benandclare
6th April 2008, 08:35 PM
Hi Guys
Just had a great weekend in Lake Tekapo :yes
Travelled down form ChCh on Saturday morning with a brief stop in Geraldine to pick up some yummy cheese from shop next to Barkers. Took around 3 hours to drive from ChCh to Tekapo.
Weather rubbish in ChCh when we left and up until the McKenzie basin ....then WOW the sun came out and the scenery suddenley became GORGEOUS
Arrived in Tekapo and headed straight for the Tourist information to get some accomodation - very helpful .... and ended up at a FAB apartment with a stunning view of the lake only 5 minutes walk form the shops/restaurants etc.
Spent most of the rest of Saturday just tongue lolling at the view....
Then the stars came out - have NEVER seen so many so clear too! apparently they also get the southern lights there on occasion (tho we didn't get them this time).
Sunday saw a great walk up Mount John (about 45 minutes) with a great view at the top where there is also an lunar observatory (star gazers can go up at night for a special viewing). Down the other side and along the lake edge (Lake Tekapo) for about one and a half hours walk after coffee and yummy cake in the cafe at the summit.
All this followed by a lovely soak in the hot pools - heated spring water (which has only been open 10 weeks) really nice - open air and a great view of the lake and mountains.
Late lunch and away back to ChCh finished a lovely weekend break - thoroughly recommended.
Clare & Ben
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh65/bendylegsben/Atekaposunset2.jpg
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh65/bendylegsben/Atekaposhining.jpg
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh65/bendylegsben/ABenonMtJohn-1.jpg
Just had a great weekend in Lake Tekapo :yes
Travelled down form ChCh on Saturday morning with a brief stop in Geraldine to pick up some yummy cheese from shop next to Barkers. Took around 3 hours to drive from ChCh to Tekapo.
Weather rubbish in ChCh when we left and up until the McKenzie basin ....then WOW the sun came out and the scenery suddenley became GORGEOUS
Arrived in Tekapo and headed straight for the Tourist information to get some accomodation - very helpful .... and ended up at a FAB apartment with a stunning view of the lake only 5 minutes walk form the shops/restaurants etc.
Spent most of the rest of Saturday just tongue lolling at the view....
Then the stars came out - have NEVER seen so many so clear too! apparently they also get the southern lights there on occasion (tho we didn't get them this time).
Sunday saw a great walk up Mount John (about 45 minutes) with a great view at the top where there is also an lunar observatory (star gazers can go up at night for a special viewing). Down the other side and along the lake edge (Lake Tekapo) for about one and a half hours walk after coffee and yummy cake in the cafe at the summit.
All this followed by a lovely soak in the hot pools - heated spring water (which has only been open 10 weeks) really nice - open air and a great view of the lake and mountains.
Late lunch and away back to ChCh finished a lovely weekend break - thoroughly recommended.
Clare & Ben
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh65/bendylegsben/Atekaposunset2.jpg
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh65/bendylegsben/Atekaposhining.jpg
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh65/bendylegsben/ABenonMtJohn-1.jpg