It was a rainy day and it's freezing cold. I had to buy a thicker jacket as the temperature was at 4 degC suddenly not per weather forecast and it's summer! We had to postpone our visit to Mt Cook and visited Mt John instead. Mt John is reachable by car. It has an observatory which may not be on everyone's travel itinerary, but if you pass through Lake Tekapo in New Zealand's south island then a visit to the Mt John Observatory can be worth doing especially when you had to think of something else other than hiking on Mt Cook during rainy day. There is a cafe on top of the mountain with loads of people perhaps everybody trying to squeeze in under a roof.
After few hours, we departed to Aoraki Mt Cook, hoping that the weather will be better soon as we arrived there. It's drizzling with thick fog still, so we spent an hour at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park visitor centre. It's free and provide essential information about Mt Cook history.
Though the weather was still gloomy, as soon as the rain stop, we quickly hit the trail. The easiest of course as we were travelling with 2 kids. Easiest track took us 45 minutes to go up. Truly, it was an easy track indeed. Both kids were able to enjoy the hike. We could see many Korean/Japanese/Chinese at the age of 60-70 enjoying the trail with us even! We were so lucky as we approached the top, the sky was clearing up and we were able to say Hello to 2-3 peaks of the New Zealand's highest mountain. The view was amazing and up until now, it's still vivid in my mind.
As soon as we reached our van, the gloomy cloud came again brought a heavy pour in Aoraki. Thank you Allah for the opportunity, a glimpse of sunshine just to allow us to enjoy mt cook scenery.
Next Destination - the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. It's just 5 minutes drive from our vacation home. The Church of the Good Shepherd is an idyllic scene set against a backdrop of snow capped mountains and the tranquil, turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. In spite of the crowds, there is just something about this church that still exudes serenity and peace, and I feel grateful to have been able to visit and experience this. Photographing at night against the sparkling backdrop of a clear starry sky will be superb. And Abah, Adik & Mr Hubby did it. They went out at 2pm to stargaze at the church. It was damn cold and I decided not to go out and continue my sleep. Little Hafiey proudly joined the stargaze team but after few minutes they brought back Hafiey to the vacation home as he cannot withstand the cold temperature.
Day 7: Akaroa
Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Our lunch at one of the restaurant in Akaroa was superb after went through winding road from Christchurch. Akaroa has majestic view, a combination of highland and sea. Many water activities offered here but we were there just
to enjoy the view and the food. We had a delicious Kapiti ice cream too!
Our next lodging was a two bedroom apartment at North New Brighton, Christchurch. Not so nice as our other accommodation previously. It's not that spacious and only public dryer provided.
Day 8: University of Canterbury
The whole day is Adik's day! One of the reason we came all the way from Malaysia.
Day 9: Christchurch Farmers Market
We absolutely love this charming farmer's market in Christchurch. The market had such interesting items ranging from savoury pastry to Dutch pancakes, delicious honey, olives, bakery goods, cherries, etc.! The setting is quite beautiful alongside the quaint creek--we made a picnic brunch
out of it! Make it a priority to pay a visit.
Day 10: Airforce Museum and Re:Start Mall
Last day in the South Island, we spent 2 hours at the Airforce Museum to entertain the kids. The were amaze
with the museum collection. Hafiey was speechless and dont know how to start the visit.
We had our lunch at a kebab stall at Re:Start Mall, the temporary solution which became an internationally famous icon and symbol of post-quake Christchurch innovation.Bought souvenirs here as well!
Left the island at 3pm via Emirates A380. That was the first time we were on A380 and of course the kids were so excited and still bragging bout it until today.
As soon as we reached our van, the gloomy cloud came again brought a heavy pour in Aoraki. Thank you Allah for the opportunity, a glimpse of sunshine just to allow us to enjoy mt cook scenery.
Next Destination - the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. It's just 5 minutes drive from our vacation home. The Church of the Good Shepherd is an idyllic scene set against a backdrop of snow capped mountains and the tranquil, turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. In spite of the crowds, there is just something about this church that still exudes serenity and peace, and I feel grateful to have been able to visit and experience this. Photographing at night against the sparkling backdrop of a clear starry sky will be superb. And Abah, Adik & Mr Hubby did it. They went out at 2pm to stargaze at the church. It was damn cold and I decided not to go out and continue my sleep. Little Hafiey proudly joined the stargaze team but after few minutes they brought back Hafiey to the vacation home as he cannot withstand the cold temperature.
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| Church of the Good Shepherd |
Day 7: Akaroa
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| Akaroa |
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| Black Plum Kapiti |
Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Our lunch at one of the restaurant in Akaroa was superb after went through winding road from Christchurch. Akaroa has majestic view, a combination of highland and sea. Many water activities offered here but we were there just
to enjoy the view and the food. We had a delicious Kapiti ice cream too!
Our next lodging was a two bedroom apartment at North New Brighton, Christchurch. Not so nice as our other accommodation previously. It's not that spacious and only public dryer provided.
Day 8: University of Canterbury
The whole day is Adik's day! One of the reason we came all the way from Malaysia.
Day 9: Christchurch Farmers Market
We absolutely love this charming farmer's market in Christchurch. The market had such interesting items ranging from savoury pastry to Dutch pancakes, delicious honey, olives, bakery goods, cherries, etc.! The setting is quite beautiful alongside the quaint creek--we made a picnic brunch
out of it! Make it a priority to pay a visit.
Day 10: Airforce Museum and Re:Start Mall
Last day in the South Island, we spent 2 hours at the Airforce Museum to entertain the kids. The were amaze
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| Anxious Boy |
We had our lunch at a kebab stall at Re:Start Mall, the temporary solution which became an internationally famous icon and symbol of post-quake Christchurch innovation.Bought souvenirs here as well!
Left the island at 3pm via Emirates A380. That was the first time we were on A380 and of course the kids were so excited and still bragging bout it until today.
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