Campervan Road Trip in South New Zealand: Must-go-Places in Lake Wanaka, Haast Pass, Twizel, Mt Cook, Lake Pukaki (Part 2)

Hello guys! Welcome to Part 2 of my unforgettable campervan road trip through New Zealand!
In my last post, I shared all the details about the campervan we rented from MAUI Motorhomes, which made traveling through this stunning country not only easy but also super comfortable. It was the perfect way to explore New Zealand’s most iconic spots.
Our journey kicked off in Queenstown, where we immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking scenery. From there, we ventured through the charming town of Te Anau, experienced the awe-inspiring Milford Sound, explored the historic Arrowtown, and by Day 5, we had made our way to the picture-perfect Wanaka. If you haven’t read about it yet, make sure to check out my first update HERE; you won’t want to miss it! :)
Now, let’s dive into the next part of the adventure!
We kicked things off in Wanaka, a stunning spot surrounded by mountains and lakes, and then made our way halfway along the Haast Pass, one of the most breathtaking stretches in New Zealand. After Wanaka, we made our way to Twizel, a small but charming town tucked away amidst nature's beauty. From there, we drove to the majestic Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The drive was absolutely incredible; snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, and crystal-clear lakes lining the way. Reaching Mt. Cook in person was something I’ll never forget, it’s even more impressive up close!
Finally, we arrived at Lake Pukaki, where the water was the most vibrant blue I’ve ever seen. It was like something out of a dream, and I couldn’t resist taking a million photos. We also treated ourselves to some incredibly fresh raw salmon, which was the perfect addition to the day.
Curious to see more of the breathtaking views and hear about the next chapter of our road trip? Keep reading to find out what happened next! You won’t want to miss it!

Day 6: Wanaka, Lake Hawae, Gates of Haast

- Thunder Greek Falls - Fantail Falls

Before the trip, I spent a lot of time researching the best routes and itineraries, and one thing I kept hearing was how incredible the drive from Wanaka to Fox Glacier is. Many people said the Haast Pass, runs between Wanaka and Haast is one of the most breathtaking stretches in New Zealand, with an incredible number of stunning sights along the way.

However, as we considered the long journey ahead and the chilly weather, we realized it might be too much for my parents. So, we made a quick decision to change our route and save Fox Glacier for a future trip to New Zealand. Although we were a bit disappointed to miss it this time, we knew it was the best choice for the moment, and we could always come back to experience it fully when we’re better prepared.

Lik knew how much I wanted to visit Fox Glacier, so he looked at the map and suggested an idea that made us feel a little better about the change of plans. He pointed out that we could still drive halfway along the Haast Pass route to Fox Glacier, which would give us a taste of the views without having to do the entire long drive. "At least we’ll get to see half of it," he said. And you know what? That was enough to keep our spirits high! Even if we couldn’t reach Fox Glacier this time, getting to see a portion of that famous route was still a win. Sometimes, it’s about making the most of what you can, and we were still able to enjoy some truly spectacular scenery on the way. It wasn’t the full experience we initially planned, but it still turned out to be a beautiful detour in its own right!

After breakfast one morning, we started the road trip from Wanaka Top 10 Holiday Park and made a few stops along the Haast Pass route during our journey.

Took about 10-minute drive, we arrvied at Lake Hāwea.

Lake Hāwea was gorgeous, with its bright blue water stretching out in every direction and framed by towering mountains. It was one of those places that just makes you stop and appreciate the moment; quiet, calm, and perfect for a little break from the road.

It was amazing to see such a vibrant, blue pool around Lake Hāwea. Honestly, this was hands down the bluest water I’ve ever seen in my entire life. The color was so vivid, almost glowing, and the water was incredibly clear, it looked almost too perfect to be real. The way the sunlight hit the surface made it look like something out of a dream, with shades of turquoise and deep blue that were unlike anything I’d seen before. It was definitely one of those “wow” moments where the natural beauty just takes your breath away.

要不是亲眼看到, 也真的不敢相信这个湖可以那么蓝那么清澈. :)

With my forever hero <3

Then, we continue our journey to the Lake Hāwea Lookout Point.

