I woke up 10 minutes before my alarm, welcomed by the crisp morning air at Lake Opuha Picnic Area. An eager anticipation fueled my excitement for today’s exploration of Lake Tekapo. Swiftly leaving my current spot, I activated my car’s heater to ward off the chill. The morning held a delightful surprise in the form of a breathtaking landscape. Although familiar with the lake from the previous day, the majestic mountains in the background were an unexpected marvel. Enthralled by the scene, I snapped pictures, ensuring to capture the remarkably clean toilet block—a refreshing departure from the often unsightly facilities encountered at camping sites in Australia.
Capturing the Majestic Morning Landscape
I set off after preparing myself with a quick routine of brushing my teeth and applying some hair gel. Switching on the heater, I made the car cozy within 5 minutes. The landscape surrounding me, a vast expanse dotted with small hills and farmland, left me in awe. Despite being unable to capture the moment with pictures, the beauty was undeniable. The weather was fantastic, and my anticipation grew for the upcoming scenic flight to Mount Cook.
Upon reaching Fairlie, the landscape gradually transformed as I approached the majestic mountains—truly a sight to behold! Contrary to my initial estimate of a one to two-hour drive, it took about 40 minutes from the campsite to Lake Tekapo. Arriving around 10 am, I parked my car near the information center and took a leisurely stroll. Locating the office of the tour organization, I made a mental note to return later as my scheduled tour was set for 1 pm.
Spontaneous Decision: Scenic Flight to Mount Cook
Before delving into the cafe for a laptop charging session, I visited a small shop to stock up on healthy canned vegetables, water, and a few snacks, stashing my purchases in the car. Intent on securing my spot on the tour, I headed to the office and completed the payment process, investing 340 dollars for an experience I deemed worthwhile. Inside, I informed the lady about my 1 pm tour, prompting her to make necessary arrangements. To my surprise, she proposed an earlier departure, and eager to seize the opportunity, I agreed, expressing my only need to retrieve my camera.
In a humorous twist, they provided transportation to my car for the camera, which amusingly was just 20 meters away. The urgency was evident, with a waiting plane signaling the imminent departure. Grateful for the free transport to the airport, saving me some fuel, I couldn’t resist capturing some pictures of the incredible lake scenery during the journey. Excitement filled me as I anticipated the upcoming tour.
Shortly after, we reached the airport, situated 3 kilometers south of Lake Tekapo. After completing the payment, I received a small guide and a ticket from the friendly and kind staff. The airplane taxied back to the entrance, and another girl and I boarded. I ended up sitting behind the pilot, a position I wasn’t initially fond of due to the obstructed view by the wings. However, as we took off just 30 seconds later, the breathtaking views quickly overshadowed any seating preferences.
The entire tour, from start to finish, was truly extraordinary, spanning approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes with consistently stunning views. The excitement began immediately after takeoff as we observed the river and the intricate network of man-made canals surrounding the power station. Capturing some impressive shots, the plane then executed a turn, charting our course northward toward the majestic Southern Alps. Before concluding the tour, I took some final photographs of the river as it gracefully flowed toward Lake Tekapo.
Breathtaking Aerial Views: Mountains, Glaciers, and More
I was thoroughly captivated by the experience—both the incredible views and the breathtaking landscape. New Zealand had already won my affection, and this aerial adventure was just a glimpse of its wonders. The lake itself was a spectacle to behold, complemented by a sizable hill situated beside it (as seen in the last picture above). Anticipating more exploration, I looked forward to driving up that hill later in the day to savor yet another perspective of this enchanting scenery.
As our journey progressed, we moved further from Lake Tekapo, gliding above the picturesque Lake Alexandrina—a small, dark-colored lake embraced by a vibrant yellow tree line, accompanied by its campsite situated on the southern side.
Our flight carried us away from Lake Tekapo, soaring over an unnamed small lake adjacent to Tekapo. Beyond a series of mountains, the majestic snowy peaks emerged—Mount Cook, Fox Glacier, and the Franz Josef Glacier—all of which we had the privilege to witness. It was truly legendary, as one might say, in the immortal words of a certain sitcom—wait for it—legendary! (A nod to “How I Met Your Mother”).
After a 50-minute journey soaring above glaciers and mountains, we made our return. The landscape below unveiled a picturesque display of small rivers gracefully flowing toward Lake Tekapo. What caught my eye was the mesmerizing color transformation at the river’s culmination—shifting from arctic blue to aqua blue and finally to navy blue as it merged into the lake. It was truly astonishing, and my love for this tour only deepened!
