Today we woke up very early so we could drive two hours to the Mount Cook National Park. It was an interesting drive through farm land, pig farms with ginormous hogs (looking clean and happy) and views toward the approaching mountains. Along the way we stopped at a small shop that sold fresh salmon products raised in the glacier fed waters of the area. 

The shop overlooked a glacial lake with amazing blue waters. 

We arrived at the small town of Twizel (pronounced with a long I). I rented a bicycle (K&J had bikes from there home exchange people). We set out on a 12km bike trek to Lake Pukaki. 

It was a great trip relatively flat with amazing views toward Mount Cook. At the end we had lunch on the shores of Lake Pukaki and has a little rest. 

We then headed back. Once in Twizel we visited the large  equipment located in the park used to make the nearby hydroelectric dam. 

We then made our way to the Gladstone Cottage that we had rented for the night. We feasted on our salmon purchases. Smoked salmon for appetizer and fresh salmon for dinner. Amazing. 





Tomorrow we’re off to hike the national park.