Monday 30th March 2026
Leaving the site at Fairlie after doing a little shopping, we continued our journey south(ish). We stopped at Burkes Pass, where we visited The Oldest Union Church in New Zealand and enjoyed a coffee at a unique retailer where many old, mostly rusting, agricultural machinery and vehicles were on display in a mock-up of a 1940s garage.
Burkes Pass:
In addition to coffee and snacks, there are many things for sale, though I don’t think I am in. the market for a used car:
Lake Tekapo:
We took our time to get to Lake Tekapo, stopping occasionally to take in the views:
In the high season, Lake Tekapo is understandably a tourist hot-spot. It was busy when we were there, but we had no trouble parking. The lake is simply beautiful:
The area is a designated dark-sky site and there are nearby observatories which you are able to visit.
The dome has a vintage, Victorian telescope which has been restored:
The multi-denominational lakeside chapel has a panoramic window above the altar to entertain you if the preacher’s sermon is too long.
This is an Alpine region, which has many skiing resorts. Obviously not yet in season, but clearly some are prepared:
Lake Pukaki:
If anything, Lake Pukaki is more impressive, though not as commercialised.
The water level of the lake has been artificially raised and the outflow into a large canal, provides hydroelectric power.
We parked-up for the night on a free campground nearby, next to the canal:
That is your lot for today. TTFN and see-u-later.
"See-u-Later" 