Day 96. Lake Tekapo. February 6, 2016.

33.5 km

Camp Stream Hut km 2351.5 to Lake Tekapo km 2385.

After an early climb up Round Hill it was all downhill. I got a lower version of the views I could have seen yesterday if I would have done the ridge walk. Coulda, woulda, shoulda.

The color of Lake Tekapo just kept getting more and more stunning. And the Southern Alps were shining in all their glory.

The last 13 km was on a gravel road  next to the lake. The trail notes recommend a hi-viz vest and no earphones. It is described as an “ordeal.” I had 11 total cars pass me and 4 offered me a ride. The views were stunning. I started the road walk at 12:30 on the Saturday of the 3 day Waitangi weekend. The TA has put me thru so many worse ordeals. This one was pretty easy.

My resupply out of a 4 Square store in Methven left me many calories shy of what I needed for 6 days. I was starving when I got to town.

I was still hungry after eating tjis.

The holiday weekend resulted in a packed town. Yesterday I phoned from Stag Saddle and all I could find was a tent spot at the YHA. This turned out to be perfect!

And my new shoes were here….

This last section has probably been my favorite so far. Stunning views most of the time. Plenty challenging. And not so crowded!