k8stev, 11 September 2011
New Zealand , South Island 11°

South island, east coast

Today I leave Queenstown and have a new bus of people to get to know. it doesn't take long until we are in view of New zealands highest peak, Mt Cook at 3674m high. Our accomodation is just down the road from the famous hermitage and once check in, we head off for a walk to a look out point closer to the base of Mt Cook.
The next day, we drive on to Rangitata. The water in the lakes around here is a crazy blue which is caused by minerals in the glacier, which is where the water comes from. We stop at lake tekapo and see the church with the best view in the world. We then go snow tubing which was awesome fun! When we arrive in Rangitata, we head off on mountain bikes around the property and watch sunset from the lodge.
Next days drive takes us to Kaikora. Kai, is maori for food. This towns slogan is 'where the mountains meet the sea' which of course means the scenery is beautiful. We head to a lookout, the Fyffe mountain is opposite and theres water on either side of us. We head to the shore wathcing the massive waves and a find a colony of NZ fur seals! We then wander around the town finishing off the day with some fush n chups, as they say in NZ.
Today is my last day on the south island as we drive back to picton to takethe ferry over to Wellington. In the morning we take a walk through rainforest to a waterfall where a colony of baby seals swim around and play in the catch pool. We stop for lunch before getting the boat across the cook straight.