Heading East - Punatahu to Geraldine

Thursday 5 March

An easy morning - checking out the view from our hill at 8.30am (the crowds of vans were already thinning out even at this early hour) then watching streams of people climb our hill, marvel at the vista, take the requisite photos then move on. Some stayed for a while just soaking it all in - such a privilege to be able to spend time in such natural beauty.

We spotted a Goldie so went over and introduced ourselves - turned out to be a lovely couple, Denise & Robbie, from Nelson who are travelling not just with Ali the Goldie but also a pusscat named Jaymie ❤️ Ali shared some lovely smooches and sat on our feet while we chatted with her humans!

Took ourselves off for a walk along the A2O trail around the lake, marvelling at the crystal clear waters and loving the autumnal colours of the wild rose hips) then came back shortly after noon to an almost empty camping site! We packed up and headed off to Geraldine via Tekapo, Burkes Pass and Fairlie - obligatory pie stop, and at this time of year it would have been rude not to sample a hot cross bun (verdict - delicious!!) We also got stalked by a adorable wee kitty who sat and watched us eat our lunch in Banjo and almost came to join us. Passing Lake Tekapo, we were shocked to see how low the lake waters were versus when we were there just 2 weeks ago!

Got a lovely spot at Peski, a POP just outside of Geraldine and set up for the night. I popped into town to visit Barker’s (got blackcurrant & onion jam for our cheeseboard) and the cheese shop where I got some of their delicious haloumi - yum!

Back at Peski we met our neighbours, cleaned the Weber (long overdue) and had a leisurely dinner in the fading sunshine.

A wind down day and much appreciated after our busy itinerary with the Fernandi and ahead of our big weekend at Selwyn Sounds!