Christchurch and Lake Tekapo

After spending two nights in Christchurch, including a scenic drive to Akaroa, a beautiful french inspired town dwarfed by the volcanic landscape, and back, we have finally got in to the groove of things. We were both amazed by the amount of damage left behind by the 2011 earthquakes in Christchurch. The city centre is still in ruins and completely closed off, in parts it seemed like a ghost town.

We left Christchurch for Lake Tekapo on the 21st Jan and what a drive it was! We drove away from the flat plains of East Canterbury along the scenic tourist route over the mysteriously blue Rakaia Gorge and in to the mountains. Our highlight of the day was taking a spontaneous detour to the Sharplin Falls. Within a twenty minute walk the landscape changed in to a lush tropical forest and after a long trek up the mountain we finally reached the Falls. A prime photo opportunity!



Laura's Panorama

We continued on along Burkes Pass until we reached Lake Tekapo. One of New Zealand's many blue lakes, a colour due to the rock flour created by its glacial past. We had little sun light left once we arrived so showered and ate, however the views didnt stop there. We were asked by two Chinese couples (who were very entertaining!) along with a German couple to go star gazing. The area is hopeful of being a UNESCO reserve in the sky due to night sky. We have both never seen stars like it, so many and so bright, a full view of the Milky Way stretching across the sky.

That brings us to today, the weather hasnt been as good, with passing clouds and a chill in the wind. We drove to to Mt. John observatory for amazing views over Lake Tekapo and Lake Alexandrina and a yummy white hot chocolate in the Astro Cafe. Our timing is running out...thats all for now, and we will try to keep this going as best we can! xxxxx