South Island New Zealand 2016

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After four plane flights, and over 28 hours since we left our home in a raging snow storm, we arrive in Christchurch, NZ, the largest (by far) city on the south island of NZ.

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After some grocery shopping, and a good night's sleep, we headed down from Christchurch to Akoroa, on the Banks Peninsula. From the spine of the Banks Peninsula, the ocean inlet on which Akaroa sits is visible.

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The last 17 km to get to this town in the remnant of a volcanic caldera, is pretty interesting, if you like narrow, twisting roads.

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Susie taking a photo of a famous cupola.

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A memorial to war veterans.

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The French tried to settle this area, and so it has a bit of that kind of feel.

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We survived the drive back to Christchurch, driving on the left side of the road, and found our way to the city center, to see the devestation caused by the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. The latter was more devastating, killing nearly 200 people, and flattening a lot of this city of 350,000+ residents. Here is the famous cathedral whose steeple collapsed.

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The city central, with both construction and businesses housed in shipping containers.

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After another great night's sleep, we headed down to the famous botanical gardens. Great way to get some exercise and see some lovely flowers, still blooming in early fall.

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Some of many flowers.

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Susie inspecting more flowers.

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Punting on the Avon, it is called. Sorta like being in England, I guess.

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We headed out to the Antarctic Center near the airport and did go thru it. Kind of a disappointment, as there was not a lot of museum type exhibits. An interesting lovely 20 minute film, but you could also go into this chamber (pictured here) and experience what it feels like for the temp to drop from 17 degrees F to -1 in a short period of time, and have the wind pick up. Sounds like a typical winter morning at our house, so we passed.

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The next day, we left Christchurch and headed to the Mt. Cook area. Finally out of the fog, we enjoyed seeing mountains after being on the flats of the Canterbury Plain.

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New Zealand: Mountains and sheep. Classic.

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Susie wanted this classic view of Mt Cook, as we drove up along Lake Pukaki. Wonderful to have the sun shining.

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Our accommodations: the Mt Cook Alpine Lodge, apparently, according to Lonely Planet, THE place to stay in the village. Way better than the huge hotel.

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We arrive at Mt Cook Village a bit before check in time, so we took in the visitor center and took photos of the mountain, as you never know what tomorrow's weather will bring.

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A hanging glacier across the valley.

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After a rainy night, our view from the Mt Cook Alpine lodge. Great lighting.

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Some nice light on the hanging glacier

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That morning, our plan was to hike up the Hooker Valley to get closer to a good view of Mt. Cook. Thankfully we got ahead of a huge group of Oriental tourists. They all seemed to be talking very loudly, and not surprisingly, we prefer to enjoy the beauty in quiet.

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Approaching a glacial fed lake and stream

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The bridge across the stream/river.

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Susie on the bridge by herself.

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Finally seeing Mt Cook (right of photo)

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After a few miles, we get to the end of the trail. Lots of folks. This is the most Popular hike in the National Park.