Lake Tekapo then back to Christchurch

Another gloomy day as we set off from Twizel on our way back to Christchurch. However we were lucky with the weather again. We had decided to have breakfast at lake Tekapo and whilst there to visit the church of the Good Shepherd. Had a lovely breakfast and by the time we had finished, the sun was shining over Lake Tekapo and the mountains behind were clearly visible.

This is the Church of the Good Shepherd with its window and view of the lake, reminds me of an episode from the vicar of Dibley.

Then it was back to Christchurch and one final meal together. Andy and Dave have decided that they have had enough of blue likes and beautiful mountains! We say goodbye tomorrow after a lovely trip. Will miss you guys, but I guess you might be 'Luksza'd out' by now! Have a safe trip home.

Twizel

After a yummy breakfast we said goodbye to David and Andie at Oliver's and headed off for Twizel, lake Pukaki and Mount Cook. The day started overcast, with the mountain peaks hidden in low cloud.  Our trip trip took us over the Lindis Pass, where the sun was just starting to peep through for these pictures.

We arrived quite early in Twizel, so decided to head on up to Mount Cook anyway. The road took us alongside Lake Pukaki, which looked strangely grey after the brilliant blue lakes we have been used to.

Continued on to the Mount Cook National Park and went into a cafe for lunch. While we were there, the cloud started to clear and little specks of blue sky started to appear. We began to get excited. Would we get a glimpse of the elusive Mount Cook? Have a look at these!

Footstool on the left and Mount Cook on the right.

And of course one (or two!) for the scrapbook.

The views on the way back along the Lake Pukaki valley were jaw-dropping!

This is Mount Cook with its twin peaks clearly visible, and lake Pukaki now the brilliant blue we have come to expect in South Island.

Back to Christchurch tomorrow for the end of our joint road trip.

Central Otago Rail Trail - day 2, Omakau to Clyde

Decided to make an early start to avoid the late afternoon sun, which is very hot. Set off from Omakau at 9.15, all feeling a bit sore after yesterday, but up for another days cycling, 37 km to cover today!

The landscape was different today, much greener. We passed fields of sheep, cows and deer, and cycled through the land of Rohan at one point!

Crossed bridges again today, stopping on most of the river crossings to look for trout.

Stopped in Alexandra for a lovely lunch, then only 8 km to go to get back to Clyde. This time it wasn't the aching legs which slowed us down after lunch, rather a strong headwind which made the last few miles a bit tricky.

However, at about 2.45 we arrived back in Clyde, tired, sore but very pleased with ourselves. 64 km in two days, not bad for a group with a combined age of 249!

Sat in the garden at Oliver's, the lovely guest house where we are staying, with a celebratory glass of wine, before heading off for pizza and ice cream to make up for the calories we have expended over the past 2 days!

Cycling on the Central Otago Rail trail - Day 1, Oturehua to Omekau

We were picked up from Clyde this morning and transported, with our bikes, to Oturehua where we began our 27km cycle to Omakau. 

As you would expect, Dave and Andy set off at quite a lick, with Barbara and I sticking to a more cautious pace behind. We soon settled down to a line of four, with me bringing up the rear. The Luksza family will not be surprised at this!

Cycled through some very different countryside from that we have seen in the past few days. It was a hot day, up to 30 degrees, and the hills looked dry and brown, though still beautiful in their own way. We were told that the area around Alexandra where we were cycling was the hottest area in South Island in the summer and the coldest in winter.

We cycled across bridges and through tunnels, eventually arriving at Lauder where we had a welcome break for some lunch. You would never believe just how difficult it was to get back on the bikes after lunch for the last 7 km to Omakau. The legs just didn't want to get going again!

However, we finally arrived at our destination feeling rather proud of ourselves. Had a bit of a rest and then thought we would go for a quick look at the river and a cold beer. Called at Barbara and Dave's room, only to hear the sound of snoring coming from inside, so thought we'd better leave them to it and Andy and I set off alone!

Nice meal at the local pub followed by an early night. 37km tomorrow for the journey back to Clyde!

Doubtful Sound

The weather was a bit miserable as we set off from Te Anau, clouds and a bit of drizzle didn't bode well for our trip. 

This was the view on the trip over Lake Manapouri on our way to the fjords

However, the weather cleared by the time we got to our boat, the Southern Secret. This is our first view of Doubtful sound from the viewpoint on the mountain pass.

Onboard the boat we were looked after by Adam and Nellie who treated us to a lunch of freshly cooked crayfish, lovely.

We sailed to the end of the fjord where it joins the Tasman sea and where we hoped to fish, but it was a bit choppy so headed a bit further inland for the fishing. Although we didn't catch any blue cod, we had a successful afternoon, with Dave almost landing a small shark! Caught enough fish to bait up the crayfish pots which were hoisted overboard hopefully to catch lunch for tomorrow's travellers.

Later on, Barbara and I had a go at kayaking, would you believe it? Got soaked, but had a great time. A lovely meal, a bit of star gazing, and then to bed. Slept well, but the engines started around 5am and there was not much sleeping after that. Unfortunately the crayfish pots came up empty, so bad luck for today's guests. We hear they are having sandwiches for lunch today!

Highlight of the morning was when the sea plane landed to take two of our party for a trip around the fjords on their way back to Te Anau.

Then a last sail back to the jetty for the trip back to Te Anau, and on to Central Otago for our bike ride tomorrow. 

Te Anau

Drove to Te Anau today in preparation for our trip on Doubtful Sound tomorrow. The drive took us past another arm of lake Wakatipu. We drove along The Remarkables mountain range, diverting to drive up to the Remarkables ski area. Only made it halfway along this road as it had no Tarmac, just stone clippings. Made the going slow, but the views were worth it. Photos will follow when I can get them off the camera.

The view as we turned onto SH97 towards Te Anau

Lake Te Anau

The weather seems to be clouding over and becoming a bit colder. Hope it stays good for tomorrow in Fjordland.

Queenstown

Today I was privileged to see the best view I have seen in my whole life. Sometimes I am moved to tears by music, but never before by scenery.  Barbara suggested we drive to Glenlorcy, labelled on the map as 'middle earth', with areas named 'lothlorien' and 'Isengard'. En route I took this photograph of what has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth!

We stood in awe for a good while, all getting photos taken with the view. Here is one of Andy and me with a 'Gandalf stick' Andy found on the beach.

And one of Barbara and Dave which I nearly ruined with a finger over the lens! But I thought it was a good one.

Had a look around Glenlorcy then back for a rest before heading out for Queenstown and another try at luging, followed by a really cracking steak dinner. They presented the steak raw, with a very hot stone for you to cook it on! Another lovely day, how lucky are we?