South Island

Date: 6th November 2024

Day 7: Mount Cook & Tasman Glacier – A Journey into the Stars

total distance covered = 205 km; total time taken = 2 hr 24 mins

Today was going to be a long one, so we started early—chasing the quiet majesty of New Zealand’s highest peak. Mount Cook Village, nestled in one of the country’s dark sky reserves, holds a charm that awakens the soul. On our way, Lake Pukaki stunned us with its surreal clarity—honestly, one of the cleanest lakes I’ve ever seen. We stopped briefly, capturing its mirror-like stillness before continuing our journey. Along the way, we stopped at Lindis Pass which sweeps through golden high country, offering dreamy alpine views that shift with the light. Not far away, the Clay Cliffs of Omarama rise in jagged grandeur—towering, cathedral-like formations sculpted by nature’s hand. Both are must-sees on a South Island road trip. Then we stopped at Lake Pukaki, known for its crystal-clear waters, capturing its surreal beauty in photos.

Upon reaching Mount Cook Village around lunchtime, we wasted no time heading straight for a meal, having only had protein bars for breakfast. After refueling, we visited the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, located inside the Hermitage Hotel—a place we couldn’t stay but had no regrets about missing. Our accommodation at Haka House Hostel turned out to be a fantastic choice, offering a great location and cozy atmosphere.

With coffee and dessert still warming our hands, we popped into the village museum where we learned about the Tasman Lake hike. It was short enough to finish before sunset, so we swapped into hiking shoes in the car and set off. And then came the moment—the Tasman Glacier stretched before us, quiet and magnificent.

The Tasman Glacier – A Moment of Awe

All the talk about glaciers evaporating, about their role in keeping our planet balanced—it hits different when you’re standing there in person. The hike was a bit of a climb, but the view was worth every step. A kind of calm washed over me, the kind you don’t forget. This was one of those moments that stay with you forever, reminding you why travel is worth every effort. The hustle of city life in India felt justified if it led to experiences like this.

We video-called our parents and siblings from the glacier. My travel puzzle still has one piece missing: my family. I’m not sure if the five of us will ever roam the world together, but until then, I make it a point to call from the most iconic places I reach—so they can be part of the journey too.

A Night Under the Stars

Back at Haka House, we cooked dinner and ate before heading to the hostel deck, where we lay under the star-filled sky. The night was magical, with planets, stars, and even the Starlink satellite visible above us.

Back at Haka House, we cooked dinner and later lay out on the hostel deck, star-gazing under a velvet sky. We spotted planets, constellations, and even the Starlink satellite – tiny sparks in a vast galaxy. We checked the Alpine Centre again for any telescope tours, even though I’d already booked one for Lake Tekapo the next day. Nothing was available, and night driving felt risky, so we stayed in. Harshit was still tempted to see more stars, but with tomorrow’s big trek ahead, I nudged us both toward sleep. We finally drifted off around 1 a.m., wrapped in mountain air and starlight.

Must-Visit Places in Mount Cook

If you’re exploring Mount Cook, here are some incredible spots to check out:

• Hooker Valley Track – A breathtaking hike with suspension bridges and glacier views.
• Tasman Lake – A stunning glacier-fed lake offering surreal landscapes.
• Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre – A tribute to mountaineering history.
• The Church of the Good Shepherd – A picturesque landmark near Lake Tekapo.
• Mueller Hut – A high-altitude hut with panoramic views.
• Kea Point Walk – A short but rewarding trail with stunning scenery.
• Stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve – One of the best places in the world for celestial views.

Date: 7th November 2024

Day 8: Hooker Valley Trek & Arrival in Lake Tekapo

total distance covered = 100 km; total time taken = 1 hr 20 mins

The main trek day had arrived! Though we started a bit late, the weather was perfect—a mix of sunshine and wind, making the hike enjoyable. After breakfast and checkout, we set off for the Hooker Valley Trek at 10:30 AM.

The Mueller Hut Trek, Sealy Tarns Trek, and other trails branched out from the same spot, but we chose Hooker Valley—a 3-hour trek that took us 4.5 hours because we couldn’t resist capturing every breathtaking moment. The vastness of the mountains was overwhelming, pulling us deep into nature’s embrace.

Returning happy, tired, and proud of completing our first trek, we still had a two-hour drive ahead to Lake Tekapo. Harshit, somehow, managed to power through, and upon reaching Lake Tekapo Resort, we slept off immediately, exhausted but fulfilled.

A Rainy Evening & Observatory Tour Cancellation

After waking up in the evening, we planned to eat out, but the rain made it tricky. Lake Tekapo is a small village, so we grabbed burgers from a food truck and enjoyed a cozy night indoors, flipping through magazines and watching a movie.

At 11 PM, we got ready for our observatory tour, but doubts lingered—the sky wasn’t clear. Unfortunately, the tour was canceled, leaving us disheartened. With no choice but to accept nature’s unpredictability, we called it a night, hoping for better weather ahead.

Must-Visit Places in Lake Tekapo

If you’re exploring Lake Tekapo, here are some incredible spots to check out:

• The Church of the Good Shepherd – A picturesque landmark with stunning lake views.
• Mackenzie Sheep Dog Statue – A tribute to the hardworking sheepdogs of the region.
• Tekapo Springs – Relax in hot pools with breathtaking scenery.
• Mount John Observatory – One of the best stargazing spots in the world.
• Lake Alexandrina – A peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
• Roundhill Ski Area – A fantastic spot for winter sports.
• Tekapo River – A scenic waterway perfect for photography.

Date: 8th November 2024

Day 9: A Rainy Journey to Fox Glacier

total distance covered = 450 km; total time taken = 5 hr 40 mins

The day started at 9:30 AM, with plans to explore Lake Tekapo’s scenic spots before heading to Fox Glacier. After visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd, the rain set in and didn’t stop until nightfall. We spotted famous Lupins in the gardens of Church of the Good Shepherd.

We made a few waterfall stops, but by the time we reached our hostel at 4 PM, we learned that all roads to lakes and glaciers were closed. The mountains were shrouded in clouds, making it impossible to see Fox Glacier. With no choice but to stay indoors, we cooked dinner, relaxed, and hoped for clearer skies the next day.

Despite the setbacks, travel teaches patience and flexibility. The rain may have hidden Fox Glacier today, but tomorrow brings new possibilities!

Must-Visit Places in Fox Glacier

If the weather allows, here are some incredible spots to explore:

• Lake Matheson – Famous for its mirror-like reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
• Fox Glacier South Side Walkway – A scenic trail offering glacier views.
• Gillespies Beach – A rugged, beautiful beach perfect for sunset views.
• Heli-Hike on Fox Glacier – A thrilling way to experience the glacier up close.
• Minnehaha Walk – A short trail where you can spot glow worms at night.