AORAKI MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK

Aoraki Mount Cook Village - the stunning view of Mount Sefton from our motel room.  The weather is just perfect.  We are so blessed.

The next day we take a walk along the Hooker Valley Track, passing over a swing bridge

to the viewpoint overlooking Mueller Lake

eventually arriving at Hooker Lake

and the glacial Hooker River.

At the end of the walk there are amazing views to be had of Mount Cook and the Southern Alps.

Lovely surprise when we get back from the walk to find Julie, Andy, Joe and Evie booked into an apartment around the corner.  Having read the blog, they kindly bring along an aperitif for the evening!

Later we enjoy a meal together at the Hermitage Alpine Restaurant.

Before retiring for the night we manage to fit in a bush walk, in the dark, with just the light of a spotlight app on a mobile 'phone.  The stars are so bright and clear.  Perfect end to a perfect day.

Early next morning, Joe spots this Harrier Hawk outside the window.

It's another gloriously sunny day, so after breakfast we take the Kea Point Track through subalpine grasslands and scrub to the Mueller Glacier moraine wall. 

Whilst admiring the view we hear a loud rumble, which sounds a little like thunder, and look up to see this avalanche.

Time to head back to Outram.

We stop off for lunch and a game of Crazy Golf

before the never to be forgotten drive over Danseys Pass; an unsealed gravel road,  located in the Kakanui Mountains.