Tekapo - Mount Cook - Wanaka 5.3 Autumn Tour

[First stop｜Mount John in the chilly autumn morning] ⏰Depart from Lake Tekapo at 9:30 and climb Mount John on time at 10:00. The stargazing town in early May is already filled with autumn, and the grass outside the mountaintop cafe forms a wonderful contrast with the gradient blue of Lake Tekapo. It is especially recommended to stop at the "Astro Café Back Slope Observation Deck" when descending, where you can frame the entire lake bay and the Southern Alps. [Second stop｜Salmon feast by the glacier lake] 🐟11:30 Arrived at Lake Pukaki Salmon Shop (located in Figure 7). The lake water showed a richer milky blue under the autumn sun. It is recommended to choose the outdoor heated seating area, where 1.5kg of sashimi is enough for 6 people to share (the lake water temperature rises in May, and the fish meat is fatter). Hidden way to eat it: Ask the waiter for free wasabi soy sauce + lemon wedges! [Third stop｜Autumn limited photography corridor] 📸12:45 On the way to Mount Cook, you must stop at "Peter's Lookout" (coordinates in Figure 9). The layers of the snow-capped mountains are more distinct in May, and using a telephoto lens can give a greater sense of space (the effect in Figure 8). It is recommended to wear warm-colored clothing to match the autumn scenery. [Fourth stop｜Autumn variation of Hooker Trail] 🥾13:30 Start hiking in Hooker Valley. There will still be light frost in early May but no ice accumulation. Autumn highlights along the way: - Glacier Viewing Platform: The best time to take photos of the reflection of Mount Cook in the afternoon - There are scattered blue ice floating on the lake surface at the end point, making it easier to get close to take photos than in winter [Fifth stop｜Wanaka tree at the magical moment] 🌅17:15 Arrived in Wanaka just in time for the magic light of autumn. The sunset time in May is about 17:40. [Overnight stay｜Symphony of starry sky and moonlight] 🌙19:00 Check in to Wanaka Lake View B&B. May 3 is the last quarter moon, and the moonlight is soft and suitable for stargazing: Arriving at the booked accommodation, I made a dinner by myself, steak + red wine + leftover salmon from lunch. It was a very happy day! 💡 Travel tips for May 1. The temperature difference between day and night is large (2℃~15℃), so the onion-style dressing method is recommended 2. Autumn is dry, so keep lip balm and hand cream in your car