Twizel(not Twizzel), Pukaki, Aoraki, to Tekapo

​We rolled out of Mrs Wooleys Campgrounds and started to make our journey towards Twizel. Along the way we stopped at the top of Coronet Peak Ski Area. Pete wanted to ride the Rude Rock trail, so we dropped him at the top and made our way to the end of the trail to scoop him up. The views from the Peak were stunning. If Katy and I had felt more confident downhill riding, we would have joined, but some of that exposed and narrow track makes me uncomfortable!

Coronet Peak Summit  

Peter in his glory (with the other woman)  @ Coronet Peak

Onward to Arrowtown. This little town had so much character! Katy and I have been craving scones for quite some time now, so we were on the hunt for a cafe with something delicious we could consume to fill the scone void. Sadly, zero scones, but we did happen to find a scrumptious Raspberry Coconut Muffin, to which we cannot wait to consume. I'm not sure why the scone kick, but we're on it. Such an odd thing to crave, but such is life on the road.

On the way to Twizel we entered into what I would call "lupine country". These flowers grow wild and are beautiful! Naturally we had to stop and smell the lupines. Katy was able to frolic and rejoice - I did a bit too!

Jacky & lupines

Lupines showing off in Omarama 

Laughter in the Lupines

We freedom camped at Pukaki Lake for the night. Another moment that took my breath away. Just yards from the cliff we parked for the night, and were able to take in the evening views of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park while a cool breeze swept through the camper van. Katy and I ventured to the top of a nearby rock to watch sunset. I still cannot grasp the level of beauty here. I truly am in awe of such a fantastic place, and feeling grateful to have the opportunity to explore and experience all that I have in the last 20 days.

Sunset over Pukaki and Aoraki

Dancing into the sunset  

The next morning we hit the road and drove to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to hike the Hooker Valley Track. We were blessed with a clear sky and warm weather. It was so so lovely. We leisurely hiked the track with views of Mueller Lake (Kudos to my SF gal Andrea, there is a lake named after you!), nearby waterfalls, and babbling river to the base of Aoraki where Hooker Lake rests. Hooker Lake had several icebergs floating around and Mount Cook was dazzling us ever so with her reflections in the glacial waters. We enjoyed our picnic lunch and naturally took a few pics, and of course got a few strong rays of sun, which I'm starting to feel currently (Yes, Mom I did apply sunscreen twice!).

Mueller Lake

Aoraki/Mount Cook - Hooker Glacier - Hooker Lake  

K/P

Kickin' it since '92

We freedom camped at Lake Tekapo, and dipped into the glacial waters for an evening swim. The water was brisk but refreshing after a day in the sun. Another beautiful place that makes my heart swell. Such a peaceful and truly calming place to settle down for the night. I will miss our journey on the road dearly, and waking up in remote places of NZ, where the places you dream of come alive. The sense of opportunity and freedom rings strong here. It is a place I will return to again. As our camper van journey comes to and end, my journey is still just beginning. Next stop, Christchurch to return the van, getting a good nights rest at the Commodore Hotel, then hitting the road for Mount Potts for the next two nights, and then back to Chch for the holidays to ring in another trip around the sun. Missing my family, friends, and loved ones dearly. Sending all my love and light.

Lake Tekapo in the eve

Sunrise at 5:45 am at Tekapo