New Zealand, February 2018 - Photos Page 2

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We drove from Te Anau up to 'The Divide', where the 32km Routeburn Track begins.
The whole route is normally completed in 3 days, with overnight stops at 'huts' along the way.
From the car park we did the climb to Key Summit, also doing the Nature Trail loop at this summit.
After lunch we descended to the main track and continued to Howden Huts next to the small Lake Howden. This photo just shows the start of the walk at the car park.

After we ascend above the trees spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges appear.

...and more mountains, some topped with snow.

...and more.

Having reached Key Summit there was a nature trail winding its way around the plateau. Still the views were tremendous.

Even better than Switzerland.

This little pond is part of the nature trail on the summit.

This sign marks as far as I went on the nature trail.

I know it's hard to spot, but almost right in the centre of this photo between the mountains is the Lake Marian refered to in the last photo.

A snow capped mountain, next we descended and continued onwards and down to Howden Lake.

So many lovely peaks, I couldn't stop taking pictures.

A carpet of moss which formed part of the nature trail.

So many shades of green, it's worth another take.

More peaks.

Finally, we are now down at Howden Lake, near an overnight stop for hikers doing the Routeburn.

In this natural and unspoilt woodland, dead trees stand amongst the living ones.

The driver stopped the bus at the roadside on the way back south to Te Anau. This is the Eglinton River valley.

Here we stopped to view the town of Te Anau from higher ground. Tomorrow we head to the famous Queenstown.

The time has come to move on, after breakfast I wandered down to the lakeshore and took this picture of a sightseeing helicopter taking off from its platform.

Travelling north on Route 6, we encounter the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu, the the third largest lake in NZ.
The Dart River flows into the northern end of Lake Wakatipu; the Kawarau River, beginning near Queenstown, handles its outflow. The lake occupies a single, glacier-carved trench and is bordered on all sides by tall mountains, the highest of which is Mount Earnslaw (2819 metres).
Settlements around the lake shore include Queenstown and the villages of Kingston, Glenorchy and Kinloch.

Another view across to the western shore of Lake Wakatipu, interesting how there is a cloud layer well below the summits of the peaks.

In Queenstown for lunch, the cable car can be seen rising up and going down in a gash cut in the tree covered peak rising behind the town.

Today we had a walk before checking in at Copthorne Hotel in Queenstown. We started the walk and soon came to Lake Dispute shown here.

We carried on along the valley floor and headed for the V-shaped gap on the horizon.

Continuing along with a range of low mountains on our left.

We then come to Moke Lake, a very attractive lake in a valley sheltered by mountains.

We reach our destination at the end of the lake, the sign is a reminder of our journey.

A view across Moke Lake towards where we've come from this afternoon. Mallards were seen fairly frequently on various lakes during our trip.

Our driver, Larry awaited us at the lakeside with his coach, with refreshents of orange squash and biscuits.

After the walk we stopped at the roadside heading east back to Queenstown and viewed the range of mountains called 'The Remarkables'.
They are a mountain range and skifield on the southeastern shore of Lake Wakatipu, the range lives up to its name by rising sharply to create an impressive backdrop for the waters. The highest point in the range is Double Cone (2319 metres).

What a treat today, our walk starts with a ride up the Skyline cable car to the top of Cemetery Hill, 1500 feet above Queenstown.
As you can see from this photo, the view is superb.

Another panoramic view from the observation area on Cemetery Hill with the impressive Cecil Peak (1978m) to the right of the picture to the south of Lake Wakatipu.

The mountains south of Lake Wakatipu are Cecil Peak (left) and Walter Peak (1800m) to its right in this photo.

We walked up and on from Cemetery Hill towards Ben Lomond saddle, with the mountain of the same name rising to 1748 metres.

Looking back to the south, Lake Wakatipu bends round to the south with the snow-capped mountain range called 'The Remarkables' behind.

We reach the saddle of Ben Lomond where we had lunch. One of our group, Cris, decided to leave us to go up Ben Lomond.

From the saddle we were now mainly descending and walking along the right hand side of this valley in which flows the Shotover River.

I took this photo to show some interesting cloud formations.

It's not obvious that we're walking on a valley side but it soon shapes itself into a canyon.

We continue along the valley, here looking back to Ben Lomond on the left. We are following the Moonlight Track, which was used by the gold miners back in the day.

