Photo opportunities have been scare the last few days, but today at Aoraki/Mt Cook things took a turn for the better.

Yesterday The Doc drove over 600 kilometres from Waikoura (East Coast) through Lewis Pass to Greymouth (West Coast) and then back through Arthur’s Pass to the the East Coast and got 8 photos, most ordinary. About a third of the way through Lewis Pass, the rain started and the clouds hid most of the mountains and valleys. On the way back most of Arthur’s Pass was rained in as well.

Another lesson learned, the Trans Alpine Train has much better views and scenery through Arthur’s Pass, than the road does.

The Doc spent the night at Rakaia River. The next morning The Doc drove for about an hour in the rain. As he came around the side of the Southern Alps it was beautiful sunny weather, the Alps were blocking the cloud from getting to Lake Tekapo. On spec The Doc popped into Lake Tekapo Airport to see if an Air Safari flight was planned. The Doc was soon on the flight (also taken as part of the photo tour). The winds meant the plane flew in the opposite direction and The Doc got some great photos, as the light was better than the first time.

He then visited Mt John Observatory overlooking Lake Tekapo Township and then drove off to Lake Pukaki (near Tziwel) and then down to the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park for more stunning scenery. He are some photos from his point and shoot camera (mostly). Wow what a day!