We had a lot of hikes planned for this trip so we decided to start off easy with a 1-hour loop hike for the first day.
As we approached Lake Tekapo the drive became more scenic and even if it wasn’t highway anymore and with more bends it was still an easy drive.
We drove past Lake Pukaki, another stunning lake with turquoise water, and reached Aoraki Mount Cook Village by 10AM.
Wanaka and the surrounding lakes but even being above the clouds was very beautiful.
The whole peak was shrouded in clouds, I couldn’t even see the gondola right beneath me. I was glad I hadn’t paid 50 NZD just to see some clouds!
Close to Queenstown is Milford Sound; a fjord that has been acclaimed as New Zealand’s most famous travel destination and the 8th wonder of the natural world.
There is a first viewpoint where the trails meet again at a metal sculpture called the “Basket of Dreams”.