It had been a few days since we hiked the Routeburn Track, and we were feeling a little antsy about spending SEVEN full days in Queenstown. About three days in, we were seriously aching for some nature!

From Queenstown, most travelers heading north choose to either visit Mount Cook (central) OR they travel to the West Coast, which will be covered in our next post. It just doesn't make sense to do both given the lack of connecting roads and time constraints. But all we have is time.

So, we made the decision to leave Queenstown for a few days to visit Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. The Mount Cook area is known for some really nice hikes, incredible stargazing, and its close proximity to a group of alpine lakes. Before we get to our experience on the Hooker Valley Track, a very popular hike with the best views of Mount Cook and nearby Hooker Glacier, we just have to share a few photos of these alpine lakes. I didn't think it was possible to be obsessed with a lake - but check these out. They are gorgeous!

Lake Pukaki, the most insanely gorgeous turquoise lake on the way from Queenstown to Mount Cook.  That is Mount Cook in the background.  I die! — Lake Pukaki, the most insanely gorgeous turquoise lake on the way from Queenstown to Mount Cook. That is Mount Cook in the background. I die!

Lake Pukaki is one of three alpine lakes near Mount Cook, and it gets its color from glacial flour, or extremely fine rock particles from a glacier.

Mesmerized by Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook in the distance.

One of the other nearby alpine lakes is Lake Tekapo. Lake Tekapo is the more popular of the lakes, with many resorts and other tourist attractions nearby. Personally nothing could beat the first time we laid eyes on Lake Pukaki, but Lake Tekapo is definitely very beautiful as well. We stopped at the base of Lake Tekapo for a hike up to Mt. John Observatory, an excellent place for stargazing (only at night, duh).

mt john observatory lake tekapo new zealand

Check out the view of Lake Tekapo and a sea of colorful lupin from Mt. John Observatory. Those clouds in the background, especially the misty-looking one on the right is not a good sign for possible stargazing!

The path down from Mt. John Observatory takes you through a farm with endless sheep. These sheep are extremely lucky to have this view! Do you think they appreciate it?

Mischievous Stephen sneaking up on a herd of sheep nearby.  I have to admit, it was very funny to see them running every time we got close. — Mischievous Stephen sneaking up on a herd of sheep nearby. I have to admit, it was very funny to see them running every time we got close.

Those poor sheep don't know what's in store for them.

So pumped to be on this hike with this amazing view!

As mentioned above, the Mount Cook region is known for some awesome stargazing. In June 2012, the 4,300 square kilometer area was recognized as an International Dark Sky Reserve - the largest such reserve in the world. The skies around here are almost totally free from light pollution.

But while the amount of light can be controlled, the path of clouds cannot. And the day we were here, a thick blanket of clouds was waiting to roll over the entire area.

The white you see is actually a thick blanket of clouds just hovering over the hills. — The white you see is actually a thick blanket of clouds just hovering over the hills.

That night, we managed to see some stars but not as many as we'd hoped. For sure, it was nothing like sleeping under the stars in India!

Still obsessing over the lakes we saw the day before, we got up early the following day to hike the Hooker Valley Track, a beautiful but easy walk with unobstructed views of Mount Cook, Hooker Glacier, and Hooker Lake.

Heading onto the track.  Sun's out, guns out. — Heading onto the track. Sun's out, guns out.

One of a few long swing bridges on the Hooker Valley Track.

Stunning views of Mount Cook on the Hooker Valley Track.

Feeling slightly dwarfed by this amazing scenery.

hooker valley track mount cook new zealand

There was a little rocky beach at the edge of Hooker Lake that not many people made the extra 2 minute trek to. It was a special place to lay back on our backpacks, rest our tired feet, eat some power bars, and absorb the stunning scenery in front and around us.

Washing my hands in the freezing water was definitely a mini spiritual experience. — Washing my hands in the freezing water was definitely a mini spiritual experience.

Feeling satisfied with our incredibly beautiful hike, we got on the road back to Queenstown.

One more view of Lake Pukaki before leaving the area.

We were both so glad that we left Queenstown for a few days to drive up to this part of the country. It was stunning in so many ways, and in my opinion, heads and shoulders above the scenery on the West Coast. But I'll let you judge for yourself when you read our next post about our trip up the West Coast of the South Island.

-Michelle