...the sunrise is indeed amazing but I wake up a little late for it. Still, I take nice morning shots of the surrounding mountains and glaciers and there even is an avalanche coming down in the distance
...I check out at the visitor center and drive the same way along the lake Pukaki back toward Tekapo. Views are amazing this time on account of clear weather.
...I marvel how many times I leave my valuables on the front seat (iPad, camera, phone) and go to eat in peace, not afraid at all something might happen. Authorities warn tourists to "lock it or lose it" at many tourist hot spots (put it in the trunk,out of sight) but somehow I don't feel like it's really needed.
...I appreciate you get a carafe of cold water free with any meal in a restaurant here
...I chuckle at how locals always say bye to you with a hearty "see you later" even if it's obvious you're just passing through.
...I drive through the supposedly scenic route at Lindis Pass (overrated) and then up to Queenstown, New Zealand's adrenaline capital. The town itself is very tourist, crowded and something I usually hate but I take the opportunity to buy some prized locally made merino wool clothes. I also manage to find a USB cable here which I had forgotten to bring from home. I can finally recharge my toothbrush!
...I try to eat a burger at the famous Ferg Burger place but there is a waiting line which looks like 2 hours worth of tourists so I pass.
...I drive the 45km road from Queenstown to Glenorchy along the lake Wakatipu. It is hailed as one of the world's ten most scenic drives and it delivers. It is definitely on my top 3 list. At least. See photos.
...Glenorchy turns out to be a small s***ty, beautifully located village and the road ends there. There is one hotel/restaurant/pub colonized by Irish staff with no toilet paper or soap in the bathrooms. I drive back for sunset views in the other direction!
...I sleep in my car because the few rooms that are left is Queenstown are exorbitantly priced. It is a nervous night, somebody always parks next to me, turns lights on and makes noise and there is a lot of traffic passing by. Ugh...