspiring views of the Lake and mountains through the alter window. Check out the snap shots we took.

After some tramping around town, we headed back to the apartment to rest up for tomorrows activities.

Our plan is to be in Lake Wanaka tomorrow night. Then will be at The Queenstown Sofitel for the following 4 days...Can't wait!!

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Comments

[Lyn]

Very cool pics! Glad you're having such a great time. Can't wait to hear all about "The Great Adventure"!!

[SK]

Lake Tekapo
WOW! Absolutely breathtaking!