New Zealand > Lake Tekapo

Today we’re going on a half-day mountain hike. We have the choice between the Hooker Valley Track and the Sealy Tarns Track. The Hooker Valley Track is a walk of about three hours round-trip to a viewpoint at Hooker Lake. The trail is flat and fairly easy. The Sealy Tarns, on the other hand, is a more challenging hike. The path rises about six hundred meters via stairs with 2,200 steps. At the top are several small mountain lakes, called Tarns. The weather looks good, so we decide to take the Sealy Tarns Track. We drive again to Mount Cook Village. From the parking lot, we start the hike. The first part follows the same route as the walk to Kea Point that we did the day before yesterday. After a few minutes, our path turns off. Immediately the trail ascends, and soon we reach the first steps. The stairs help us gain elevation quickly. Steps are installed all along the route—sometimes made of stone, but mostly of wood. Because of the steps, the hike becomes a strenuous climb. The effort is rewarded with a stunning view of the Hooker Glacier and Mount Cook behind it.

New Zealand - View of the Hooker Glacier in Mount Cook National Park

After about an hour and a half of climbing, we reach the top. Here lie two small mountain lakes. We leave them be, as the view of the surroundings is much more spectacular. Like the Tasman Glacier, the Hooker Glacier is also covered under a layer of rocks, which gives it a black appearance. The glacier flows into Hooker Lake. Below us, we can see the parking lot, Mount Cook Village, the walking trail to Kea Point, and the Hooker Valley Track winding through the valley. We descend via the stairs. Although the hike is listed as three to four hours, we are back at the car in under three hours. We haven’t even walked very fast. We were overtaken by several hikers along the way. The time estimate is probably generous. We also saw people who probably really need the full four hours. We head to the only restaurant in Mount Cook Village for lunch. After lunch, we leave the mountain area. As we drive past the helicopter company, we see three helicopters on the ground. Probably too much wind on the glacier. We realize we were lucky yesterday. Strangely enough, the weather now is much sunnier. The cloud cover that hung over the mountains this morning has completely cleared. We see Mount Cook and the surrounding giant peaks beautifully reflected in Lake Pukaki. Like Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo is bright blue due to the minerals from the glaciers.

New Zealand - Mount Cook reflected in Lake Pukaki

At our accommodation in Tekapo, it turns out we have an upstairs apartment. The door is open, and a note is left for us. Should anything be needed, the manager is at a nearby Bed & Breakfast. On our way to the lake, we pass by it and can settle the payment with her. By the lake stands the small Church of the Good Shepherd. Its unique location on the shores of Lake Tekapo makes the church a true tourist attraction. From the altar, you look out over the lake. Across the pedestrian bridge, we reach the town center. The village resembles Twizel. Normally, only a handful of people live here, but in the high season, everything revolves around tourists. The manager of our accommodation recommended a restaurant. On the terrace behind the restaurant, we order a drink. For the next order, we also decide to have dinner there. Due to minimal light pollution, the area around Lake Tekapo is known for its spectacular night sky. From the veranda, we see the stars light up as it gets darker. During a nighttime bathroom stop, I step outside again. The starry sky is truly breathtaking. The Milky Way is clearly visible. Stars are everywhere—thousands of them.