When we checked out of our unit on our final morning in Akaroa we asked the manager about the best route to take to State Highway 1. On the map it looked as if we would have to drive all the way back to Christchurch before we headed southwest towards Wanaka. He was very helpful and gave us detailed directions which were easy to follow. His parting comment was: “It’s not a very interesting drive though. There’s nothing much to see.”
We left Banks Peninsula behind and headed west towards the highway. Once we turned left onto the highway we found ourselves travelling parallel to the Southern Alps. After cool overnight temperatures a fresh snowfall adorned the mountaintops.
Rakaia is the salmon capital of New Zealand and home of the Giant Salmon, Salmon World and Salmon Tales Café. The choc chip cookie I had for morning tea in the café rivalled that salmon for size.
After a long drive along the Fairlie-Tekapo road we rounded a corner and there was Lake Tekapo. The beautiful turquoise colour of the lake is caused by “rock flour” – particles of rock ground by glacial movement and suspended in the water.
The Church of the Good Shepherd, the first church in this area, stands on the shore of Lake Tekapo. It was built in 1935 and is placed to take full advantage of the glorious view.
Near the church is a bronze statue of a collie dog which pays homage to the work of the sheepdogs of Mackenzie Country.
Lupins grow wild in this part of New Zealand and there are places where the roadside is a sea of purple, pink and cream. Their colours brighten the stark landscape of the highway between Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki.
Finally we reached Wanaka and its lake. Here too the mountains surrounding Lake Wanaka were blanketed with snow and unlike the other lakes the water was a deep, dark blue.
Was the manager correct in his assessment of the five hour drive from Akaroa to Wanaka?
We think not!
Beautiful post and photos!
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Thank you. We loved this drive.
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#3, #9, and #10 are my favorite photos, I think.
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I think it’s the snow on the mountains that makes them so lovely. We just don’t get that at home, so seeing snow is special.
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Looks like such an interesting place. I love the ‘rock flour’ lake.
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Isn’t the colour stunning.
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You got some great shots there Carol, the colours in them are just wonderful. The water looks lovely and cool.
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Cool – it was freezing, straight off the snow and ice. There were lots of people swimming in Lake Wanaka but it was way too cold for us.
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Absolutely stunning – and perfect photos to capture the scenery as usual from you! The air looks so crisp. I don’t think the manager appreciated what was in his own ‘backyard’. Cath
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Thanks. I find that it’s often the way when we travel. People don’t appreciate what they have. We enjoyed it anyway!
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I have to admit I’m probably guilty of the same in all the places I’ve lived. I think it’s good to act like a tourist from time to time and explore your own area!
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I think we are all a bit the same and get caught up in our daily lives. But I would never tell a visitor that there is nothing to see.
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I agree! Especially if one is in the tourism industry!
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Now this part of the country I have seen. I am glad you appreciate that there is something to see but many “locals’ do feel that the road south, at least as far Rakaia is dull. But then they usually are rushing along at such speed they forget to really look. I think if you see those mountains covered in snow, it is one of the most glorious sights ever.
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Seeing snow was such a rare event for us, so we were thrilled at these sights. It made our photos even more beautiful.
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Move along, nothing to see here. 🙂 Excellent title for these stunning photos.
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Thanks and thank you too for following my blog.
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He’s seen it too often! He has forgotten what beauty is there. I love the dog on the rock against the background setting of the lake. Nonetheless, I’d be curious to what he thinks is interesting and beautiful! He’s not a very good salesman! He does the area a great disservice – good thing they had you there to expose the stunning reality of the locale.
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Thanks. I was surprised by his comment and determined to prove him wrong. Once when we were in Scotland I commented to a local about how we’d just spent a lovely day exploring Hadrian’s Wall and he scoffed and said it was just a pile of old rocks and nothing special. Some people just don’t get it!
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Hi Carol, Just the giant salmon alone would make the drive worthwhile! Your photos are so gorgeous. Another great example of how getting off the beaten path so often has its perks! All the best, Terri
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The giant salmon was pretty amazing. Justin Beaver has a story coming up soon about that salmon. Keep an eye out for it. He likes all things oversized especially if it involves cake!
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I have that same picure from inside the Church of the Good Shepherd. Gorgeous spot isn’t it!
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Absolutely stunning. We had the perfect day for it too, and there had been a snowfall the night before.
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We’re planning a trip to the South Island early next year, and a camper van to tour around it in. After seeing your photos though showing ‘not much to see’, I wonder if I should re-think that- lol,
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A campervan would be great because you could stop where and when you wanted. Both islands are gorgeous and you could easily spend several weeks on either.
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Such a gorgeous place. Loved Wanaka.
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We did too.
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Stunning views and a beautiful story told. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
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