We arrived at Mount Cook N.P. on Wednesday (6th) enjoying fantastic views of the magnificent snow-capped Mount Cook as we drove the length (25 km) of Lake Pukaki. We couldn't have wished for better weather in this area that has a high level of rainfall and cloud. We parked at the head of the Hooker Valley along which we walked to reach the glacier terminal and the lake - a return trip taking about three hours. We spent the night here at the campsite with very few facilities, made up for by location! On Friday (8th) by 8.30 am we were walking again up another track to see more spectacular views, listening to the ice cracking and witnessing an avalanche high up the mountain! Before leaving the N.P. we also walked up the Tasman Valley to see the glacier and lake - these are very different to the glaciers we saw in South America. We spent the night in Geraldine where we went to a country town cinema to see "Golden Compass" - that was an experience! On Saturday (9th) we started our journey up to Christchurch and explored the Banks Peninsula and the town of Akoroa where we stayed for two nights. This is a day/weekend destination from Christchurch so was quite busy during the day with sailers, families and tourists. We had a great view of the harbour from our pitch so just enjoyed it! On Monday (11th) we drove to Christchurch and explored this very English city, watching the tourist being punted along the River Avon by Kiwis in boaters and wearing braces! We had our first evening of rain last night and its still raining now - I think its time to move on.....................

Kia Ora