Iceberg in sight

New Zealand is famous for its nature and hiking trails. Trudging up mountains isn't really my thing, but I won't say no to a hike on fairly straight paths.

After breakfast we went to Lake Tekapo, about half an hour's drive. There is a church there, located right on the water, with a view of the mountains and of course the lupins (they grow like weeds here in the mountains). When we got there, the church door was unfortunately locked and countless people were already taking their photos in front of it. After I had taken my countless photos, the journey went back to Lake Pukaki, but now even further back, towards Mt. Cook. There is the Hooker Valley Track. A well-known hiking trail and since there is also a camper space there, I would like to spend the night there today.

I got there around midday and saw straight away how famous this hiking trail is. A huge parking lot full of cars, they were even parked on the street. Where should I park my long camper??? I did three laps across the parking lot when I saw two people walking specifically to their car and then kindly signaled to me that they were now driving away. Now all I had to do was fit into the gap - but yeah, that wasn't a problem. All you have to do is change quickly, spread a few sandwiches and apply a lot of sunscreen, then put everything you need in your backpack and off you go. The hike there and back should take 3 hours - 10km in total.

The route at the beginning was easy to do, the only obstacle was the strong wind from the front. At times the gusts were so strong that I was slowed down and stopped. Then came my next opponent: suspension bridges or as they are called here: swing bridges. The wind caused them to swing back and forth quite violently. I thought briefly: “Do I really want to cross this shaky bridge?” Yes, I want to, so let's go - just don't look down and always keep one hand on the bridge. So I pushed myself over the first bridge - two more followed. In the end I can say: the third one was the worst because it shook so violently!

But at the end of the path I was rewarded with a great view of Mt. Cook and, in front of it, Hooker Lake. But what I didn't know and what was a surprise for me. Hooker Lake is a glacial lake and has icebergs floating around. When I was there there was an iceberg floating on the lake.

It took me almost 1.5 hours to get there, despite the strong wind. I was never alone on this path - there were too many people on the way. The way back was a lot faster with the tailwind. Back at the parking lot I first found the separate camping space, I could have parked there this afternoon 🤦🏼‍♀️. So I have now parked the car and can fall asleep this evening with a view of snow-capped mountains.

Shortly before sunset it becomes restless outside. Something is apparently going on there. So I look out the window: a family of geese is sitting in front of my camper. After taking a photo, the app tells me that they are paradise geese. Immediately some adults start feeding the geese. I actually don't think that's that great - it's written everywhere that you shouldn't feed the wild animals... But I won't say anything. Only when some people start petting the chicks do I open my car door and tell them not to touch the animals. Everyone knows that you don't touch wild animals and especially young animals...🙄

The wind that pushed me back and forth on the hike is still there and causes the large camper to shake. I'll probably be rocked to sleep today...