Excitement abounded when we discovered we were getting breakfast at The Hermitage 4 star hotel above the chalets, and we ate plenty with two hikes planned! Our chalet was quirky and we're glad we spent one night in the national park.
The first tramp was to the Tasmin Glacier Lake and was only half an hour's climb but the heat takes it out of you. The view was rewarding with the icy blue lake surrounded by mountains and a just visible glacier, sadly in retreat.
Next we headed for the Hooker Valley track which is a 'must do'. It's a 10 km alpine walk crossing the Hooker River three times via suspension bridges.
There's views everywhere you look including Mueller Lake.
However as we went onwards the clouds came down with drizzle which cooled us nicely but sadly meant the view at the end of the walk of the iceberg speckled Hooker Lake with mount cook in the background was a bit disappointing compared with the postcards - but that's mountain weather for you!
It took an hour to walk back and we returned to the village for a lovely cuppa with a view before heading out of the national park. The sun came out again and there's panoramic views of lakes and mountains round every corner.
Tonight we're staying in Twizel by Lake Ruataniwha and we have sheep in our back 'garden'.
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