I stayed another day in Lake Tekapo as there I couldn't face another long drive to my next destination. There isn't much to the village - just one strip of cafes and shops. THe population of the village is just 303. At least there were more people in the hostel this time.

I set off early for the drive inland to Lake Tekapo which meant heading back up the Summit Road towards Christchurch and then southwards. The drive along the coast was pretty boring until I turned inland and then the scenery was stunning. I saw six big birds of prey flying about on the drive up, maybe buzzards or something. I also passed an alpaca and a couple of deer farms. I tried to get into the YHA but they had the rooms all reserved for the bus tours so I en...