I recently took a weekend trip to New Zealand and found myself asking, “Why is the water so blue? Why is the sunshine so bright? Why can I see so many stars?” I spent so much time googling these answers while I was in New Zealand.

Arrival and First Impressions

It was a beautiful sunny day when we arrived at the hotel. We were greeted with an amazing view over Lake Tekapo. The view was incredible, right from the hotel. We decided to start exploring immediately and headed towards a nearby bridge that offered beautiful vantage points of the lake.

The Magic of Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is incredibly stunning due to something called glacial flour, which comes from the mountaintops. These tiny particles stay suspended in the water, reflecting blue light while absorbing red light, giving the lake its remarkable turquoise colour.

We also visited the Church of the Good Shepherd, a popular tourist attraction with a stunning location overlooking the lake.

A Taste of New Zealand’s Salmon

One of the highlights of the trip was tasting the local salmon. Though a bit touristy, the salmon here is extraordinary. We enjoyed raw salmon with salmon roe, biscuits, and a smoked salmon spread while admiring the view from an outdoor table. I have a knack for creating unique food combinations, and this was no exception. I combined the smoked salmon spread with raw salmon, salmon roe, and a dollop of wasabi. It was a mouthwatering masterpiece!

Exploring Mount Cook

Our next adventure took us to Mount Cook to see some glacial lakes. The drive into the mountains was stunning, with breathtaking views every few hundred meters. We decided to do some shorter walks due to our limited time. We started with the Kea Point Track, which offered amazing views despite an unexpected snowfall. It was my first time experiencing proper snowfall, and I was thrilled!

Tasman Glacier Track

We also tried the Tasman Glacier Track, a less crowded, family-friendly walk with an easier access route. The Tasman Glacier lookout was surreal, offering elevated views of the mountains and the beautiful Tasman Bay. The walk was fairly easy and enjoyable, with plenty of rocks to sit on and take in the scenery.

Dining at Kohan restaurant

For dinner, we visited the highly-rated Kohan restaurant in Lake Tekapo. Connected to a gift shop, it offered fresh salmon and other local delicacies.

Stargazing in the hot springs

We also indulged in a heated pool experience, despite the freezing temperatures, and enjoyed stargazing at the Tekapo Hot Springs. The dark sky reserves in New Zealand offer some of the clearest views of the stars due to minimal light pollution.

A Hearty Breakfast

The next morning, we went to The Greedy Cow, a local café known for its delicious pies. We tried the smokey boomer and the chicken pie, which did not disappoint. I didn’t like the serious cookies though, which were quite hard.

Tekapo springs during the day

We went for the hot springs but couldn’t resist trying some snow tubing. It was a blast! We felt like kids again, enjoying the snowy slopes before relaxing in the hot springs, admiring the stunning views of the lake and mountains.

A Scenic Drive and Fine Dining

One of the most beautiful spots we visited was Lake Pukaki. The views were incredible at all times of the day. We ended our trip with a fine dining experience at Lakeside Retreat, enjoying a meal at their locally-owned restaurant, followed by intimate stargazing in a wine cellar.

The End of an Adventure

Our fun-filled weekend in New Zealand had to come to an end, and we headed back to the airport. It was an unforgettable trip, filled with stunning landscapes, delicious food, and memorable experiences.

Join me on my next adventure to the Calile Hotel in Brisbane!