Mt John Observatory & Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

After returning to Wanaka from Milford Sound, we are back on the road to Omarama. As much as we enjoyed Wanaka, our time is ticking down and we need to start back northward, besides the idea of soaking in the local hot tubs is very appealing. The terrain becomes much dryer, almost desert like, as we drive northward on NZ Hwy 8. Maybe we're in a rain shadow caused by Southern Alps.

Much dryer with less vegetation here

Looks like parts of the American Southwest

The main geological feature we see is the Omarama Clay Cliffs. Although these cliffs are on private land, the public can visit by paying an entrance fee.  As the day is getting late, we don't stop and press on instead.

Omarama Clay Cliffs We stay at the Omarama Top 10 Holiday Park, which is only about a half mile walk away from the hot tubs. That evening we are simply too tired to make it to the hot tubs.  The next morning Peter finds the trampoline and releases his inner child. This park, as well as many others in New Zealand, is home to a large flock of camp ducks. New Zealand does not have native squirrels or chipmunks inhabiting campgrounds begging and stealing food from campers. However, ducks have dutifully filled this ecological niche.  Even though all holiday parks post signs warning campers not to feel the ducks, it's hard to resist a mother with ducklings.

Peter Pan flies again

Careful with the family jewels

Ohhh - but the duck is hungry

Despite our initial intention to visit the hot tubs, we pass and get back on the road to give us more time at Lake Tekapo and Mt. John Observatory. People tell us we've passed up some great hot tubs. On this day's drive we pass several of New Zealand's many lakes.

Fish farm on an lake

Mountains and trees reflect in the still waters of this lake

Our next stop is at the lookout at Lake Pukaki, which is another long glacial lake but with the added feature of views of Mount Cook on the far shore. We park at Peter's Lookout where there is a large parking lot and visitor center popular with tour buses.

Mount Cook on the far shore of Lake Pukaki

Aoraki/Mount Cook is New Zealand's most famous peak. Standing at 12,218 feet, it is a favorite of mountain climbers worldwide. Sir Edmund Hillary is said to have used Mount Cook as a training ground for his and the Sherpa Tenzing Norgay's first ascent of Mount Everest, which culminated on the summit in May 29, 1953.

Aoraki/Mount Cook

Several busloads of Asian tourists are also at Peter's Lookout, most like us are busily taking photos.  We get a kick out of some of the goofy shots they take.

We arrange for two campsites at the Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park, which affords panoramic vistas of Lake Tekapo. The wildflowers are blooming profusely along the shoreline. Jill and I can't resist their sirens' call.

Spring lupines at Lake Tekapo

With our campsites settled, we take the short but narrow (as in one lane) drive up to the University of Canterbury's Mt John Observatory.  Night tours can be booked through Earth & Sky in the town of Lake Tekapo, but we have driven up to take in the amazing 360 degree views.

Mount John Observatory

View towards the town of Tekapo on the right

View towards Southern Alps with access road to the Observatory

The views are well worth the long winding road up; although, we do hope we don't meet any large vehicles on a steep section on our way down. The Astro Cafe at the summit comes highly recommended, so of course we have to try it. I have an "iced coffee" which is made with vanilla ice cream. Totally tasty and not at all on my diet. As with many places in New Zealand, we meet people from around the world at the Cafe. We exchange taking photos with some newlyweds from Amsterdam.

This is a great place to take photos

Astro Cafe

Fearsome foursome

Later, back at camp we are treated to stunning sunset show.

Ahhh - this is the way to camp

Gorgeous - simply gorgeous

Lake Tekapo and Southern Alps at sunset

Needless to say, we are far from the only people taking photos during this sunset. As the sky behind us lights up, I motion to a Chinese couple to look at the sky and not just at the lake. At first, they don't understand, then they finally look up and big delighted smiles cover their faces. Looks like photographers all around the world speak a common visual language.

Sky lights up behind the campground

Peter catches the moon

The cold winds at night have wiped the skies clear by early morning. Steve from The Shot is the early bird catching a good business from us and from the other campers. After checking out, we visit the nearby Tekapo Springs for massages and to soak in their hot pools. Hey - it's a tough life but somebody has to do it. 

Steve from The Shot fires up his espresso machine

good to the last drop

View of lake from Tekapo Springs

By the time we reach the spa, the weather is already doing its quick change act again. Dressing in layers and having additional clothes within easy reach is the only comfortable way to deal with the constantly changing weather. One moment it's sunny and warm and the next - freezing. Still the water's fine in the hot pools so none of us really mind the cold rain.

The hot pools at Tekapo Springs