Reflections on a Worthwhile Aerial Adventure
As we descended, retracing our path over the lake, the airport loomed closer. Just before the final landing, I seized the opportunity to capture some pictures of the plains and the canal that I had overlooked photographing during takeoff.
We glided over the canal, smoothly transitioning into the landing. The descent was remarkably smooth and effortless, creating a totally relaxed atmosphere. Following the landing, the pilot expressed gratitude, encouraging us to ask any questions we might have. Still completely captivated by the tour, I didn’t think of any questions at the time. In hindsight, I realize I could have delved into a myriad of technical plane-related inquiries or inquired about any past challenges they had faced.
Taking advantage of the moment, we snapped some pictures with the airplane. Subsequently, a girl and I returned to the office to arrange transportation. Within moments, the pilot chauffeured us back to town. During the ride, the girl asked about the airplane’s fuel, and the pilot shared that it used regular car petrol—approximately 80 liters for one tour. Understanding the expenses involved in fuel, maintenance, and insurance shed light on the high ticket cost. Despite this, reflecting on the experience, I found myself content and fulfilled. The sheer joy and wonder of the tour eclipsed any reservations about the cost—it was undoubtedly worth every penny.
Shortly afterward, I found myself back in the town center, filled with happiness. Heading to my car, I retrieved my laptop, realizing it needed a recharge. With both a need for power and a desire for lunch, I strolled through the area. Initially drawn to a charming restaurant, I decided to first explore the lakeside. Seeking picturesque shots, I wandered across the field, contemplating the idea of a spontaneous picnic. The weather was delightful, a nearby shop was convenient, and it promised to be a cost-effective choice. Regrettably, the need to charge my laptop prompted me to abandon the picnic plan.
Lakeside Exploration
Following the photo session, I strolled toward the restaurant. Named Mckenzies Bar & Grill, it boasted a pleasant ambiance and offered a splendid view of the lake. Upon entering, I was warmly greeted by a cheerful Dutch waitress, whose exuberance made me proud of my nationality. It was evident that she took joy in her work. Communicating my intention to order food in 30 minutes, I settled into a seat equipped with a power socket. Engaging in some report typing and watching episodes of How I Met Your Mother, I anticipated spending one to two hours at the restaurant, contingent on my laptop’s battery life.
After 35 minutes, the waitress, with a laugh, inquired if I was ready for the food, mentioning that the kitchen was prompting her. Politely, I mentioned that I wasn’t hungry just yet. This situation brought back memories of my part-time job in my village back in the Netherlands. In a similar fashion, when we had orders and needed to wait, we would playfully check with our colleagues in the front if the customer was ready. Around the 40-minute mark, I decided to place my food order, having already settled the payment. Unfortunately, I forgot the name of the dish, but it involved beef with cheese over crisps, resembling a Mexican cuisine.
Shortly after, my order arrived, and though I forgot the name, the dish was incredibly delicious! It resembled a Mexican delight: homemade crisps paired with beef, cheese, and a delightful sauce (creme fraise sauce). Not only was it delightful, but the portion size was generous, offering excellent value for the 16 dollars I spent.
Unplanned Star Gazing
At approximately 4:30 pm, I departed from Lake Tekapo, eager to savor the scenery further. I headed toward the small mountain adjacent to Lake Tekapo, where a star observation platform, University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory, was situated. Regrettably, I had no intention of staying overnight, or else I would have indulged in some stargazing. The stars in this region were truly magnificent, shining with exceptional clarity over the past two nights, creating an unforgettable experience.
The ascent took me fifteen minutes, and I lingered at the summit for about 20 minutes, relishing a refreshing drink. The panoramic views were delightful, although the temperature was dropping. Recognizing the need to move on, I prepared to depart, mindful of the considerable distance ahead to the next campsite. Notably, New Zealand’s camping regulations are more stringent compared to Australia; camping is permitted only at sites equipped with a toilet block. With an hour of travel to reach the next campsite, I also planned to refuel along the way.
Descending from the small mountain, I seized the opportunity to capture some breathtaking views through the lens while navigating the winding road. Truly, it had been an extraordinary day!
Navigating Winding Roads: Lake Pukaki and Beyond
Making a right turn onto the main road, I headed southward, covering approximately 15 kilometers until I reached the stunning Lake Pukaki. Although there was a tempting road leading to Mount Cook village, I opted against it, considering the additional 100 kilometers of driving and the fuel expenses I had already incurred in the past days. At the small rest area by the lake, I took a moment for a break, utilized the facilities, and snapped some photos. It was a popular spot for tourists, offering a clear view of Mount Cook, explaining the multitude of picture-taking enthusiasts.
