Finally I’m free again, good that I have a full travel list. I already glanced at the highest Mountain Aoraki / Mt. Cook.
Table of Contents
Washpen Falls
I didn’t want to spend more time in the unexciting Christchurch, therefore I continued my journey on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. First stop Wasphen Falls. The sign is a but small, so you can easily miss the turn. After a short gravel road you arrive at the parking lot. It’s private land, therefore you should spend 10 NZD as compensation.
I expected a small boring way to the beautiful waterfalls, but was positively surprised. It’s a circular hike and if you only want to see the falls, start with the return track, because the normal way is not easy. You’re located in a forest valley and at first you climb up the cliff, altitude gain of about 200 meter. On top of the plateau you have a far reaching view.
Shortly afterwards you continue your way back into the forest until you reach Wasphen Falls. A beautiful waterfall with minimal guests. The return track is mostly flat.
Edoras & Peel Forest
Because I left Christchurch earlier than anticipated, I used my time to visit the film location Edoras from The Lord Of The Rings. Hidden in the deep Rangitata River valley. The gravel road is not in the best shape, many grooves and potholes. If you don’t want to ruin your car, a speed of 20 km/h at some places is advised.
You don’t see how steep and big the hill of Edoras really is during the movie. On top I was blown away from the strong winds. I couldn’t take a nice picture of the whole valley, because it was impossible to stay still. For the night I stayed at Lake Clearwater.
The next morning I was travelling to Peel Forest for Little Mt. Peel. It was safe to say, that I didn’t know the altitude gain. It were many and it was hot. There’re two routes to the peak. The challenging Deer Spurs Track and the even more challenging South Ridge Track. Naturally I chose the second option.
The beginning is really nice, you start in the forest along a small stream. After crossing it a handful of times, beyond this point it only goes up. The forest is covering you on the first part. Afterwards your neck is frying. Some parts of the track are overgrown. After 2.5h, one hour faster than the sign, I reached the top. Again you have a breathtaking view. I was going the Deer Spurs Track down. It’s definitely easier, but still exhausting. Back at the car I checked the altitude gain, over 1000 meters. This is a perfect trail for training. For the night I stayed at Peel Forest Campground; bookings essential.
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is known for maybe the most photographed building in New Zealand, the Church of the good Shepherd. There’s a reason for that, the solitude chapel is standing alone. One motif surrounded from nature. But there is more to see in Lake Tekapo. The name giving turquoise lake, Mt. John Observatory and a gorgeous night sky.
After my first picture of the Church of the good Shepherd I explored the small little town. Afterwards I was going to the observatory. You could walk up to it, but after yesterday and like 30 degrees, I chose the road. The observatory is owned from the University of Canterbury therefore you have to pay a small road fee of 8 NZD. If the parking lot at the top is full, you have to wait in the valley until enough free spaces. On the hill you have beautiful views over Lake Tekapo. But I couldn’t stay for long, because I still have other plans.
I drove to my “night” camp at Lake McGregor. Here you can get a glimpse of the rare Southern Crested Gerbes. It’s a duck species specialized for water. They even build there nest on the water.
Did I already mention, that the Church of the good Shepherd is a perfect picture spot? Exactly, that’s why I was driving there at 2 p.m. The obligatory milky way picture is waiting.
At Lake Clearwater I tried the long-term photography. For it I extra bought a second hand tripod for my camera and I’m really satisfied with the results. But there is more, the first hour during sun rise is called the Golden Hour. In this time frame you can shoot more marvelous picture. Because of that, I stayed another 3 hours at the parking lot, just to shot my last picture of the Church of the good Shepherd.
Aoraki / Mt. Cook
Since I continued my journey I got blessed with weather worthy of an emperor and this fortune didn’t run out in the National Park Aoraki / Mt. Cook. At first you drive on one of the most scenic roads along Lake Pukaki. All the time you can view the highest mountain of the country.
Besides the perfect weather, there were some clouds in the morning which hemmed the views during the Hooker Valley Track. This easy 5 km way can be returned in 3 hours. Naturally you will meet many people, but the views are priceless.
After 10 km and 2 hours I was perfectly warmed up for the Mueller Hut Track. A gain of over 1000 meters until the hut and 3 - 5 h one way. Initially I just wanted to hike the 600 meters up to the Sealy Tarns Viewpoint, where I arrived after one hour. I hate stairs on a track, because you have a fixed step height and longitude. Therefore, I didn’t enjoy a trail only made of stairs that much. The 10 km from the Hooker Valley Track weren’t helping either…
It's a really challenging hike, but the views even during your way up the stairs are literally breathtaking. Because my good time I continued my way to Mueller Hut. Now the complete trail is only rocks, which I prefer. Besides only a gain of 400 meters, it’s still a long and exhausting hike. After another hour and 20 minutes I could sit down on the terrace of the red hut. Naturally I didn’t pack any food with me, therefore my rest was only short. I applied another layer of sunscreen and all of this fun back down. Arriving at my car I was drained, but this was a good training for my planned multi day hikes.
On the evening I was driving to Aoraki / Mt. Cook Village and got something to eat at Chamois Bar & Grill. After this day I deserved this. I stayed the night at White Horse Hill Campground, the parking lot where all the trails begin; bookings essential.
Tasman Glacier
Because I enjoyed the early wake-up in Lake Tekapo that much, I did it again. My alarm disturbed my quiet sleep at 4:30 a. m. The Golden Hour for the Tasman Glacier is waiting for me. For the best reflection follow the Tasman River Track! You will arrive at the Tasman River mouth. Was it the hassle worth? Decide yourself:
Here I stayed the whole hour, as an example for the picture transformation too.
For a perfect reflection, I had to stay even longer. But after this magic hour, I didn’t care anymore. Afterwards I was going to the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint to look upon the devastating situation. The glaciers are dying!
After these exciting days I was driving to the Round Bush Camp at Lake Ohau. To have a break for the rest of the day (besides writing this). You will be blessed with beautiful views, but my camera was shooting enough picture already. I took a small dive into the lake. It’s chilling cold, the water is clear and the Sandflies are ruining the atmosphere.
Next destination
Tomorrow I will go to Dunedin, the Edinburg of New Zealand. Afterwards I will take the ferry to Stewart Island, for my first Great Walk.
The pictures are my most beautiful yet, really take a look at the gallery.
