20. - 22.02.2012 Mt. Cook, New Zealand

After a not too early breakfast we drove to Wanaka, we planned to arrive around lunch time as our French hitch hiker told us there is a great Burger Place and after all our camping food we felt like some meat and something different than rice or pasta with tomato sauce or baked beans.




Wanaka is a cute town on the same named lake. It was busy with a lot of tourists and backpackers. First we walked along the shore of the lake and through some of the shops of the town. By the time we reached the "Red Star" Burger Restaurant it was time for lunch. We ordered a burger each with french fries to share and it was more than enough for us. We really enjoyed the food.








After lunch we picked up our car and drove towards Mt. Cook. The drive was along scinic crystal clear, light blue lakes. Every so often we could not resist to stop and take pictures, especially with the snow covered mountains in the back drop.








The drive took us along a windy road slowly towards Mt. Cook and by the time we arrived it was time to set up the tent and to have dinner.




We joined an Australian couple at a picnic table. The four of us enjoyed some New Zealand wine and crisps with it and had a lovely chat about New Zealand, Australia and much more. By the time we said good night to each other it was dark. We still hadn't eaten at the time. So we made quick Asia noodles.
During the night it already started to rain and in the morning it still drizzled and that would be the best weather for the rest of the day. It was raining hard and we were caught inside the tent. But it was not too bad, both of us had new books that we really wanted to read and hadn't had time to do so for a long time. We read books, played Skippo, chatted and laughed about the weather. It was a very relaxing day and we enjoyed it for what it was.
During that night it finally stopped raining and the next morning the clouds lifted and the mountain tops could be seen again.




We hiked the "Hooker Valley" trail with fantastic views. When we arrived at the coldest lake of New Zealand we enjoyed Mount Cook. When we started to tramp back the clouds rolled in and no more mountain tops could be seen.




















Back at the camping ground we packed our, by now dry tent and drove towards the east coast.

If you would like to see more pictures click on the following link: Mt. Cook