NZ D14: Christchurch and Akaroa

Hightlight of the day:
1. Daytrip to Akaroa
2. Evening walk at Christchurch city

Before my trip, Christchurch was badly damaged by an earthquake, and since then most of the attractions in center area were closed for inspection. Therefore I did not plan anything for Christchurch. Futhermore I knew we will be taken care by good hosts, my uncle and auntie. :-)

This morning, my uncle drove us to Akaroa Harbour which was an hour drive from Chirstchurch. It was a very relax and nice trip. After retuning from Akaroa, my uncle showed us some places in town center. Then it was dinner. We had home cooked food prepared by my auntie. The dishes were so delicious that I started to miss them when I am typing now.

The next day we flew back to Malaysia, with all the beautiful memories.
 

on the way to Akaroa

 

unknown cheese factory

 

red wine selection

 

cheese selection

 

jam spread selection

 

cheese sample

 

bird in Akaroa

 

we had fun feeding bird with the left over chips and capturing the moment.

 

good try

 

good job

 

garden, Christchurch

 

lake in the garden

 

damage

 

shophouses were closed for inspection

NZ D13: Lake Tekapo and Christchurch

Hightlight of the day:
1. Went up to Mt John and had breakfast at Astro Cafe
2. Steamboat dinner with my uncle's family

morning view from the apartment's balcony

 

We visited Church of the Good Shepherd for the last time

 

Astro Cafe @ Mt John

 

inside the cafe

 

hot chocolate for me

 

muffin with clotted cream

 

poppy seed lemon cake

 

cappucino for him

 

We spent the morning enjoying the delicious breakfast with spectacular panaromic view at the top of Mt John.

 

Then it was 3 to 4 hours road trip to Christchurch. We returned the rented car and met up with my uncle and his family. Dinner was NZ style steamboat with all the NZ produce at my uncle's house.

 

Astro Cafe
View website

NZ D12: Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo

Highlight of the day:
1. The famous Lake Pukaki
2. Fresh salmon sashimi at High Country Salmon Farm
3. 4 hours return trek at Mt cook
4. Pampered stay at B2 Lakeview Apartment
5. Starry night at Lake Tekapo

Georgetown, Penang? 

 

 When we saw the glacier blue color, we knew that we were very close to Mt Cook.

 

 Look at the distinctive blue color!

 

 We stopped and enjoyed the lake view.

 

 Could you see Mt cook from this picture?

 

 I would have to agree that beautiful views are everywhere in NZ. Simply amazing!

 

 But before we visited the famed Mt Cook, we stopped for some fresh salmon. :-)

 

 

High Country Salmon Farm

 whole salmon

 

 Whole salmon was too big for us, we bought one piece of this salmon steak.

 

 Then, it was time for salsami. We just had to buy the biggest pack. :D

 

 It was so fresh. The meat was firm, juicy, sweet and melt in mouth.

 

 Two of us finished the whole plate.

 

 After the satisfying salmon sashimi, we continue our journey to Mt Cook.

 

 Now, could you see the Mt Cook clearer?

 



Here is another angle of Mt Cook

 We did a 4 hours return trek at Mt Cook. Even though we took many beautiful pictures, but they were just no way close. Actual scenery was stunning!

 

 swing bridge

 

 After 2 hours, we had a closer view to Mt Cook.

 

 the closest we could go

 bid bye bye to Mt Cook

 

 reflection

 

 Lake Tekapo

 

 Our lovely apartment at Lake Tekapo that has a lake view.

 

 I was tired after the trek and decided to eat out and have Thai dinner.

 

 Thai Tekapo's menu

 

Lake view was one of the reason we picked this restaurant.

 

 seafood tom yam

 

 green chicken curry

 

 Church of the Good Shepherd(day)

 

Church of the Good Shepherd(night)