CAMPERVAN

See ya Christchurch, Hello Campervan Adventure.  With a little apprehension, we decided to go the Campervan route for the next two weeks.  The apprehension lied in the fact that all of our belongings would be in an unattended vehicle for most days, driving on the WRONG side of the road, different road rules and roundabouts, mountain driving, and Shelley wanting to drive a stick shift van. 

Once on the road, those worries slowly dissipated and we were on our way.  It is actually kind of fun.  We got a small Volkswagen Campervan (we have joined the hippie movement!!).  We both love it (but do wish there was a bathroom as late night nature calls pose a little of an issue).  Shelley has chosen to be constantly dehydrated, which I don’t blame her as stepping out in the cold at three in the morning is not always so fun.  Although, reminding her of her cross country days she has reinvigorated herself with the “freedom peeing” as she likes to call it. 

Driving through beautiful farmland and cattle lands with the mountains looming in the distance, we made our way to Lake Tekapo.  It is a scenic, super blue lake and the beginning of our nature trip.  We took a walk around part of the lake fueled by our Australian gummy candy which we love!

Old Church by Lake Tekapo...look at the mountains

Chillin (literally!) by the lake (the first of many many many many lakes)

Inside the campervan, getting ready for our first frigid night.

Should we stay at the scenic lake or should we go.  The flexibility of having our hotel on wheels allows for this decision each day.  We shall go.  We decided to begin to make our way to Mt. Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand.  We could see the Southern Alps in the distance, covered in snow.  Thinking that we had minimal warm gear, this would be interesting.

We decided to stop at a campground close to the base of the mountain and right on a lake.  A few beers and a bowl of cereal and we were out like a light!