This was a great day, spent in the area we’d flown over the day before.
The drive into the area had some spectacular sights
Tasman Glacier viewpoint
When we arrived the Hooker Valley was shrouded in cloud so we started with a short walk, with a lot of stairs, up to the Tasman Glacier viewpoint. This finished with a great view over the terminal lake. This path was surrounded by many wild flowers, and great views down the valley back toward Lake Pukaki.
This was the view from the car park.
The higher we got up the terminal wall the more the valley opened behind us.
The glacier was just visible in the valley at the end of the lake.
And there were icebergs in the lake.
Panorama of the Terminal Lake
Hooker Valley Trek
This was followed by the Hooker Valley Trek, one of New Zealand’s great day walks. Thankfully the cloud cleared so we could appreciate the views. This was relatively easy walking among great scenery up to the Hooker Lake, at the base of the Hooker Glacier. This felt like Malham Cove, a striking area but really busy.
The first of three swing bridges,
It was a great view from the bridge.
For the first part of the walk you can not see Mount Cook – then it comes into view after the first bridge.
Where ever you look there is lush plant life
The walk ends at picnic tables with a view over the lake.
But there is a path down to the “beach”.
Bright sun and floating ice.
As we headed back to the car the clouds were rolling back into the valley.
Alpine Plants in their natural setting.
As we drove back to Tekapo there was one last view of Mount Cook over Lake Pukaki.
The day finished with probably the best meal of the trip at McKenzies in Tekapo.
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