Day 14
Today we said goodbye to Queenstown and headed for Mt Cook, another long drive, but with some differences. On the way we stopped in Cromwell after seeing a sign that read "CHERRIES". These people grow their cherries for the export market, usually Asia. We've certainly never seen cherries this big anywhere else before. They're massive!!! Not long after we found ourselves sharing the road with cyclists participating in The Challenge Wanaka Triathlon, and a very competitive group they were indeed! As we approached the Mt Cook area, the weather turned grey and windy, we couldn't even see the peak of Mt Cook!
Day 15
The next day, we trekked up to the Hooker Valley, with a guide who happened to be a Nepalese Sherpa who knew Sir Edmund Hillary- the first man to climb Mt Everest. So we knew we were in good hands. He also had climbed Mt Everest himself- not only once, but twice, AND without oxygen. He had also climbed Mount Cook, and he said apart from the lack of oxygen, climbing Mt Everest is EASIER than climbing Mt Cook! The weather was wild and winds ran at 60km/hr. Infact, it was so strong, the rain stung on our faces! When we got back to the hotel, a warm shower was just what we all needed.
Day 16
Yes, you guessed it, another driving day. This time, back to Christchurch. As we were leaving today, we actually could see the peak of Mount Cook, finally! It was an amazing sight. Along the way we stopped at The Church of The Good Shepard, a small stone church, on Lake Tekapo. it quite a cute little place, and is especially popular for small weddings. The window behind the alter is completley clear, so that the congregation can see the Lake behind the Priest during services. That sure would spice up the six o'clock mass!
Then we headed off again, and we took the Inland Scenic Route. Quite a sight aswell! Again we stopped a couple of times for photos, and eventually, in the early evening, we arrived at our hotel. quick showers, then off to dinner at the Thai restaurant across the road, that we had been to earlier when we were in Christchurch. The make really good food! And it's really clean and has great atmosphere. All together we ended up going there 3 times in the whole trip!
