Brilliant sunshine on a cold morning, but the lake-mountain views were marvellous. Where shall we go today? Mt Cook, only 90 kms of driving to tickle the battery, with lakes and mountains the whole way. A brief stop 10 km from Twizel to take in the view and get the hot smoked salmon for tonight’s pasta. Plenty of tourists (lots of Japanese groups who seem obsessed with selfies and photos of ‘here I am with the mountain/lake behind’.)

Passed 2 helicopter–flights points and T didn’t ask for a stop (yet). With such perfect flying conditions she must be saving up for something really special.

After excellent coffee at Old Mountaineers café (we qualified for half of that title) we learned that there is a campground so decided to investigate. Yes, there are lots of day-trippers but we were advised that it quietens down at the end of the day.

It’s now evening and we’ve earned the salmon pasta after a 3+ hour walk along the Hooker Valley towards Lake Hooker at the foot of Mt Cook. It was reminiscent of Alaska/Canada terrain, with fast glacial streams and snowy peaks. For T the highlight was probably the Mt Cook buttercup.

Upon return to our campsite (nicely levelled with rocks under the wheels, as ramps aren’t included in the kit) it was time to share a wine with Beau and Bonny, American neighbours from South Carolina.