Mount Cook

The day starts early for us. We are determined to take advantage of our slightly erratic sleep rhythm and experience the sunrise at Lake Tekapo. As a reward for the morning hustle and bustle, fresh bananas, plums, nectarines, muesli, and milk are ready in the camper. This breakfast energy is needed directly on the subsequent hike. Mount John, on the west side of Lake Tekapo, lies ahead of us. A trail leads us initially along the lake and shows us a beautiful landscape. The path becomes steeper and winds up the mountain. We are almost alone on the trail and enjoy the peace and untouched nature. The last kilometer is steep uphill and ends with a 360-degree view of the landscape with its lakes and of course Lake Tekapo. As we start the return journey at 10:30 a.m., the hiking trails fill up and we are glad that we started our hike so early.

After a quick stop at the gas station and supermarket, we head into the mountains. The Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is not too far away. But before we can take a closer look at New Zealand's highest mountain, we are expected to witness another natural spectacle. Lake Pukaki turns out to be even bluer than Lake Tekapo. Mount Cook is already visible on the other side of the lake on the horizon. Even though we try to capture the mixture of mist, sunshine, blue water, and mountain glaciers with our cameras, this scenery probably has to be seen for oneself. Even though Mount Cook is already in sight, it still takes a good 45 minutes to reach our destination. Since this campsite also does not have a shower, we stop at a public shower to wash off the sunscreen. But who needs a shower at a campsite when you can sit in the sun right below the highest mountains in New Zealand and enjoy life?

Since we are pretty worn out from the morning hike and the jet lag, we decide to postpone the "Hooker Valley Track" until tomorrow. Along the way, we of course bumped into Laura and Lucas again, so we spend the afternoon relaxing together at the campsite.