Day 80 - Lake Pukaki to Twizel

 Last night the full moon was brightly beaming down from clear skies. Our spot off grid had served us well.

We followed the lakes edge along the Alps to Ocean cycle trail. Today we would cover 20k.

After crossing the dam that creates Lake Pukaki we walked through a picturesque pine tree cluster. Then across the Pukaki plains towards Twizel. Parachutes descended from the sky to where the aircraft terminal was.

Oh dear. No vacancy at the campground? Surely not. We started talking with the receptionist as to any available patch. We were TA walkers and didn’t require much. It was Easter of course and campground was packed. More persuasion …‘we’re kiwis’. Then, after further checks for available space, we were shown a nice flat spot not too far from the amenities. Grateful once again.

At the local supermarket we bought a bag of hot cross buns, enjoyed savouring the flavour, and the meaning they represent.

Our ‘off grid’ spot near the shore of Lake Pukaki.

Aoraki beyond Pukaki.

Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook in the distance.

Pinus radiata walk through. 

Clouds like giant paddle boards.

Good Friday! Air fried hot cross buns.