Lake Tekapo

As we headed southwest from Christchurch, we entered what is purported to be the highlight of the South Island.....the southern Alps and the Otago region.

Pull over to the side of the road....take a picture....

....have some lunch.

Lake Tekapo has an amazing hot springs.  I took an afternoon soak that lasted three hours!

Mt. John right above Lake Tekapo is home to an observatory.

At night, we took a tour up (yes, it was cold that they gave us jackets) to see the stars.  Southern Cross, the Jewelbox and an amazing look at Saturn and its rings.  FYI, I didn't get to the picture in time, so that's my fist you see in the center rear.

During the day, the observatory runs a cafe.

Mt. Cook, the highest point in the southern Alps in the distance.

Astronomy is HARD!