Day 5 of the Mainland Road Trip. An early start to the morning, as we are walking to the Hooker Valley Glacier Lake. (10km return) Forecast is a high of 9 deg C. We are all wearing our beanies and gloves.
While loading the car, two Titipounamu (Rifleman) New Zealand's smallest bird flew around the bushes. This felt very special. They were smaller than the hummingbirds we saw in the USA.
The carpark was about 5 minutes drive from our accommodation,and was already quite full. Being the school holidays, there were lots of people exploring the area. Lake Mueller was the first lake, with Mt Sefton in the background.
This relatively flat hike takes you along the Hooker River between mighty peaks, over 3 picturesque suspension bridges until climaxing at the Hooker Glacial Lake showcasing the sheer rawness of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mount Cook.
The trail is easy going, and we got to the second swing bridge within about 45 minutes. It's about halfway to the Hooker Glacial Lake.
The vastness of the landscape, and the huge mountains made me feel small and insignificant
Several times during the walk, we could hear the booming and crashing of the ice tumbling from the glaciers. After the third suspension bridge, there was a wee climb around rocks and plants.
The walk took me 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The water was deeper than they thought, and possibly half an hour or more was spent gathering rocks and placing them strategically in the lake.
There was an audience of young children waiting to see if they would be successful. Once some ice was broken off the iceberg, the excitement was palpable from the spectators.
The clarity of the ice fascinates me.
Wandering around the edge of the lake, the icebergs reflected in the still water.
Of course, Tighe had to climb the rocks. This one reminded me of a dinosaur.
More rocks to climb, and explore.
The lake's exit, and the start of the stream / river that the suspension bridges cross.
One last look at the icebergs before we make the 5 km walk back.
This is the valley that the broadwalk trail meandered through. The plants don't grow very high.
A different view of the Mueller Lake and Mt Sefton
The last hill, and the view looking towards Lake Pukaki. This is an ancient glacier wasteland.
Far in the distance was the Hooker Glacier. That ice cliff is at least 100m high.
The urchins decided that the small iceberg was within their reach....
but only if they build a stepping stone path.
This was our view at lunchtime. Aoraki with no clouds to pierce.
Icebergs and rocks.
The texture of the rocks reminded me of bark
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