Too many clouds, but it was still pretty. Then we packed up and hit the road. Just a shout-out to two restaurants we ate at in Lake Tekapo. I didn't include photos, but these places are both recommended and reasonably priced for the tourist town.
Reflections - Mushroom duo was great and their takeaway sandwiches for hikes and travel days were excellent. Plus it has a beautiful view of the lake whether you're inside or out.
Tin Plate - Pizza + Wine combo was delicious and excellent value.
Started the drive to Aoraki/Mt. Cook. Aoraki is the native name, like Denali and Mt. McKinley, which has now officially been renamed, so I'll stick with Aoraki. Getting to Aoraki, you have to round Lake Pukaki. Lake Pukaki, like Lake Tekapo, is another lake that hits you with its blue when you round the corner and first see it.
Notice the convergence of clouds and mountains in the center? That's where Aoraki is. So not a clear viewing day, but there's always the trip back. Hint, hint.
That blue, though.
And then we made it into Aoraki National Park.
As we climbed, the clouds rolled in.
The sun poked through from time to time.
We booked our accommodations somewhat last minute and the pricier Hermitage was the only hotel available in town. It started raining when we arrived, so we decided to have a chill afternoon spent reading. I finished Sherman Alexie's "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," which was equally heartbreaking and funny and sorrowful and uplifting on any given page. What a beautiful book.
We also decided to eat at the Hermitage, again, since it was raining and we didn't want to go out. There are two dinner options: an expensive buffet that's loud and bustling, or an expensive a la carte restaurant that's much less crowded. We didn't need all-you-can-eat, plus the buffet didn't look great, so we went for the fancier, quieter restaurant. It was good. Hubs had venison and I had truffle soup with a side of roasted vegetables.
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