Sunday 23rd April
Well today was going to be a big day. We headed out early, on the road by 7am – Destination Mt Cook. Four and a half hours drive away. It was a beautiful drive again. NZ doesn’t disappoint. The blue sky was bright and the sun was shining. Warm as toast in the car but a little brisk outside. Another great day.

We arrived at Mt Cook about 12.30 with bright blue skies and a peak on Mt Cook. We didn’t see the top of Mt Cook last time. After a picnic lunch in the sunshine, we went for a walk to the Memorial for the people that have died on Mt Cook and saw the rock where the first female to reach the top had her photo taken. She was an Australian called Freda du Faur. We the walked along Hooker Valley to the bridge over the Hooker River. After this we went to the Blue Lake and Tasman Glacier. It has also receded considerably in 8 years.

We went to the visitor centre which had many stories about ascending Mt Cook, accidents, tools, rescues, deaths, animals of Mt Cook. It was very interesting and informative.

Another great day. Colleen is on the count down for her visit here in New Zealand, she heads home on Wednesday. Only 2 full days to go. She is having a great time, really enjoying the diverse countryside.