KiWi Kool (Mt Cook) NZ

I have been dreading this post, this week and these last days. How does one leave paradise? How do you leave a piece of your heart without missing it? Falling in love with a place is like any other love. Michael Gill writes “You may, before, have been stirred by a voice or an alluring shape seen in a crowd but, there comes a moment when you are suddenly aware of something uniquely or bewitchingly different. So, it is with a place.” I love New Zealand and all that it has to offer. It would be the closest to a perfect paradise that I have ever been. The Thrill feels this way about South Africa, but he may be hedging……

We saved the best for last and depart now feeling satisfied and with a hunger for more. We will be back.

The last two days on The Kepler were our most challenging and stimulating of the 4 day trek. Booked reservations required that we do the trek in reverse order so as to get a bunk in the huts. We ended up loving that switch as it placed us in the most stunning hut on our last night instead of our first night. After, we drove straight to Wanaka and then met friends Greg and Jean Jack for a farewell BBQ. We started our journey at their house in Lyttleton 6 weeks ago. Finally got to sleep in and then started heading towards Christchurch to return car and get on a flight. We stopped in Twizel for two nights to visit the very popular recreation area at Tekapo Lake. Big beautiful blue glacial carved lake. Iconic small church on the coastline just finishing up with Sunday service seemed to draw folks of all denominations into the historical rock building. On the way, we were fortunate to have a sunny, dusky view of the tallest mountain in NZ, Mt Cook. The time of day and the smashing weather were perfect for that elusive photo of the snow drenched Cook. Lake Pukaki in all its brilliant azure supported the size and magnamity of this special peak. Lovely and humbling. Peaceful and daunting. We paused to enjoy the scene. Today, as we drove closer and observed the massive rock from different angles, we agreed on the power and majesty it exudes. We felt done, now. Yes, we are leaving and yes, I am teary. Looking forward to new adventures….

Week 6:
Places:
Fri: Kepler
SA: Kepler
Su: drive to Twizle, Lake Tekapo
M: Mt Cook
T: return to Christchurch
W: fly to Tasmania
Th: Hobart, Tasmania

Accommodations:
Fri: Kepler, Luxmore Hut
Sa: Wanaka, Lees Airbnb
SU: Twizle Airbnb
M: Twizle Airbnb
T: Juicy Hostel
W: Hobart airbnb
Activities:
F: Kepler. Luxmore Hut. 14.6 km
SA: Kepler. Out to car. 13.8 km/dinner with Greg Jack in Wanaka
Su: rest day/ drive to Lake Tekapo
M: day hike at Mt Cook/Lake Pukaki
T: drive to Christchurch
W: fly to Hobart

Why I still ??????love NZ:

***Free National Parks. All this fabulous for free. No fees.