New Zealand Day 6: mount cook

Woke up and showered for brekke by 850. Had toast and cereal with a family from germany who were here for a month visiting their daughter who was working abroad. Then we back figured our trip-- where do we need to be by when to make sure we do all the things we want to do. We still have three days of wiggle room. Then we decided we were going to drive out to mount cook and overnight in oamaru-- known for their blue penguin and yellow eyed penguin colonies. Got out to our car--no flat tire! Packed up, said goodbye to our wonderful host Ginny-- who told us to park by the red shed and walk the beach to see he penguins (and avoid paying 25$/person). And with that we were on our way.

Two hour drive out to lake takapu, known for their gorgeous night skies. Made it to the beautiful mountain lake, skipped (or attempted to) rocks and then drove to the spa area. Captured some pictures and then drove towards mount cook. Pulled off and made pb&j for lunch then continued for an hour to mount cook. Very touristy spot. It in the middle of a valley surrounded by mountains with hanging glaciers. We parked the car, walked and snagged some pictures before retreating to the cafe. Ordered a flat white coffee (coffee and milk) and sipped it while enjoying the scenery.... and numerous coach buses letting tourists out by the dozens. Picked up a post card and sent it off to kaylee johnson and then we were on our way-- with andrea driving. Detoured to a hiking spot which we didn't hike. Then the three hours back to the main road. Lots of one lane bridges and winding mountain hills. But we made it out.

Turned into oamaru and started looking for a hotel nearby the penguin spot. Matt found an olden building with shred bathroom in the heart of everything for 90usa$ a night. We took it. Turns out the building used to be a brothel back in the day. And dropped our things off, enjoyed some cheese and drinks before going down to the Scott's brewery before the penguins come ashore. Had a really good Greek pizza and a pint and then set off to the red she'd recommended by Ginny. We hopped down a wall to the beach and climbed up a harbor. We saw the bleachers where everyone who paid $25 per person were waiting for the penguins. "Here they come" we hear, and then a security comes out and kick the dozen of us out. But we saw a few dozen penguins come to shore for free. Bam. Climb up the wall and head bavk to the brewery for one more pint before retreating to bed. Tomorrow-- south scenic route to position us for Milford sound.