From the lookout point, you can get a view with the clear blue lake surrounded by tall mountains. It was so stunning that we decided to make a quick stop to take some photos. The bright blue water against the rugged mountains made it a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the scenery. It was one of those special moments that reminded us just how beautiful New Zealand’s landscapes are.

Since this was a road trip, we kept things simple and made lunch in the campervan. I have to say, the decent kitchen inside the van was incredibly useful; it really made the trip more comfortable.
Having the ability to cook and make coffee anytime we wanted was a game-changer. Whether it was for a quick breakfast or a warm lunch, we didn’t have to rely on finding restaurants or cafes, which saved time and money.

My dad enjoyed this the most. We just pulled over at any spot with a beautiful view, park the van, and enjoy our meal surrounded by stunning scenery. For him, it wasn’t just about the food, it was about the whole experience of eating in nature. Whether we stopped by a quiet lake, a mountain pass, or a peaceful roadside stop, he loved the freedom to choose the perfect setting for each meal.

在这里简单吃一杯泡面都觉得非常好吃. :)

The drive along the Haast Pass was beautiful, with winding roads, lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and glimpses of glacial rivers.

We drove for about 1 hour and 15 minutes along the same route to reach the Gates of Haast.

The Gates of Haast is a natural spot where the road passes between two tall cliffs, almost like driving through a giant gateway. It’s part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area, which is famous for its stunning beauty.

When we arrived, we were amazed by how big and wild the place looked. The cliffs were towering over us, and the whole area felt untouched by people. The quiet and beauty of the place made us really appreciate how vast and incredible this part of New Zealand is. It felt like a special, untouched spot where nature is still wild and free.

Down the Gates of Haast, there’s a river that winds through the valley, creating a beautiful scene with the mountains in the background. The clear water reflects the peaks, and the lush greenery along the banks adds to the stunning view. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring spot, where nature feels raw and untouched.

Looking at the photos now, the beauty still feels unreal, like a dream. It’s so perfect that I can hardly believe I was standing there. The scene still takes my breath away, and I’m so grateful to have seen it with my own eyes.

Thunder Creek Falls is just a short 5-minute drive from the Gates of Haast, making it an easy and must-see stop along the way.

After taking in the stunning views at the Gates, we didn’t have to travel far before arriving at this beautiful waterfall. The sound of rushing water grew louder as we got closer, and soon we were standing in front of the Thunder Creek Falls, where the water cascades down dramatically from a height of around 14 meters.

The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees, making it feel like a hidden gem in the heart of nature. It’s one of those places where you can just stand and admire the power of nature as the water thunders down into the creek below. The mist from the falls even created a cool breeze, making it a refreshing stop on our journey. It was a quick visit, but definitely a memorable one, just one more reason why the West Coast of New Zealand is so incredible!

Fantail Falls was our last stop before heading back to Wanaka.

Though smaller than Thunder Creek Falls, it was still beautiful, nestled in lush greenery and offering a peaceful, scenic spot. The short walk to the viewing platform made it an easy, enjoyable stop, with the soothing sound of water adding to the overall charm. However, after seeing Thunder Creek Falls first, Fantail Falls didn’t quite have the same wow factor for us. If you only have time for one, I’d definitely recommend Thunder Creek Falls as the more impressive of the two.

Both Thunder Creek and Fantail Falls have trails that allow you to walk closer to the falls for a better view. If you're interested in getting a closer look, it’s best to wear the right gear and take the walk. However, since we arrived pretty late, we decided to skip the extra hike and just enjoy the view from where we were.

We came across a lot of cows on our way back, and it was pretty funny how they would just stand there, staring at you without moving. On the other hand, if we encountered goats, they’d usually run off as soon as they saw us. One cow we saw was especially unique; it’s a breed that's quite rare in New Zealand, called the Orio.

By the time we reached Wanaka, the sky was already starting to darken, and the soft glow of twilight was beginning to take over the town.

What a beautiful view right outside the window!

