We picked up our campervan from Christchurch on Saturday. Just as we left, it started to rain. Made our way to Grumpy's Retreat for our first night. It was cold.

Next morning drove to Geraldine for a decent cup of coffee and then the sun came out. Fabulous journey to Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Views were brilliant and the water was a brilliant blue (something to do with a rock flour which gives it the dramatic milky/turquoise colour). Then on to our nest stopover via another lake (Pukaki). Glenntanner is on the edge of the lake with views towards Mt Cook. Another cold night. Drove to base of Mout Cook in cloud but the sun then came out and we knew our flight was going to be on. Went for a walk towards Hooker Glacier and then registered at airfield for 14.30 flight. Tiny aircraft Pilatus Porter which sat 8. Then the flight. AWESOME, AND MORE AWESOME. All around the glaciers, around Mount Cook and the Southern Alps, over the ranges and valleys and landed on the Tasman Glacier - a bit bumpy but well worth it.

The drive to Wanaka on Tuesday was brilliant - completely different scenery but still good. The drive through Lindis Pass was especially good. Now staying at Wanaka for a couple of nights.

The weather over the last three days has been warm, clear with bright blue skies.

Long may it last.