Our time in this area of New Zealand is brief but overwhelmingly scenic — between Mt. Cook, Kaikoura, and the dolphin encounter, it’s been a busy and beautiful few days. I’ll wrap up the odds and ends of our journey in this post.
We arrive at Lake Tekapo for an hour of ice skating or hot springs dipping. Not many people in our group partake, instead choosing to relax and socialize in the adjoining cafe. I’ve just finished this book and it’s now a favorite of mine — have any of you read Where’d You Go Bernadette? (referral link) by Maria Semple? As I wrote in my Thoughts From the Road post, it is so stellar. The author used to write for Arrested Development and her humor has me laughing out loud at regular intervals. Also part of the action takes place in Wallingford, the town in Connecticut where I grew up. Bonus points for that.
Seriously, I can’t recommend this book enough.
I warm up with tomato soup and grilled bread.
These cute cabins line the shore above Lake Tekapo.
Here is picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
That evening we stay in Rangitata. It’s in the middle of nowhere and a placeholder accommodation while Christchurch is being rebuilt. In the summer it’s a whitewater rafting destination, but this time of year there’s nothing to do. Our group watches movie after movie in the common room all night. I am incredibly productive editing photos.
The hostel has triple level bunk beds! It’s my first time staying in one and reminds me of traveling by train in Europe, where the couchettes were often stacked three on each side of the train car. But I’m quick to grab a lower bunk because as neat as they are to photograph, I prefer to avoid the hassle of climbing up and down.
Our first night in Kaikoura we eat at this (empty) pub. I enjoy the decor and a hearty stew.
I pop into this used bookstore to pick up my next read, The Art of Racing in the Rain (referral link). Warning: it’s a tear-jerker. A week later I bawl in a Melbourne restaurant while reading the final chapters.
Over this pumpkin pesto pizza (say that three times fast), I write several postcards to mail back home.
Believe it or not, that wraps up my time in the South Island. Tomorrow I’ll be back with a full report on my Stray bus experience!
Am I getting a postcard? I hope so!
Everywhere you go is too beautiful. I need to get out of smoggy LA.
How was the pumpkin pizza? It seems like a weird mashup
Hi Buddy!
The pumpkin pizza was very good. There was a pesto sauce instead of marinera. Veggie pizza with a twist!
You & Amy will definitely get a postcard! It’ll be coming from the Australian leg of my trip
True, these places are smog-free. But I’d say LA still rates high for its incredible hiking views within easy access from the city… smog and all!
Yeah I know, LA has lots of great hikes… but not all the great pubs you go to!
I bought that book and it’s next on my reading list.
Architecture, Wallyworld, Arrested Development writer… this book is so up your alley. Let me know what you think!
xo E
I’m also bookmarking that book! Traveling, Hosteling, Pumpkin Pizza-ing and Reading. I’m SO jealous of you right now. That sounds awesome. The perfect vacation. Sounds like you’re having an absolute blast. That church reminds me so much of Iceland. The stone building against the gorgeous lush landscape. So pretty. It stinks it wasn’t as hopping as it might be other parts of the year, but a nice break to relax was probably welcomed at that point anyways, right? Even traveling bloggers need a day off from adventure 😉
I love the picture of the bunks. Even with a fish-eye lens, you can tell how small it was. That definitely makes me miss the trains in Europe!!
Hi Kelley! I love down time while traveling, especially with views like that and a good book! Ha, yes, the bunk beds were small. More fun to photograph than sleep in!