Lake Wanaka and its famous lone tree were exactly as we imagined, standing all alone in the middle of the lake. It was incredible to see, almost like something from a fairytale. As you looked at it, it was hard to believe how this tree had come to be there, standing so isolated in the water. The overall scene felt so lonely, yet strangely beautiful. The way the tree’s reflection rippled in the water, with the mountains in the background and the sky darkening overhead, created a peaceful and magical atmosphere.

还真的没有取错名字, 看起来就是一颗最孤独的树.

It’s incredible to think that this tree has survived all by itself in such a tough spot. Seeing it in person felt special, like a small miracle. It was the perfect way to end our day in Wanaka, a peaceful moment to wrap up our adventure.

Day 7: Wanaka - Twizel

Early in the morning, we took some time to explore the town of Wanaka. Our main goal was to stock up on groceries for the next few days, as we were heading to Mt. Cook and Lake Pukaki. While in town, we also stopped by Pak'n Save to grab everything we needed for the road. Afterward, we found another store called New World Supermarket, which had a nice selection of clothing. Some of the clothes were super affordable, especially with their clearance sales. Besides clothing, they also had a variety of dry foods, which was perfect for our trip. It turned out to be a great place to pick up some essentials and stock up on snacks for the journey ahead!

Besides stocking up on groceries, we also make sure to clean our campervan at the dump station before hitting the road. We usually do this every three days, emptying waste tanks and topping up fresh water. This routine helps keep the van comfortable and avoids any issues, ensuring we’re ready for the next leg of our journey.

The drive from Wanaka to Twizel is a beautiful journey through different landscapes, including alpine meadows, lakes, and canals. We travelled through the Lindis Pass, into the Mackenzie Basin, and pass by the towns of Omarama and Twizel along the way.

The Lindis Pass is one of the most beautiful places I've seen. There are wide yellow fields and big, rugged mountains all around. The golden grass looks amazing against the rough landscape. It’s like stepping into a painting.

We decided to stop for a while because it was too pretty to just drive past. The quiet and open space made it the perfect spot to relax and take a break before we continued on our trip.

There have been so many goats along our journey since day 2, but we never had the chance to stop and take pictures. Either they were too far away or we were passing by too quickly. Today, though, we got lucky! We stopped halfway along the highway, and there they were some goats grazing nearby.

New Zealand goats are really funny! As soon as they hear any sound, even the smallest noise, they all run off. We're not sure why they do that, but it's so cute to watch! We couldn’t stop laughing every time one of them ran away. #haha

After having lunch, we drove for about two hours to reach the Airbnb we had booked in Mackenzie, Twizel. I really wanted to give my parents a break from the campervan, so I decided to book a nice, comfortable place to stay for a couple of nights.

I actually booked Amy House pretty last minute, but we got lucky because the house turned out to be amazing! It was so much nicer than we expected, especially for the price we paid. Honestly, it was totally worth it. The house was cozy, well-furnished, and had everything we needed to relax and recharge, definately a perfect break after all those days in the campervan.

Amy's House was fantastic; a spacious place with a large kitchen, a comfortable living area, a TV room, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and even a laundry with a dryer. While Twizel doesn’t offer much in terms of activities, we were more than happy to relax and enjoy the comfort of Amy's House. The surrounding area was peaceful and quiet, with each house set far apart, giving us the privacy and space we needed.

For anyone just passing through or looking for a quiet retreat before heading to Mt. Cook, Twizel makes an excellent base to rest and recharge. With its scenic views and calm atmosphere, it’s easy to appreciate the charm of this little town while still enjoying a quality experience. We had originally booked for two nights, but Amy's House was so nice that we decided to extend our stay by one more night at the last minute, it was hoenstly just too perfect to leave so soon!

To wrap up the day, we decided to make some Bak Kut Teh for our first dinner in Twizel! It was the perfect way to relax and enjoy a home-cooked meal after a long day of traveling. My parents were so happy with the house we rented, and it made the evening feel extra special. The comfort of Amy's House, along with the warm, familiar taste of Bak Kut Teh, made everything feel cozy and inviting. We sat down, enjoyed our meal, and talked about our day, feeling thankful for such a peaceful place to stay. It really was the perfect end to a great day, and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to start our time in Twizel.

