New Zealand Day 13: South Island

From Queenstown to Christchurch via Mount Cook

We left Queenstown early morning and made our way north on Highway 8, passing through sheep country to Omarama. We were booked on a flight over Mount Cook from Lake Pukaki, landing at Lake Tekapo but until shortly before take-off it was not sure whether the cloud would come in and prevent the flight. However, we were lucky and the flight did take place. I was lucky to be given the co-pilot’s seat and so had an all round view from the front. After an amazing experience flying over the mountains we landed safely and were joined by our coach for the onward journey, stopping first at Lake Tekapo to view the small chapel and monument to sheep dogs. There was a short stop in Geraldine before reaching Christchurch late afternoon.