Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki & Mt Cook

I revisited Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki during the Canterbury Show Day. This time, I ventured a little further to the Mt John Observatory and the Mt Cook Village as well. Lake Tekapo has always been one of my favourites (if not THE favourite), but this time, I found Lake Pukaki even more breathtaking. These photos do not really do these lake enough justice - you've got to be here yourself (on a clear sunny day) to appreciate these lakes.

	Lake Tekapo: This lake usually has a stunning turquoise colour (the result of glacier-ground rock sediment in the water). I think it was the colour of the lake that won me over and lures me to return almost annually. I was a little disappointed I did not see it this time - the lake appeared more blue than turquoise. Tekapo is a Maori word meaning night sleeping place (Taka = "sleeping mat"; Po = "night").
	Church of the Good Shepherd: This church, which lies on the shores of Lake Tekapo, is arguably one of the most photographed church in New Zealand.
	The church has an altar window which frames the view of the lake and the mountain.
	Lake Alexandrina: This lake lies beside Lake Tekapo; this picture is taken from Mt John Observatory (where there is also a great view of Lake Tekapo). Oh yeah, there's a timny cafe at the Observatory where you can sit and enjoy the view (which we did).
	Lake Pukaki: This lake has a nice shade of blue (also caused by glacial flour) and the scenery is breathtaking particularly when you can see the peak of Mt Cook (Aoraki) in the background (apparently not that often). The meaning of Pukaki in Maori is "bunched-up water".
	Reflections in Lake Pukaki...
	... more reflections - can't get enough of them!!!
	View of Mt Cook on the way to the Mt Cook Village...
	Mt Cook (Aoraki): The highest mountain in NZ. Aoraki means "cloud piercer".