Day 8: Twizel - Mt Cook

On the 8th day of our trip, we set off early in the morning for our drive from Twizel to Mount Cook, which took about an hour. We were excited for the day ahead, especially because we had planned to explore the Hooker Valley Track.

From the information I gathered, the hike and exploration would take about three hours in total, including the return trip. Since we knew it would be a long day with a lot of walking, we decided it would be best to leave our parents behind at the Airbnb so they could relax and take it easy. The three of us younger ones were ready for the adventure and excited to explore the stunning views at Mount Cook.

From Twizel, we had to drive along State Highway 80 to reach Mt Cook, and the drive itself was nothing short of breathtaking. The highway took us through some truly stunning scenery, with numerous scenic spots perfect for stopping and snapping photos.

We made a stop at the Peter's Lockout, where the roadside viewpoint provides one of the most iconic views of Mt Cook, with Lake Pukaki in the foreground. It's the perfect place to stretch our legs, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and capture some breathtaking photos by the side of the road.

Peter's Lookout offers stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak at 3,724 meters. Aoraki is an important ancestral mountain in Ngāi Tahu traditions, believed to have been formed when Aoraki and his three brothers, after their waka (canoe) crashed, transformed into mountains. The South Island was said to have formed from the wreckage of their canoe.

Driving down State Highway 80 on the way to Mount Cook is such an epic experience. The views along the road are stunning, and the best part? Watching Mount Cook get bigger and bigger as you get closer. Every turn feels like you’re that much nearer to it, and I couldn’t help but get super excited as the peak started to pop into view. It's one of those moments where the journey itself is almost as amazing as the destination!

One of the highlights along the State Highway 80 is to get the iconic jump shot in the middle of the road, where you can capture that classic picture with Mount Cook in the distance. It's a memorable moment and a must-do for anyone visiting the area.

We finally arrived at Mt Cook to begin the Hooker Valley Track, one of the most popular walks in the area. Honestly, we’re definitely not the most experienced hikers, and I don’t usually enjoy long hikes, but this track was pretty manageable for us. The moment I caught sight of the views, something just clicked, and I told myself, "No matter what, I’m finishing this." because the scenery was too incredible to miss, :)

I had read online that the Hooker Valley Track is considered the easiest route to the foot of Mount Cook, thanks to its paved wooden boardwalks, suspension bridges, and mostly flat gravel paths. Sounds pretty simple, right? However, based on my personal experience, I honestly felt lucky that my parents didn’t come along with us. While the path is generally flat, it’s not entirely smooth sailing. There are still small stairs, uneven sections, and some rocky areas that could be a bit tricky. For younger folks like us, it’s definitely manageable, but for older people or those with mobility issues, it could be a real challenge. Some parts even felt a little risky, especially with the uneven ground and stairs that could be slippery. So, well it’s a great hike for many, but I think it's important to know that it might not be as easy for everyone.

After a short 20-30 minute walk from the entrance, we were hit with the most amazing view; a snow-covered glacier and a crystal-clear lake. It was so beautiful, we stood there for minutes and enjoyed this 'wow' moment right in front of us.

I saw a sign explained that, a hundred years ago, the Mueller Glacier completely filled this valley, and you could have walked right onto it from where we were standing. Now, the glacier is mostly hidden up the valley, but you can still spot traces of its ice at the far end of the lake. There are also piles of rock rubble, known as moraine, left behind by the glacier, showing just how far it once stretched.

The Hooker Valley Track is 3.1 miles (5 km) one way, taking you to Hooker Lake. After that, you’ll walk back the same way, making the total hike 6.2 miles (10 km).

Along the trail, there are three bridges to cross, and each one is a bit tricky. The bridges can be scary because they sway as you walk, so if you’re afraid of heights like I am, crossing all three can be a real challenge. The wobble of the bridges with the drop below can make you feel nervous, but it’s also part of what makes the hike exciting!

Well, if you're not up for the full hike or don't plan to complete the entire track, I’d recommend at least walking to this viewpoint, it's only about a 30-minute walk from the start of the trail. Trust me, the view is totally worth those 30 minutes.

