Lake Tekapo
This stunning glacial Lake with its almost surreal turqouise coloured water, surrounded mountains is situated in the South Island just between Hawea and Christchurch passing Lindis Pass.
I had seen artistic photographes of the Lake with its lupins and the “Church of the Good Shepherd” with the famous Statue of a honoured Border Collie dog. Of course I had to see this Lake and Town for myself, as especially intrigued by the story with the Border Collie! This monument was erected by the runholders of the Mackenzie county and those who also appreciate the value of the Collie Dog. Without the help of which the grazing of this mountain county would be impossible. A beautiful gesture!
After saying “Goodbye” to Christl and the Dyer Family I took the IntercityBus from Tarras to Tekapo. It was a lovely journey again. The Lindis pass was stunning. At 971 hm, the highest point, it just stopped raining! I very much enjoyed the views during the trip.
Another gorgeous Lake I on the way was Lake Pukaki, shortly before reaching to my final destination. The bus driver was very informative and so I learned a lot about the area.
Petronella’s bookstore
As the weather was cloudy and rainy, I strolled around the mainstreet of Tekapo after my visit to the Church, where I surprisingly met Timothy’s Dad! A small world it is, indeed.
Right on the main street you’ll find a quaint little bookshop. Petronella’s lovely touch can be found all around. You can even buy a “blind date book“! I just loved the idea. Time for buying some last postcards to send home to my dear friends.
International Dark Sky Reserve
Tekapo hosts a designated Dark Sky Reserve, offering incredible opportunaties for astrophotography and viewing the stars or even Aurora Borealis or Australis. Just yesterday, on my last night in Hawea Flat, I became extremely fortune to see them in the backyard! My phone hasn’t got the best camera, but I still managed to capture some moments. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see them in Tekapo.
On my second day in Tekapo I decided to do some walking. Heading to the bridge I found a lovely trail called “Cowan’s Hill“. It was a bit misty which made it even more special. The smell of rain, the sandy yellow grasses forming a bright contrast to the green and red of farmland. I don’t know how to describe the feeling… I would just call it “pure happiness“. That moment where you feel WHOLE with nature. Blessed and Present.
On the top of the Hill I got a phone call of an old school mate. The setting was perfect for a talk about this stage of life where we are at, right now. I love to learn about the perspective of others. A lot of women my age are dealing with menopause,… the men more with “midlife-crisis”. It feels like we are struggling more physically (hormones, belly fat, flobby arm…) and men with mental health issues (what is my goal in life, what do I really want…). We had a lovely debate about it! He really made my day!
But even when everything is already perfect, it still can get better! After finishing this first trail I passed the Pump Park (bicycles), a nice, completely fenced dog park before passing the Fairy Tale forest. Wonderfully decorated trees, definitely the work of some very creative kids under the guidance of a great artist. I made way to many pictures while my mind started wandering… .
Later I was heading to the Camp ground with a lovely little stretch of beach. Due to the cloudy weather I couldn’t be bothered this morning to bring my toggs and towel (stupid – stupid – stupid…. it seems that after almost three months, I still haven’t learned much!). So here I was… in front of a perfect cool turquoise lake with gracious willows….and not being able to get in! Even the ducks felt sorry for me, and came to comfort me.
