One day, early in the morning, we took off for Mt. Cook Village and a few other attractions on the way: Lake Tekapo with the well-photographed Church of the Good Shepherd, Mount St. John Observatory, and Lake Pukaki.
The drive to our first stop, Lake Tekapo, took us a little over one hour. The amazing views on the way were but a prelude to the magnificent landscape we were yet to behold.
And then we arrived at Lake Tekapo. The day was sunny but the wind was FREEZING! Still, all bundled up (long johns for E) we ventured out of the car to explore, the lake's shores and the Church.
Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north–south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island. It covers an area of 83 square kilometres (32 sq mi). This highland lake is settled at 710 meters (2300 feet) in the heart of the Mackenzie District. It is surrounded by a vast basin of golden tussock grass. The name Tekapo derives from Maori words "Taka" (sleeping mat) and "Po" (night). Finely ground rock in the glacial melted waters gives Lake Tekapo a beautifully unique turquoise color. Lake Tekapo's geographical and central location is protected from rough coastal weather by the Southern Alps in the west and the Two Thumb Range to the east. A hydro power station has been opened in 1951. Reportedly, the power station produces an average of 160 GWh annually.
The sheep dog statue on the lake’s edge is in memory of the hardy mustering dogs “without the help of which the grazing of this mountainous country would be impossible.”
Situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo is the Church of the Good Shepherd, which, in 1935, was the first church built in the Mackenzie Basin. It was built as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. Apparently, congregations of the three main faiths worship regularly in the Church. It must be one of the most photographed churches in New Zealand. It features an altar window that frames stunning views of the lake and mountains.
Leaving Lake Tekapo was difficult - the water was mesmerizing and the views seemed surreal!
However, we knew we were in for more excitement. Our next destination was Mt. St. John Observatory. The University of Canterbury has set up the observatory. For some amount of money (don't know - did not care) one can peer through the telescopes. On our drive up to the top, we saw Merino sheep - their wool is very expensive!
Once at the top, we enjoyed great views of Lake Tekapo and the mountains beyond including views of Mt. Cook. We had a snack at the Astro Cafe.
And with mixed feelings, we hurried on to Lake Pukaki. Lake Pukaki is the largest of three roughly parallel alpine lakes running north-south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin. All three lakes were created when the terminal moraines of receding glaciers blocked their respective valleys, forming moraine-dammed lakes.
Like with Lake Tekapo, the glacial feed to Lake Pukaki gives it a distinctive blue colour, created by glacial flour, the extremely finely ground rock particles from the glaciers. According to Wikipedia, Lake Pukaki covers an area of 178.7 km², and the surface elevation of the lake normally ranges from 518.2 to 532 metres above sea level.
After a brief stop, on we drove to our final destination: Mt.Cook Village. We stopped a couple times on our way to take pics.
And then we finally arrived. The views of the Southern Alps were utterly stunning! We set off on a hike. After 30 minutes, E and Eric turned back to the car and I continued on until the weather changed, heavy clouds appeared and it started to rain. Still, the experience was worth getting wet!
As I approached the car park, it cleared up again and I was treated to a beautiful rainbow.
This was an exceptional trip - an aesthetic feast!
Wow, wow, WOW! Absolutely beautiful!!!
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