From here, you get amazing views of Mueller Lake with its beautiful blue water, and in the distance, you can see the tall, snow-covered Mount Cook. The scenery around the lake is stunning, with the mountains all around and the clear sky above.

It’s a short walk, but the view makes it completely worth it!

As you walk across, you can enjoy the beautiful view around you; the river flowing through the valley, with tall mountains and green fields nearby. The blue water against the rocky landscape makes crossing the bridge feel extra special.

In that moment of fear, I focused all my attention on the amazing views, completely lost in the beauty around me and forgetting my fear of heights. The views from the bridge are great, giving you a clear look at the strong river below, with its pretty milky blue color.

I completely lost count of how many photos and videos I took at Mt. Cook, it was hard not to!

The beauty was endless. Every turn seemed to reveal another awe-inspiring view, from the towering snow-capped peaks to the serene, crystal-clear lakes.

I kept thinking how amazing it would be to share this place with others. It’s one of those locations that’s so stunning which I just want to spread the beauty and let others experience it too.

If there’s one place you must visit in your lifetime, make it this one. Trust me, every step of the journey here is worth it!

The second swing bridge also crosses the river, offering panoramic views of the mountains. While the bridges are quite wide and may wobble a bit when multiple people are on them. It’s my favorite because you get so much closer to the mountains. Standing there, you feel like you’re right in the middle of the beauty, with the mountains towering above and the river running below.

As you walk through the valley towards the boardwalk, you’ll continue to enjoy amazing views of Aoraki Mount Cook.

The mountain seems to get bigger as you move closer, with its snowy peak standing tall against the clear blue sky. The landscape around you; valleys, rivers, and fields, makes the mountain look even more impressive.
It’s hard not to feel amazed by the beautiful surroundings as you keep walking.

The boardwalk winds through the valley, offering a clear view of Mount Cook, making this part of the track another unforgettable experience.

We finally reached the third bridge, but from there, it was still quite a long walk to the end of the trail. My niece, Jia En, kept asking, "How much longer?" It felt like the finish line was just out of reach! But we were lucky with the weather that day; the sky was clear, we had plenty of sunshine, and it wasn’t too windy. I’ve heard that the valley can get a bit intimidating on windy days, so we definitely caught a good day.
If you're planning to hike here, I’d recommend going early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The sun isn’t as strong then, and it can get pretty hot while hiking under the midday sun. The lighting in the morning is also perfect for photos when the sun is just right. By the time we made our way back around 4pm, the sky had started to darken, and it felt like we were just in time to finish before the weather changed.

It took us a little over 2 hours to reach the end of the trail, as we made multiple stops along the way and took our time walking.

When we finally arrived, we were blown away by the views of Hooker Lake and the Hooker Glacier. The lake was crystal-clear, surrounded by towering mountains, with Mount Cook standing proudly in the center. The glacier in the distance added to the stunning beauty of the scene, making it the perfect spot to soak in the peaceful surroundings and natural splendor of the area.

Right in front of us, we could see the Hooker Glacier stretching out, with a small glacial lake at its base. The lake was dotted with icebergs, their light blue color standing out against the milky waters, making the whole scene feel like something straight out of a dream. It’s definitely a place you have to see for yourself!

At the viewpoint above Hooker Lake, there are a few picnic benches where you can relax and take in the stunning view. We were lucky that Lik thought to bring biscuits on the hike, because I completely forgot to pack any snacks! It was a great chance to rest and enjoy the view while munching on a tasty treat.

I’m so glad that the three of us made it all the way to the end of the trail! It wasn’t the easiest hike for us, especially for my niece, who doesn’t do much exercise—let alone hiking! But we pushed through, and by the time we reached the end, we were all incredibly proud of what we had accomplished.

We ended up walking a total of 20,056 steps that day and finished the whole journey in about 4.5 hours. There were moments when it felt tough, but looking back, it was totally worth it.

Mount Cook is hands down one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. The stunning views, the towering peaks, and the crystal-clear lakes, everything about this place just takes your breath away. It’s one of those spots that you’ll remember forever, and I highly recommend it to anyone who’s able to visit. If you get the chance, don’t hesitate, this place is truly a must-see!

