Day 29 March 1st Lake Tekapo to Queenstown

Mounts Cook & Tasman 

approaching Lindis Pass

leaving Lindis Pass

view from road

It was the coolest we had been in New Zealand when we woke this morning.  We had to turn some heating on as we had breakfast and then packed for today's move.  When we eventually checked out the receptionist said it had got down to 6 Celsius overnight.  It was bright and clear however and we hoped the day would soon warm up.  The car thermometer said the outside temperature was in single figures as we left - quite a contrast to what we have been experiencing.  We were soon progressing well and caught our last glimpses of Mounts Cook and Tasman from the road.  Mist was obviously in the valleys.  We planned our first stop at Omerama  after 1 hour and enjoyed a nice warm hot chocolate.  We carried on as the temperature rose and we crossed over the Lindis Pass (900m) where we again stopped at a viewing point. 




Bendigo

lake at Bendigo

Bendigo stopping point

 We carried on and decided to stop for our picnic at a lakeside picnic area at Bendigo.  It was much warmer now and we had the car doors open.  After a break and stretch we were on our way again passing some pretty impressive countryside which was dry because of the summer weather. 

We had to stop at Cromwell for fuel and continued on the twisty road that took us to Queenstown at about 1430.

We sorted ourselves out and appreciated the marvellous view from our window and watched as the Earnslaw docked at its home.  We then went for a look round and a meal in the town.  It has a buzz and feel that no other town in New Zealand has.



Earnslaw from our window