Invigorating!

The canterbury lakes are spectacular. The glaciers that flow into them grind rock from the mountain sides as they descend and this rock-flour flows into the lakes where it reflects sunlight to produce beautiful colours. Lake Tekapo is a brilliant turquoise and Pukaki (seen here) is a cool milky blue. The day was blisteringly hot and we had a three hour drive home so I just had to have a swim. For a glacial fed lake it was not too cold.

It was great to lie back in crystal pure water and look at Mt Cook and the southern alps in the distance.

Mt Cook at the Head of Lake Pukaki

Mt Cook is beautifully sited at the head of Lake Pukaki, I love driving along the lake side.

James and Mt Cook

Can I Drive Dad?

Weird Scenes

Climbing through a narrow gap in the cliffs revealed some really weird rock formations.

The Clay Cliffs

Today we visited the clay cliffs that look over Omarama. They are very unusual and again a total contrast to the scenery of the previous two days. These would not look out of place in Arizona.

Tracy Gets Her Feet Wet

We had lunch next to this stream. Then we turned back, the going was a bit too rough with a baby on my back. We will have to return when James is a bit older.

Canyon Creek Walk

At the end of the track we did a short walk to canyon creek. The weather was hot, there was not a soul around and the scenery was superb, as good as fiordland and so different from yesterday.

Nice Reflection

Ahuriri River

Today we drove up the Ahuriri river. This is a new conservation park that was only opened recently. It was a lovely spot. The river is a great for fishing and there are plenty of walks.

Icebergs in the Hooker Lake

At the end of the walk is a view of the Hooker glacier which flows down from Mt Cook. These small icebergs were floating in the lake.

Little Mountain Man (and his Mum)

James seemed to enjoy the view.

Avalanche

Today we walked the Hooker Valley track. This is one of our favourites, we have walked it many times but never with a 6 month old. It is an easy walk and there are great views of the glaciers which cover the valley side.

Shortly after I took this photo, the large chunk of ice fell down in a loud avalanche.

View Across Lake Pukaki Towards Mt Cook

It is Waitangi Day on Tuesday so we are taking a four day weekend at Twizel in the Mackenzie District. We had a great drive down, but Mt Cook was just obscured by clouds. The photo shows clouds from the west coast rolling over the divide into the Hooker Valley.