That probably wraps up my sharing about Mount Cook and the Hooker Valley Track. I hope I was able to give you a good sense of the incredible beauty and the unforgettable experience of this place. Although the area requires a fair bit of walking and a little hiking, the experience was completely rewarding, every moment on this trail felt like something out of a dream.
Whether you’re into hiking or simply love taking in jaw-dropping views, this is definitely a spot you don’t want to miss. It’s a place you have to see with your own eyes to fully appreciate.

Day 9: Twizel - Lake Pukaki - Blue Lake

After returning from Mt Cook yesterday, I immediately thought that I had to bring my parents here to experience the route as well. The journey was so beautiful, and I wanted them to see it for themselves, even if they couldn’t hike or walk the three-hour trail to the summit. At the very least, I wanted to share the breathtaking scenery along the way with them.

That’s also another reason why we decided to extend our stay by one more night at Amy's House. :)

This time, we kicked off our day at Lake Pukaki, where we indulged in some fresh salmon, something I had heard was a must-try at the lake, and took plenty of photos by the stunning blue waters.

It was only 20 mins drive from where we stayed at Mackenzie, Twizel, that's one of the reason why I suggest to stay at Twizel, used it as the stopover to Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki as I believe the accomodation there will be much reasonable.

Lake Pukaki is a stunning glacial lake in New Zealand's South Island, known for its vibrant turquoise color caused by glacial flour. It sits at the base of Mount Cook, surrounded by the Southern Alps. The lake is part of the Mackenzie Basin and is a key water source for hydroelectric power. Popular for outdoor activities like fishing and boating, it’s also a top spot for stargazing as part of an International Dark Sky Reserve. Its breathtaking landscape has made it a popular filming location, including for The Lord of the Rings.

Lake Pukaki’s blue is seriously next level. The water’s a bright, almost electric turquoise, thanks to tiny rock particles from the glaciers that float around and make the light bounce in the coolest way. It’s the kind of blue that makes you stop and stare, almost unreal, especially when the sun hits it just right!

The salmon at Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, located inbside the Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre was something I’d been looking forward to for ages. Before visiting, I kept seeing posts online calling it a must-try, so I was really eager to give it a go. Sure, it wasn’t the cheapest option, but considering we’d come all this way, I thought it’d be crazy not to try it.

The shop mainly specializes in salmon, but they also serve some coffee. However, I have to say, the coffee isn’t the fresh espresso type you might expect. It’s more of a basic option, nothing too fancy or high-end. That said, the coffee here was actually the cheapest we paid on our whole trip, so it was a nice surprise. Anyway, the star of the show is definitely the salmon, so fresh and delicious that the coffee is just a small bonus. Honestly, the salmon was next level. Every bite just melted in my mouth, so tender and full of flavor. You could really taste how fresh it was, and it was just packed with that rich, buttery taste you only get from fish caught right there. I wasn’t even thinking about the coffee once I took that first bite, the salmon completely stole the spotlight!

Sitting on the bench, facing the stunning blue of Lake Pukaki, and enjoying the fresh salmon was truly a life experience. The breathtaking views of the turquoise water and snow-capped mountains, combined with the incredibly fresh and flavorful salmon, made it feel like a moment out of a dream. It was more than just a meal; it was a perfect, unforgettable experience.
My dad enjoyed it a lot too; I could see how much he appreciated the combination of great food and incredible scenery.

Before leaving Lake Pukaki, we had a short visit at the Pukaki Visitor Centre.

The visitor center is fantastic, sharing local stories and history. It’s located next to a shop and is self-service, meaning there’s no staff on site. There’s a seating area with a stunning view of Mount Cook (if it’s visible), and since the area is covered, it’s a great spot to sit and relax, even in the rain. I was really impressed by the beautiful design and the wide range of information available inside.

After that, we followed the same route to Mount Cook that we took yesterday. Even though it was my second time here, I was still completely in awe of the scenery. The majestic mountains, the vast skies, and the rugged terrain were just as breathtaking as before, if not even more so.

