Our bus trip from Christchurch to Aoraki/Mt Cook was part of a day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown. We got off at Aoraki/Mt Cook. The drive was scenic and our bus driver — who doubled as tour guide — was informative. Besides explaining what we were seeing, he also filled us in on history and had lots of interesting tidbits regarding New Zealand farming, electric fencing, manuka honey … Just a wealth of information. (And a little good-natured venting to us about trying to herd tourists!)
We stopped at Lake Pukaki for a rest break and photo opportunities, including a famous dog statue.
The land surrounding the lakes is flat with low growing shrubs and grass.
Lake Pukaki is long and skinny with multiple places to stop and take in the views.
We caught glimpses of Aoraki/Mt Cook through the clouds. The blue water color comes from rock flour suspended in the water.
The mountains drew nearer as we approached the village at Aoraki/Mt Cook.
