So only 5 of us heading to Tekapo and leaving Queenstown.  Charlotte (sadly leaving Essie), Chris who is also going Fiji same time as me and German mads and Jannik going back home after a Kaikora trip. All feeling tired and hungover as it is a 8.40 pick up and I’m last minute chucking in clothes as sleep in bit too much not giving enough time so frustratingly end up loosing my black dress I took for Vegas and my pink bikini was taking to Fiji. I guess it helps to be a bit less loreal as still have way too much stuff. 

The bus is a longish journey taking about 5 hours with 2 stop offs in GERALDINE where we just grab a tea and a cool lake PUKAKI that is the most gorgeous colour blue tourquise colour. Surrounded by rocks we get a few cool pics with some guys hiding behind them that looks good for a photo and even get a rainbow over the kiwi bus that looks nice – maybe the new kiwi image for them to use for marketing. Seems we get the last of the sunshine here for the day as the rain follows us all way to Tekapo and also means we can’t see mount Cook as usually it is a good spot – well not maybe the top as too high but at least some of it. 

By the time we arrive Tekapo it is is pouring rain and very miserable. Unfortunately we don’t have the weather to be able to make the most of this place as a very outdoors hostel with the beach and outside dining area – even allowed your own drinks. Everyone stuck indoors and feeling bit frustrated that there isn’t anything to do, there is a low vibe in the place no one really chatting to each other. Our group plays a game called contract wist that Chris usually plays and does the scoring as you have about 14 rounds so it lasts awhile and gets us to be quite competitive once we all know how to play. 
By the time that is finished it has stopped raining so we go for a walk to the beach and catch the end of the small sunset there is. The lake is pretty with the mountains in the distance and nice walking along it although a lull of pebbles so hard to walk on. After there we check out the  HOT SPRINGS about 10min walk. Nice little place outdoor hot pools with a skate rink and steam rooms also. We decide to go there later as all hungry and need to go back and cook pasta that we all chipped in for. Although once back and cooking it doesn’t go that well as the hobs don’t work well – one not all – so the pasta gets over cooked and soggy as doesn’t boil, but Jannich doing the sauce does ok and covers the bad taste of the pasta. Quite amusing though the whole cooking process as not the best of hostel kitchens. 

As the food took so long and having far too much we all are super tired after eating so Dutch the hot pool idea, plus saves cash and just chill at the hostel. With a film on and doing my blog it is an ok night. Sitting with the 3 med students Liam, Chris and Ian they are planning there usa road trip whc h is interesting to see how they are planning it as need to work out the mileage as that’s how the car rental works. I find out that Chris has same birthday as me and they will be in Vegas same time as me from 26th so would be cool if could meet up with them when there as they have been dancing buddies in Queenstown haha. Not bed late as it is a nice chilled out night so makes a change ready for last kiwi bus ever.
13th May 2016 (Friday 13th)