Continuing my journey, I drove for another hour, seizing the opportunity to capture some pictures of the road whenever it was safe to do so. The weather had been exceptionally delightful, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for it. Despite the forecast predicting rain tomorrow, I remained unfazed. The past few days had been nothing short of incredible, defying my initial expectations of frequent rains, especially here on the South Island of New Zealand.
Continuing down the road
I also successfully captured images of those farm irrigation machines I mentioned in yesterday’s entry (last two pictures above). While I believe they are used for irrigation, I’m not entirely certain. These machines are remarkable, stretching as long as the farmland itself, with some extending up to a kilometer. It appeared that multiple pieces were connected together in this intricate system.
An hour later, I reached a village called Omarama. The sun was setting, and I still had a 40-minute drive to the campsite ahead. I refueled my car, visited the small supermarket for some snacks, used a public toilet across the street, and then continued my journey. In total, I spent 15 minutes in the town.
The landscape was changing again as I drove on a road flanked by mountains on both sides. The winding roads were manageable, allowing me to maintain a speed of 100 kilometers per hour and feel secure at every bend. As night fell, my navigation guided me, indicating where I needed to turn off. The road was leading to Cromwell, approximately 80 kilometers from Omarama, and my campsite was roughly 30 kilometers away from Cromwell.
Challenges of Finding a Campsite in the Dark
After driving in the dark for 30 minutes, my GPS instructed me to turn off, although there was no discernible road. Frustrated, I searched for a spot to pull over—a challenge in this remote area. After a few minutes, I found a turnoff and sought another campsite. A few kilometers ahead, I encountered another campsite, but unfortunately, it wasn’t suitable for me as I didn’t have a self-contained vehicle.
A van also pulled over, and I inquired if they were searching for the campsite. The driver confirmed, mentioning that they had spotted tents and campers along the road but couldn’t find the turnoff. They had driven 4 kilometers north and south without success. He decided to make one more attempt, and if unsuccessful, they would continue south to the next campsite. We said our goodbyes, and I retraced my route, searching for the elusive turnoff once more. Unfortunately, my efforts proved futile. Exhausted and eager to settle for the night, I opted to drive south until I found a new campsite.
After 45 minutes of driving, fatigued from a remarkably intense day, I pulled over. I entered a new location into the GPS, revealing another campsite approximately 40 minutes away. This site was located about 10 kilometers north of Cromwell on the opposite highway, across the river. Since there were two highways leading to Cromwell due to a significant river in the middle, it meant a slight detour, but I considered it a necessary compromise for a restful night.
Left with no alternative, I programmed the GPS and continued my journey. After covering 5-7 kilometers, I noticed a campsite sign and decided to pull over. Learning that they had a toilet block, I felt a sense of relief, making it a legal and suitable place for me to stay.
Cozy Night Setup
It was 8 pm when I parked my car next to the toilet block, ensuring I didn’t have to walk far for a late-night visit to the toilets—quite convenient! Although there were some other cars in the area, they were all parked far away in the designated parking space. I spent some time watching How I Met Your Mother.
The toilet block had a slightly eerie vibe, but having encountered similar situations before, I wasn’t particularly bothered. I felt a sense of accomplishment for not being frightened by such things. It was almost like navigating a horror-themed toilet block. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not a cozy night’s rest at a spooky place like this. Yet, it didn’t unsettle me, especially when I reflect on the numerous solitary experiences during my world journey so far that have built my confidence. Looking back, the encounter with cockroaches and the overall uncleanliness in Sydney’s Elephant Backpackers hostel was a more unsettling experience than these eerie rest areas, haha.
Later, around 11 pm, I had to brush my teeth, and the door of the toilet block, swayed by the wind, produced eerie and unsettling sounds. With each reluctant movement, the doors, their hinges protesting in agony from neglect, emitted ghastly, high-pitched screeches that echoed through the desolate surroundings. The pervasive lack of human presence and the isolated remoteness heightened the chilling ambiance, casting an eerie veil of horror over the forsaken rest area.
Around midnight, I prepared for sleep. I started the car, drove south for 3 kilometers, and then returned. Letting the engine warm up, I cranked the heater to the maximum. In about 10 minutes, my car transformed into a cozy little sauna, essential for the chilly night. I reclined in the back of the car, enjoying a comfortable night’s rest.
