Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey continues from Lake Tekapo heading across to Lake Pukaki, then diverting up to The Hermitage at Mount Cook Village. Here I take a short hike under New Zealand's tallest mountain. From Mount Cook we return to the main highway to continue through Central Otago before eventually reaching the historic Arrowtown.
Today's Journey
 |
Another view of the Church of the Good Shepherd in the early morning. It is already crowded here. |
 |
Small waves break on the shore of Lake Tekapo just before heading towards Mount Cook. Looks like a cloudy day today with rain on the west coast. |
 |
I eventually reach Mount Cook Village from where I follow a short track into the mountains. Thick cloud still covers the mountaintops which tower over two kilometres overhead. |
 |
The cloud does quickly clear revealing the 3754 metre high summit of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. |
 |
Leaving Mount Cook, we pass the pristine blue opaque glacial waters of Lake Pukaki. This was once the path of New Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier which is quickly receding. |
 |
Crossing the rolling hills of the 975 metre high Lindis Pass in Central Otago. |
 |
Reaching the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. The cloud has completely cleared. |
 |
One of the cottages in Arrowtown, built by one of the gold prospectors who travelled from afar to find their fortune here. |
 |
The historic cemetery of Arrowtown, occupied by the gold miners who died seeking their fortunes in these gold fields. |
 |
Exploring the Arrow River, where much of the gold was extracted by panning the shingle. Little evidence remains of the gold mining activities here except for the exotic willow trees which have now established themselves lining the river's banks. |
|
