New Zealand 2017 Day 10: Mount Cook to Christchurch

I woke up to the most gorgeous morning.  Clear sunny skies. Too bad it wasn't like that yesterday!  But nonetheless, it was beautiful to see.  It made it extremely difficult to leave.  I was so reluctant to drive away from such an amazing place that I felt like I still needed to explore! If only I had more time...

Goodbye beautiful Mt Cook.  Incredible view from hotel lobby.

I left around 9:30am.  As I was driving South, I had to try hard to not turn around and see the amazing landscape.  Since I was passing Peter's Lookout again, I made a quick stop to just enjoy that view along Lake Pukaki one last time...

Although, it wasn't the last view here. At the southern edge of Lake Pukaki, I went to the visitor center, where you could again see the turquoise blue, glacial fed waters with Mt Cook in the background.  There was a long rocky stretch that tourists spread out on for pictures.

Stunning Lake Pukaki from the visitor center.

I continued northeast, stopping at Lake Tekapo next. Also a beautiful turquoise colored, glacial fed lake.  I wasn't thinking properly, and went to the city center first, when I should have gone to the observatory first and not backtracked later on.  Oh well.

Dog monument at Lake Tekapo

I stopped at the dog monument, which was set pretty high up.  I was glad to see the appreciation of the hard working collies!  I didn't stick around here too long.  Backtracked maybe 12 minutes and went to the Astro Cafe at Mt John's Observatory for lunch.  While I could have hiked to the top, my legs were sore from yesterday, so I paid the $8 entrance fee and drove up instead. The entire drive up was windy and a small road, but not many cars venture up here.  The 360 degree views were incredible.  You could see the snow capped mountains on one side, and Lake Pukaki on the other.  Really amazing.  The cafe itself was pretty simple. I just got a sandwich and a smoothie.

Best way to eat a meal.

View from the top of Mount John Observatory

Driving down was a bit scary. I never like using my brakes so much.  I worry they'll wear out and just stop working as I'm going down the hill...

After Lake Tekapo, I stopped at the small town of Geraldine. This stretch of the drive was not as scenic and mountainous as others...in fact, it reminded me a lot of Washington.  A lot of green trees.

In Geraldine, there was a street of small stores and cafes. I went to Barkers of Geraldine's because I had heard so much about their jam.  I tasted their three berry one, which was delicious.  Unfortunately, I think it would be considered a liquid so I was not able to buy any to carry on back with me.  I also splurged on some ice cream and just walked a short river trail to stretch my legs a bit.  

From Geraldine, there are a couple routes one can take to Christchurch.  I chose the longer, inland route of Highway 72 that was supposed to be more scenic.  Well, at least the first half was.  I think the second half I got routed in a weird way and connected with the usual highway 73.

I only made one stop, at the Rakaia Gorge. I noticed a lot of activity there as I was crossing the bridge.  Kids playing in the water, boats getting dropped off there.  The water looked clear and like a good place to splash around without huge currents.

Even without my GPS, I could tell when I was getting closer to Christchurch.  More cars, and fewer rental hatchbacks and camper vans.  More shops.  It seemed pretty spread out, as I was driving down Riccarton Road.

I got to the YMCA around 6:30pm. A drive that could be completed in 4.5 hours or so took me nine because of all my stops and meandering about.  It's definitely nice to be able to take my time driving.  A special treat -- I got a room upgrade!  I would still have my private room, but now I would also have my own bathroom.  Woohoo! This plus last night in Mt Cook where I didn't have to share the quad room with anyone. Luck!

I rested a bit in the room, and eventually ventured out for dinner.  There was a Thai restaurant called Kum Pun Thai that was a 14 minute walk away that had good reviews.  It was cold out though. That wind chill..

Delicious penang curry!  Really enjoyed it. It was pricey though, $25nzd, but I think I'm okay with spending a bit on a handful of meals since some days I just eat energy bars.

Best Penang curry probably!  Interesting ceiling...

Annual Sparks in the park at Hagley Park

As I was walking back to YMCA, I noticed a lot if people carrying chairs and heading towards Hagley Park.  Turns out it was a special event tonight, Sparks in the Park. It's a summer event where the Christchurch orchestra performs, and then there is a large fireworks show with the music. What perfect timing!  There were huge crowds, so I only walked around to check it out for maybe 15 minutes. There was also a separate event going on there, the Night Noodle Festival.  Essentially an Asian food festival with the lots of booths and vendors.  It is still going on tomorrow, so maybe I'll check it out if I feel okay with battling the crowds.

There was no way I would be staying to watch the fireworks when I was freezing...but luckily my room has a balcony that is facing the park! Really perfect.  I watched from the comfort and warmth of my room.

Great fireworks show to end the day

A long day of driving today...and I'm so bummed that tomorrow is my last day here.