ENTRALLED BY HOOKER VALLEY AND BLUE LAKE WALK

Mt Cook National Park in South NZ is a popular trekking heaven. There were 2 places that I explored, Hooker Valley and Blue Lake.

When I arrived, it was unlucky to encounter heave rain. Hence, I only manged to epxlore Hooker Valley half way. But the next day, I managed to walk till the end even though it was a gloomy and cloudy morning. The walk along the valley was surrounded by the granite walls of mountains and beautiful foliage despite no sunshine. At the end of the trek, it was a lake with tinted grey view, as it was cloudy.

Beautiful wild flowers welcoming us at the start of the trek

Misty scenary

Iconic Hooker Valley walkway

End of the trek 

Cloudy scenary

The next morning, we explored blue lake trek, where we walked upwards until we reached a viewpoint of the Glacier Lake. It was a magnificent view with deep turquoise water and white cloudy sky. The scene at the bottom of the trek reminded me of "Lord of the Ring" alike feel, as the foliage was beautiful and some of the leaves were grown long and wide. There was a plant which was unique.

"Lord of the Ring" feel

Majestic scenary

A mini lake along the way

Looking back along the ascend

Mystical Blue Lake

There was also a lavender field not far away. It was my first experience tasting a lavender ice cream. There was an entrance fee though. 

A crystal blue lake on the way to lavender field

I wish to spend more time exploring around Mt Cook National Park. The journey from Lake Takepo to Mt Cook was already mesmerising with surrounding mountains and the lake on the right, a truly NZ experience..

The road from Lake Takepo to Mt Cook National Park