At last, the fog lifted and it turns out that our campsite is completely surrounded by huge snowy mountains and a large blue lake - we could even see Mount Cook in the far distance!

We made our way over the Mount Cook village and parked in the carpark of New Zealands most expensive hotel, the iinfamous Hermitage, from here we set off walking through Hooker Valley. Everywhere we looked was a different postcard picture, with huge snow capped mountains, blue lakes, rock pools and streams. It took us about 3-4 hours to walk not even half way, as most of the path was ankle deep in snow and clambering over rocks and boulders, but it took us over 2 high swing bridges with surging rivers below.

After lunch in the carpark (we werent the only ones!) we went to another area of the national park - The Tasman Glacier and Blue Lakes.

The Blue Lakes were a little disappointing as they were actually a murky green colour. Not too sure why? Next we climbed the steep hill to take a look at the Glacier. What we saw was completely different to what we expected, we were imagining a huge white ice-berg looming over us, but instead it was the mountain valley with what we can pretty much describe as a frozen river pouring into a frozen lake with ice-bergs on its surface. It was hard to believe that the ice itself is 200metres thick!

The Edmund Hilary centre was the next stop. A museum dedicated the him and his Everest conquering exploits. They also had 3D films to watch and a planetarium which let you explore the night sky from the most southern planetarium in the world (we are sure that there are alot more other 'most southern things in the world' as well).

Back to the log fire at night with other travellers attempting to stay warm!