Approaching the small town of Arthurs Point, where adrenalin junkies (well maybe such as me, still) can do a semi-free fall Canyon Swing or Canyon Fox (zip wire with added twist) or there is the jet boating down in the canyon.

Today (Day 16) we left Queenstown and headed for the town of Aoraki (Mount Cook). Our first stop was to watch a bungee jump at the original bungee site at Kawarau Bridge. The bridge is 43m (141ft) over the river. Watching a chinese girl doing the jump brought back memories, but my bungee jumping days are over.

We stopped for lunch at Twizer, where our hotel was, and here I fed sausage roll crumbs to a large flock of sparrows.

Today's walk was a bit of a challenge - we drove to a parking area near the Hooker Valley Track.
The Hooker Valley Track crosses 3 suspension bridges over the Hooker River before reaching a lookout above Hooker Lake for a close view of Mount Cook.
Things didn't go to plan. I foolishly left my waterproof trousers in my suitcase in the bus. After about a mile and after crossing the first of the bridges, an almighty miniature storm hit three of us and we could barely stand up in the ferocious gusts. It was also raining heavily. Three of us decided to turn back, and I was sopping wet from the waist down.
Back in the bus, which was being rocked by the strong wind, I changed into dry clothes. Soon after, the leading group of walkers returned, with one poor lady nursing what turned out to be a fractured arm, having been blown off the track.
Anyway, with everyone accounted for, we set off and stopped for coffee at the Hermitage Hotel with its museum devoted to Sir Edmund Hilary. Our hotel stop was the MacKenzie Country Hotel at Twizer.

Well, today is the last full day of the holiday as we head back to Christchurch, where it all started 18 days ago.
We loaded up the bus with luggage and ourselves and stopped at a view point at the southern end of Lake Pukaki. In the distance to the right of my shoulder can be seen Mount Cook, now known as Aoraki.
It was a pity that yesterday we were unable to get anywhere near it and 9 days ago at Lake Matheson we were unable to see its majestic reflection in the lake. Well maybe another time.

At the southern end of another lake, Tekapo, we stopped and did a walk up the hill at Saint John. It was about 280 metres of climb to the top of this small mountain where there is a functional observatory.
There was also a cafe at the summit and while sipping Americanos one could look around at the views of the lake spread out below. The sign at the start of the climb gives information about the history of this particular attraction and site.

From near the observatory there was a nice view of the lake Tekapo.

Another view panning further west showing a range of mountains at the end of Lake Tekapo.

The town of Tekapo at the southern end of this lovely turquoise lake - most likely it's the glacial material in the water making the colour.

We head back down the hill and back to the coach to continue our journey.

The statue of a sheep dog near the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo.

A different view from the shore of the lake. Next we head to the town of Fairlie for lunch.

We stopped in Fairlie, a tiny town in Canterbury. I had a sandwich and coffee with a large cream bun which is shown in this photo before I ate it.

The way New Zealand helps motorists to understand road protocol is very refreshing. The 'No Entry' sign is accompanied with another saying 'Wrong Way'. Now what could be more helpful for uncertain motorists?

On our last day in New Zealand, our group split up as some travelled home via different routes. A few of us went in Larry's bus on a sightseeing tour around Christchurch as our flight was due to depart in the late afternoon.
Here we are overlooking Govenors Bay, south of Christchurch, where the main port of Lyttelton is situated.

Christchurch's Botanic Gardens were an ideal location to pass some time in the city without getting bored. Here are some mature trees, just a few of the many natural attractions on offer

One of several shallow ponds surrounded by various trees and other plant life.

A pair of ducks, both are female Paradise shelducks, native to New Zealand.

An exotic mature tree, don't know the species!

A tram, heading west, away from Cathedral Square.

The Anglican Cathedral. The February 2011 Christchurch earthquake destroyed the spire and part of the tower, and severely damaged the structure of the remaining building. After years of arguments it was only agreed in 2017 to repair the cathedral rather than demolish and rebuild it.

The fountain at the front of the Botanic Gardens.

The Canterbury Museum next to the Botanic Gardens. I didn't look very much at its exhibits as I just wanted to buy some souvenirs prior to coming home.

A sign board showing a map of the Botanic Gardens. Actually if you rotate it left 90 degrees it will point north. The river which loops around the attraction is the River Avon.

