After spending 4 days in Sydney we flew to Christchurch to begin a driving tour of

Jan 2, 2018
 
After landing at the airport  we took a shuttle (with a very friendly driver) to pick up our rental car.

We then drove 3 hours to Lake Tekapo and checked in to the Lakefront Lodge hostel. Next was a visit to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, and exploring the town of Lake Tekapo with dinner at Pukaki Garden Korean restaurant.

Jan 3, 2018
 
The day began with taking photos and sending the drone around Lake Tekapo, then some shopping at Four Square for groceries.

During the drive from Lake Tekapo to Mt. Cook, we stopped for a picnic lunch and more photo and drone time on the shore of Lake Pukaki.
 
Next stop: Alpine Lavendar Farm

"That Wanaka Tree”
A willow tree at the southern tip of
Lake Wanaka, NZ

A roadside stop on State Hwy 8.

We checked in to our next hostel, YHA Aoraki Mt. Cook, then enjoyed dinner with a view at the Old Mountaineer Cafe.

Jan 4, 2018
 
First a hike around Hooker Valley, then lunch back at the Old Mountaineer Cafe (no other viable choices in the area). In the evening we hung out at the hostel, working on our computers.
 
We also discovered baby birds in a nest just outside our window!
 

Jan 5, 2018
 
A morning drive took us to Twizel for lunch at the Hydro Cafe and some shopping.

Continuing on our way we stopped at Lindis Pass lookout point, then checked in to our next hostile, YHA Wanaka Purple Cow.

A bit of wandering around Wanaka, some dinner, and then on to the famous
 
 
“That Wanaka Tree”

Jan 6, 2018
 
This morning we split up: Rodney hiked Roys Peak and Karen and Theresa meandered around town and ate lunch at Federal Diner.
 
Then T&R toured a winery while K explored the area by car. We then explored Glendhu Bay and Bremner Bay for photos and drone time, followed by dinner at Relishes Cafe in Wanaka.

Jan 7, 2018
 
More time in Wanaka this morning including a return to That Wanaka Tree for more photos. Then a 3-hour drive to Te Anau with lots of stops along the way: Cardrona Hotel, the famous bra fence, lupines by the road, scenic overlooks, and sheep in the field.

Arrival in Te Anau led to a stroll around town including a cafe, park, supermarket, animal statues to pose with, and sunset on Lake Te Anau.

Jan 8, 2018
 
Another 3-hour drive with stops along the way including Mirror Lake and a waterfall in Fiordland National Park. 

Then on to the Visitor’s Center  at Milford Sound where we had lunch while waiting for a 3-hour cruise with Southern Discoveries.

The day ended with a drive back through Te Anau and on to Queenstown, with views of sheep and the sunset at Devil’s Staircase.

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