New Zealand, South Island Day 3 - Mount John Walkway

 

Day 3 (10 June 2016)

 

Lake Tekapo, Mount John Walkway

We woke up late this morning as we were still adjusting to the time zone difference.  New Zealand is 4hrs ahead of us. 

Today we decided to conquer the Mount John walkway.  

As usual, I need to start my day with a cup of hot mocha. We had breakfast at Run 76 cafe which served decent breakfast. 

 

It was a windy and rainy day. We drove 3mins from our motel to the start of Mount John walkway.  

 

The Mt John Walkway is a 3 hour loop track up to the summit of Mount John (at 1,031 meters elevation with an elevation gain of 311 meters in the first 2 km) and then down and around the mountain via a track that runs alongside the shores of Lake Tekapo.

The Mt John Walkway offers 360 degrees scenic views of Lake Tekapo, the Southern Alps, the Mackenzie Basin flats and beyond.

 

The first part of the Mt John walk in Tekapo goes up through a mixed forest.

 

The rain has stopped and the sun is out! The view is so beautiful that it deserves a selfie. 😊

At the crossroad, we chose to take observatory summit.

The amazing view at the top. Its definitely worth the hike!!!

There is a café at the summit. Another option to come up to the top is by driving up.

We had our late lunch at the café which has a great view.

 

 

After filling our tummies, its time to descend before the sun set. We attempted another route this time round. The trail that goes down the hill is pretty straight, exposed, and surrounded by tussock grass.

 

This trail exposed us to strong wind and rain during the journey. It is definitely an experience for me walking on an open tussock grassland field. I will never have the courage to do it without my travelling partner. :)

With him leading the way, I have the courage to walk the trail.

Finally, we manage to see Lake Tekapo. But an hour more to go...

The view that greets us at the end of the trail. A journey that is worth walking with a lifelong partner :)