Top of Page

We drove from Te Anau up to 'The Divide', where the 32km Routeburn Track begins. The whole route is normally completed in 3 days, with overnight stops at 'huts' along the way. From the car park we did the climb to Key Summit, also doing the Nature Trail loop at this summit. After lunch we descended to the main track and continued to Howden Huts next to the small Lake Howden. This photo just shows the start of the walk at the car park.
After we ascend above the trees spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges appear.
...and more mountains, some topped with snow.
...and more.
Having reached Key Summit there was a nature trail winding its way around the plateau. Still the views were tremendous.
Even better than Switzerland.
This little pond is part of the nature trail on the summit.
This sign marks as far as I went on the nature trail.
I know it's hard to spot, but almost right in the centre of this photo between the mountains is the Lake Marian refered to in the last photo.
A snow capped mountain, next we descended and continued onwards and down to Howden Lake.
So many lovely peaks, I couldn't stop taking pictures.
A carpet of moss which formed part of the nature trail.
So many shades of green, it's worth another take.
More peaks.
Finally, we are now down at Howden Lake, near an overnight stop for hikers doing the Routeburn.
In this natural and unspoilt woodland, dead trees stand amongst the living ones.
The driver stopped the bus at the roadside on the way back south to Te Anau. This is the Eglinton River valley.
Here we stopped to view the town of Te Anau from higher ground. Tomorrow we head to the famous Queenstown.
The time has come to move on, after breakfast I wandered down to the lakeshore and took this picture of a sightseeing helicopter taking off from its platform.
Travelling north on Route 6, we encounter the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu, the the third largest lake in NZ. The Dart River flows into the northern end of Lake Wakatipu; the Kawarau River, beginning near Queenstown, handles its outflow. The lake occupies a single, glacier-carved trench and is bordered on all sides by tall mountains, the highest of which is Mount Earnslaw (2819 metres). Settlements around the lake shore include Queenstown and the villages of Kingston, Glenorchy and Kinloch.
Another view across to the western shore of Lake Wakatipu, interesting how there is a cloud layer well below the summits of the peaks.
In Queenstown for lunch, the cable car can be seen rising up and going down in a gash cut in the tree covered peak rising behind the town.
Today we had a walk before checking in at Copthorne Hotel in Queenstown. We started the walk and soon came to Lake Dispute shown here.
We carried on along the valley floor and headed for the V-shaped gap on the horizon.
Continuing along with a range of low mountains on our left.
We then come to Moke Lake, a very attractive lake in a valley sheltered by mountains.
We reach our destination at the end of the lake, the sign is a reminder of our journey.
A view across Moke Lake towards where we've come from this afternoon. Mallards were seen fairly frequently on various lakes during our trip.
Our driver, Larry awaited us at the lakeside with his coach, with refreshents of orange squash and biscuits.
After the walk we stopped at the roadside heading east back to Queenstown and viewed the range of mountains called 'The Remarkables'. They are a mountain range and skifield on the southeastern shore of Lake Wakatipu, the range lives up to its name by rising sharply to create an impressive backdrop for the waters. The highest point in the range is Double Cone (2319 metres).
What a treat today, our walk starts with a ride up the Skyline cable car to the top of Cemetery Hill, 1500 feet above Queenstown. As you can see from this photo, the view is superb.
Another panoramic view from the observation area on Cemetery Hill with the impressive Cecil Peak (1978m) to the right of the picture to the south of Lake Wakatipu.
The mountains south of Lake Wakatipu are Cecil Peak (left) and Walter Peak (1800m) to its right in this photo.
We walked up and on from Cemetery Hill towards Ben Lomond saddle, with the mountain of the same name rising to 1748 metres.
Looking back to the south, Lake Wakatipu bends round to the south with the snow-capped mountain range called 'The Remarkables' behind.
We reach the saddle of Ben Lomond where we had lunch. One of our group, Cris, decided to leave us to go up Ben Lomond.
From the saddle we were now mainly descending and walking along the right hand side of this valley in which flows the Shotover River.
I took this photo to show some interesting cloud formations.
It's not obvious that we're walking on a valley side but it soon shapes itself into a canyon.
We continue along the valley, here looking back to Ben Lomond on the left. We are following the Moonlight Track, which was used by the gold miners back in the day.
