Little kayaker

On our way to Lake Tekapo we passed by the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki which had a direct view of Mount Cook. Richie wanted a photograph with it but SV couldn't be bothered so he had to do it by himself. When we got to Lake Tekapo though, she bolted straight down to the kayaks and started getting ready to go out on the water. Somehow she knew exactly what to do with the oars and how to sit in the kayak. So which one of you guys has been teaching her to kayak???

We all had a good time with Richie running in a giant hamster ball while TV, KT and SV just had to go kayaking.

Going home again

We are at the airport in Alice Springs waiting for our flight home. It is SV's 41st flight, and our first one of the year. Being a frequent flyer, SV is quite relaxed and looks forward to a nice babycino before takeoff.

One last look at Queenstown

At least for this trip anyway. SV enjoyed a last sunset over the lake from our campsite. As the sun was setting we quickly walked to the water's edge where we found a dock and ducks. SV liked the view from the dock while Richie flapped his arms like a duck.

The waterhole

After a couple of days driving long distances it was nice to have a short drive to an attraction. We went west of Alice to visit a waterhole set in the McDonnell Ranges which was quite spectacular. The cool water was shocking but refreshing on another hot day. SV enjoyed the water a bit but really liked drawing in the sand with a stick.

On the plains

Our last look at Fjordland was across this long plain with perfect weather. It was quite appropriate. We took a serious family portrait before some people decided to run a muck.

Talking to the birdie

When we pulled over for lunch a little feathered friend came over hoping for a snack. SV was fascinated and tried to talk to him and offer him imaginary snacks. The kea wasn't too impressed by that though. After lunch SV wanted to jump on the bed, and it didn't matter that TV was taking in the view. He just became a fun obstacle. In the evening KT decided to try to make a fire even though it was rainy, but eventually she gave up after the fire kept dying. SV didn't mind though because she got to go inside and play with stickers.

SV in the Outback

So far SV has had a good time in the Outback. She had fun in Alice Springs and further in the red centre. Below are some of the activities that Uncle Mat and us got her involved in.

Waterfalls trail

On our way back from Milford Sound we wanted to do a few short hikes including this short walk to a waterfall. SV loved the opportunity to run around in the soft rain and play with the umbrella.

Underwater observatory

Part way through our cruise we stopped at an underwater observatory to look at the local marine life. There is a unique coral that only lives in the area which is quite interesting, KT and SV are looking at it below. While SV enjoyed looking at the coral, her favourite activity by far was to go up and down the stairs. She did stop to look at the little viewing windows and pictures along the way though.

Cruising Milford Sound

When we woke up in the morning the clouds had come in and it had started to rain. So we thought that a hike was probably not the greatest idea. Instead we took a boat ride on the sound which turned out to be great. We had the choice of how wet we wanted to be, and we got to see Milford Sound in its typical weather. We did see quite a bit of wildlife including seals, penguins and dolphins. The heavy rain made the sky very dramatic and created a multitude of waterfalls which was spectacular.