Monday 22 February 2010

Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo

Last week we had some good walks in the Mount Cook National Park and around Lake Tekapo, enjoying the mountain splendour and great views.

Mount Cook, also known by its Maori name, Aoraki meaning 'Cloud Piercer' is the highest point of New Zealand at 3754 metres. The mountain is snow capped and it was very special to watch
sunrise and sunset over it. We stayed at the Alpine Lodge which has fantastic views over Mount Cook and the area. The lodge reminded us of university accommodation, (the smart kind!), with a shared kitchen and lounge. It was a great place to stay. This photo shows Mt Cook in the distance.

Approximately 100 kms from Mount Cook is Lake Tekapo. The lake is the most amazing turquoise colour in the sunlight - caused by particles of rock which have been ground down by the glacier and are suspended in the water.