New Zealand 2017 Day 8: Queenstown to Mount Cook

I had a lazy start to my morning.  Didn't leave Queenstown until around 10:30am, with the final destination being Mount Cook.

I drove to Wanaka for my first stop.  The first stretch to Wanaka was up an extremely windy hill.  But there were incredible lookouts up the whole way. Arrow Junction Lookout, Crown Range Summit.

Arrow Junction Lookout

It took me so long to get to Wanaka because of my many stops...I finally got there during late lunch time. Lake Wanaka is gorgeous, and the town is nestled in the middle of a beautiful view.  It had a much slower-paced vibe than Queenstown.  Tourists were around, but not as crowded.  If I had more time, I would have liked to stay a day in Wanaka so that I could explore Mount Aspiring National Park.

Retail shops and restaurants at Lake Wanaka

I picked up a wrap from the chain BoaBoa and ate it at the waterfront.  Didn't spend too long in town, as I wanted to fit in a short hike nearby, Mount Iron.

Mount Iron was just 1.5 miles outside of town. It is only supposed to take 45 minutes to summit, and offer great views of the city and multiple lakes.  Unfortunately, this hike was in tough conditions. It was sunny and hot, and the entire hike up was exposed. There were only a handful of shady spots, in which I stood under every chance I got. I felt like I could have easily gotten heat stroke.  But finally, with water and a slow and steady pace, made it to the top.  Really stunning views.

After the sunny, hot hike up Mount Iron

After this, I drove another stretch to a pit stop at Omarama. Along the way, there was another lookout that was beautiful.  I'm in awe of how everywhere you look, the landscape is absolutely stunning and unreal.

At Omarama, I fueled up and got some ice cream. It was a long drive, and it was getting old not being able to receive any radio stations. But luckily I discovered that I could listen to my phone's music via Bluetooth! Hooray.

Almost at Mount Cook, when I first caught glimpse of the Southern Alps and the beautiful blue waters near Peter's Lookout, my jaw dropped.  It was so beautiful.  I know I've said that about numerous views here...but this one really touched me.  I don't know why I got emotional, but it really was amazing.

Peter's Lookout along Mt Cook Road, on Lake Pukaki.  Incredible.

The stretch from here to Mount Cook Lodge was incredible as I got closer and closer to the snow capped mountains.  I finally got to my shared-room after 7pm sometime, and met my roommates who were from Australia.  They suggested doing the Mueller Hut hike, as they had just returned from it...so I may look into it for tomorrow.  It could rain tomorrow though...so I wanted to take advantage of the beautiful night in case it was the last I would see like this.  I found (with difficulty) the Glencoe Stream hike behind The Hermitage hotel. It must've been 8:30pm, and it was short.  When I reached the view, the moon was starting to rise above the mountain top.  But I knew I had to get back before it got dark.

Getting closer to Mt Cook...

After the 30 minute Glencoe Stream hike...

It was too late and the cafe was closed, so I had to eat a hodgepodge of food for dinner. It suffices. 

Looking forward to a rewarding day hike tomorrow!