This time, I was able to appreciate it from a whole new perspective, knowing I had the chance to share it with my family. It felt so special to experience this incredible place with them, especially my dad. Even though he couldn't hike up to Mount Cook, he enjoyed the journey so much. It was amazing seeing him take in the beauty of the landscape from the comfort of the car, smiling and soaking it all in. I'm so glad we could make this memory together.

We took some funny photos together while having lunch next to our campervan. Just look at Lik, he was still eating noodles straight from the pot! It was one of those moments that definitely made us laugh when we look it back later. :)

As soon as we arrived at the bottom of the mountain, we were greeted by the most incredible sight, a full rainbow that stretched across the sky, vibrant and colorful, right over the mountain.

We were all so excited, shouting and pointing in different directions, trying to capture the perfect shot.

It felt like magic, and we couldn’t believe our luck. We were all grinning, laughing, and just soaking in the moment. It was one of those unexpected moments that made the whole trip feel even more special.

Since we had more time to explore, we decided to make a stop at the Blue Lakes, which was conveniently close to where we parked. The signage said it was about 420 meters away, just a 10-minute walk, so we figured it would be a quick and easy detour. However, the weather was a bit warm that day with the sun beating down, and the trail turned out to have a lot of stairs. Halfway up, my parents decided to call it quits and wait for us, feeling the heat a bit too much. So, it was just me and Jia En who continued the hike.

As we were still decide whether we should walk a little further down to get a closer look at the Blue Lakes, I snapped a photo from the hillside. The view from up there was already stunning, with the lakes shining in the distance, and I wanted to capture that moment before we made our way down for a closer look. It was one of those shots that perfectly captured the beauty of the scene, and it gave us just enough motivation to keep going and explore a bit more!

When we reached the Blue Lakes, we actually thought the view from afar was more beautiful. The wide-angle perspective from the hill captured the lakes and landscape perfectly, while the closer view didn’t quite have the same magic. Still, it was great to see it up close!

On the drive back to Twizel, we stopped at Peter Lookout to let our parents enjoy the view. It was late afternoon, and the place was almost empty, which made it a lot more peaceful compared to the busy morning we saw yesterday. If you’re wrapping up your Mt Cook hike, this is definitely a great spot to relax and take in the scenery without the crowds.

When we arrived at Mackenzie Town, we took some time to explore this little place. It was very quiet, with not much going on—just a small supermarket and a few shops scattered around. Maybe we didn’t explore it fully, or maybe Mackenzie is just a really small town? Either way, it had a peaceful vibe, but there didn’t seem to be much to see beyond the basics. Luckily, we stumbled upon a random seafood truck selling fresh seafood with a variety of choices, which was a nice surprise and definitely made the stop more interesting!

That made our dinner on our last night in Mackenzie really interesting. We had Lik take on the role of our seafood chef, preparing salmon, green mussels, and scallops as appetizers before our main meal. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and each bite was packed with flavor. The green mussels were especially delicious—juicy, tender, and full of that rich, oceanic taste. The scallops were equally amazing, sweet and perfectly cooked. We all regretted not buying more, particularly the green mussels and scallops, which were definitely the highlight of the meal. It was one of those moments where we wished we had stocked up, but at least we got to enjoy them while we were there, making our last night in Mackenzie extra special.

And that wraps up my part 2 itinerary covering Lake Wanaka, Haast Pass, Mt Cook, Twizel, and Lake Pukaki. I hope you all enjoyed reading about these incredible places and getting a glimpse of the stunning views through the photos. Choosing and editing the pictures took me quite a bit of time, but I really wanted to capture the essence of each spot, so I hope they resonate with you as much as they did with me.

Through my words and the images, I hope you were able to feel the magic of Mt Cook’s towering peaks and the crystal-clear blue of Lake Pukaki, two places that truly left a lasting impression on me. It was such an unforgettable journey, and I’m so glad I could share it with you all.

But this isn't the end! Stay tuned for my next post, where I'll take you to Lake Tekapo, another must-visit gem in South New Zealand. I can't wait to share more of its breathtaking beauty and why it’s become one of my favorite destinations. Thanks for reading, and I hope you’re as excited as I am for what’s to come!