Alan and Susie next to our camper-van approaching Mount Cook in the Southern Alps - New Zealand
We picked up our camper-van shortly after landing in Christchurch. Our first night was spent at Timaru on the coast south of Christchurch. We soon got used to a routine of life in the camper-van. Alan was the driver with Susie sat next to him in the front cab. I sat in the mid-section of the camper-van with the map! We loved the freedom of being on the open-road! South Island her we come!
Susie on the shore of Lake Pukaki approaching Mount Cook National Park
Slideshow of our drive into the Southern Alps
and approach to Mount Cook 3,724 metres (12,218 feet)
** PRESS PLAY - to start slideshow **
Church of the Good Shepherd and bronze statue of a New Zealand Collie Sheepdog at Lake Tekapo
The bronze statue of a sheepdog, close to the church, was commissioned in recognition of the indispensable role of the sheepdog not just in the Mackenzie Basin but throughout New Zealand. The sheepdog was called 'Haig'!
'Aoraki' . . . . Mount Cook 3,724 metres (12,218 feet) is the highest mountain in New Zealand
Mount Cook is a technically challenging mountain with a high level of glaciation. Its level of difficulty is often underestimated and conditions can change dramatically depending on weather, snow and ice conditions. The climb crosses large crevasses and involves risks of ice and rock falls, avalanches and rapidly changing weather conditions. Around 80 climbers have died attempting to climb Mount Cook. At our turnaround point we were close to the mountain with clear views of its steep south face.
Our view of the ice ramparts of Mount Sefton from our turnaround point
on the Kea Point Track. You can see the stunning turquoise of the hanging glacier!
Statue of Sir Edmund Hillary outside The Hermitage
Sunset over Mount Cook from our camp-site
on the northern end of Lake Pukaki near Mount Cook
Our camper-van at the Glentanner campground with views back to Mount Cook
Sunrise from our camp-ground at Lake Pukaki
The adventure continues . . . . . . join us in my next blog!
Regards
David