Today we made our way to the Mount Cook National Park. I was really looking forward to this but as we got nearer the rain started and the mist fell so we were unable to see it, although I later realised that I did glimpse the top of Mount Cook when I walked to the Fox Glacier a few days ago. But for now we had to be satisfied with a visit to the Hermitage, a hotel and centre for people climbing and walking in the area. It also houses the Edmund Hillary alpine centre so it was of interest.
As we stepped from the coach I don't think we were quite prepared for the drop in temperature and gale force winds. I certainly wouldn't be sneaking off for a quick walk to the mountain today, in stead it was a mug of hot chocolate sitting behind huge windows and gazing out at the mist covered mountains trying to imagine what they looked like from the postcard which I now had to buy!
That night we stayed at Lake Ohau in a hotel/mountain lodge. The next morning we awoke to falling snow.
Each room had a large picture window overlooking the lake.
Lots of photo opportunities. For at least one person on the coach it was his first snow experience as he lives in Darwin Australia - a place not known for zero temperatures!
As we stepped from the coach I don't think we were quite prepared for the drop in temperature and gale force winds. I certainly wouldn't be sneaking off for a quick walk to the mountain today, in stead it was a mug of hot chocolate sitting behind huge windows and gazing out at the mist covered mountains trying to imagine what they looked like from the postcard which I now had to buy!
That night we stayed at Lake Ohau in a hotel/mountain lodge. The next morning we awoke to falling snow.
It was a completely different view the next morning as the snow was still falling and gave everything a very Christmassy feel. It was difficult to remember that it was not a winter mountain scene at home in England I was looking at but a Spring almost Summer scene in New Zealand.
Lots of photo opportunities. For at least one person on the coach it was his first snow experience as he lives in Darwin Australia - a place not known for zero temperatures!
Those are gorgeous shots! I love snow! :o)
ReplyDeleteWhen I was up there it was full summer (January) and although I was only able to stay 1/2 day (and one night) I did a short hike up from the centre (nice building and interesting exhibits!) to one of the smaller lakes, with a glacier tip ending in it. Was fabulous!
And I think we might have stayed in that hotel... I don't remember. But it was a short walk from the centre...
Off to Christchurch now I guess? ;o)
I wonder how things look after the earthquake. I was there the month before! :o(
Thats NZ for you freezing weather in Spring. Shame you couldn't see the top of the mountain. I'm glad you didn't sneak off for a walk. It is a renowned dangerous area for tourist walkers.
ReplyDeleteSnow !! Unbeievable ! You made it from tropic to Northpole temperatures !
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