Lake Tekapo

One of the "must do" destinations in the South Island (or all of NZ for that matter) - just a stunning vista.

We arrived after a sensational trip from Arthurs Pass, including the jaw dropping view of the Windwhistle Gorge on our way into Methven.

As we crested a blind corner, the view of the gorge was "just there", and I confess to an expletive or two before I had the presence of mind to pull over and take some photos.

Later that day, sitting at a bar on the edge of the lake and enjoying a beer or two with a local who was returning to see some family, we enjoyed the incredible sight of some "weather" develop as clouds piled up on each other in an attempt to get over the mountain surrounding the lake. These turned electrical, and the combination of snow caps and the lake lit up by the occasional lightening strike was just beautiful.

The next day, before driving out of town, we went up to the Mt John observatory and enjoyed some truly spectacular 360 degree views over Tepako and the lake as well as the surrounding mountians, including Mt Cook.