Approaching the small town of Arthurs Point, where adrenalin junkies (well maybe such as me, still) can do a semi-free fall Canyon Swing or Canyon Fox (zip wire with added twist) or there is the jet boating down in the canyon.
Today (Day 16) we left Queenstown and headed for the town of Aoraki (Mount Cook). Our first stop was to watch a bungee jump at the original bungee site at Kawarau Bridge. The bridge is 43m (141ft) over the river. Watching a chinese girl doing the jump brought back memories, but my bungee jumping days are over.
We stopped for lunch at Twizer, where our hotel was, and here I fed sausage roll crumbs to a large flock of sparrows.
Today's walk was a bit of a challenge - we drove to a parking area near the Hooker Valley Track. The Hooker Valley Track crosses 3 suspension bridges over the Hooker River before reaching a lookout above Hooker Lake for a close view of Mount Cook. Things didn't go to plan. I foolishly left my waterproof trousers in my suitcase in the bus. After about a mile and after crossing the first of the bridges, an almighty miniature storm hit three of us and we could barely stand up in the ferocious gusts. It was also raining heavily. Three of us decided to turn back, and I was sopping wet from the waist down. Back in the bus, which was being rocked by the strong wind, I changed into dry clothes. Soon after, the leading group of walkers returned, with one poor lady nursing what turned out to be a fractured arm, having been blown off the track. Anyway, with everyone accounted for, we set off and stopped for coffee at the Hermitage Hotel with its museum devoted to Sir Edmund Hilary. Our hotel stop was the MacKenzie Country Hotel at Twizer.
Well, today is the last full day of the holiday as we head back to Christchurch, where it all started 18 days ago. We loaded up the bus with luggage and ourselves and stopped at a view point at the southern end of Lake Pukaki. In the distance to the right of my shoulder can be seen Mount Cook, now known as Aoraki. It was a pity that yesterday we were unable to get anywhere near it and 9 days ago at Lake Matheson we were unable to see its majestic reflection in the lake. Well maybe another time.
At the southern end of another lake, Tekapo, we stopped and did a walk up the hill at Saint John. It was about 280 metres of climb to the top of this small mountain where there is a functional observatory. There was also a cafe at the summit and while sipping Americanos one could look around at the views of the lake spread out below. The sign at the start of the climb gives information about the history of this particular attraction and site.
From near the observatory there was a nice view of the lake Tekapo.
Another view panning further west showing a range of mountains at the end of Lake Tekapo.
The town of Tekapo at the southern end of this lovely turquoise lake - most likely it's the glacial material in the water making the colour.
We head back down the hill and back to the coach to continue our journey.
The statue of a sheep dog near the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo.
A different view from the shore of the lake. Next we head to the town of Fairlie for lunch.
We stopped in Fairlie, a tiny town in Canterbury. I had a sandwich and coffee with a large cream bun which is shown in this photo before I ate it.
The way New Zealand helps motorists to understand road protocol is very refreshing. The 'No Entry' sign is accompanied with another saying 'Wrong Way'. Now what could be more helpful for uncertain motorists?
On our last day in New Zealand, our group split up as some travelled home via different routes. A few of us went in Larry's bus on a sightseeing tour around Christchurch as our flight was due to depart in the late afternoon. Here we are overlooking Govenors Bay, south of Christchurch, where the main port of Lyttelton is situated.
Christchurch's Botanic Gardens were an ideal location to pass some time in the city without getting bored. Here are some mature trees, just a few of the many natural attractions on offer
One of several shallow ponds surrounded by various trees and other plant life.
A pair of ducks, both are female Paradise shelducks, native to New Zealand.
An exotic mature tree, don't know the species!
A tram, heading west, away from Cathedral Square.
The Anglican Cathedral. The February 2011 Christchurch earthquake destroyed the spire and part of the tower, and severely damaged the structure of the remaining building. After years of arguments it was only agreed in 2017 to repair the cathedral rather than demolish and rebuild it.
The fountain at the front of the Botanic Gardens.
The Canterbury Museum next to the Botanic Gardens. I didn't look very much at its exhibits as I just wanted to buy some souvenirs prior to coming home.
A sign board showing a map of the Botanic Gardens. Actually if you rotate it left 90 degrees it will point north. The river which loops around the attraction is the River Avon.