Our adventures at Mt Cook began on the drive to Twizel from Timaru. Per Chris's recommendation our first stop was the Fairlie bakery to sample their savory pies. She was spot on. In our search for the best pies on the South Island, the Fairlie bakery is on top, squeezing past the Picton bakery. Their ultimate steak pie was to die for.
Next stop was the Lake Tekapo. It's emerald green water set against the background of the mountains was spectacular.
Lake Pukaki came next. With the view of Mt Cook in the background the view was epic.
We spent the next two days exploring the Mt Cook area. Day one we hiked the Tasman Lake track. The view from the lookout overlooking the Lake (yes, we had to climb more stairs!) was well worth the climb. Lake Tasman was formed from the receding of the Tasman Glacier. The Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier in New Zealand, and in 1974 the lake came into existence due to glacier melting. It has been growing every year. If you look to the far end of the lake you can see the terminus of the glacier covered by eroded materials, making it look very dark.
On Day 2, Stubby and I began our day with an airplane/helicopter ride over the Tasman Glacier. Our plane landed on the glacier where we were met by a helicopter for our return flight. Getting up close and personal with the glacier and views of Mt Cook was another memorable moment in this journey.
Stubby was also able to capture some great footage of our flight. Unfortunately they are too big for me to upload here so you'll need to check them out in the link to the photos.
After lunch we walked the Hooker Lake track which brought us over three more swinging bridges to Hooker Lake, the glacier lake formed from the receding Hooker Glacier. A number of brave souls were swimming in the lake, but since we forgot our suits we could only wade into the foot numbing water. Bummer.
The Hooker Glacier is the next valley over from the Tasman Glacier so our view of Mt Cook was totally different.
Next stop, Fiordland and Doubtful and Milford Sounds.
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