Made a very early start as Val was up at 5.30!

Drive to Cromwell retraced some of route we arrived on. Then down through a gorge though not spectacular. After that nothing but farmland for abt an hour.

Stop for coffee at Wriggly Ram was OK but shop was extremely expensive. Captive audience I suppose.

Then up to Lindis Pass. This was a surprise. Not much climbing but a high level Alpine type pass. Little vegetation.

Stopped then in Twizel. A strange and sleepy town. Starting to see Mount Cook even though at least 50 miles away.

Very straight roads to lake Pukaki lookout. What a spot... Beautiful. Lake was very still could have set for hours and watched.

Final part of journey came across overturned car. India family but were being helped so did not need to stop.

Check in at Mount Cook was fast and efficient and chalet is OK. Reminds of a caravan. Out to Old Mountaineer for lunch..... Awful and it is supposed to be no 1 in area!

Went for a short hike, 1.25 hrs, up to Kea point which is closer to the mountains and overlooks a glacier. Really impressive what nature can do.