15 Days New Zealand South Island Itinerary Series
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Today’s itinerary is super chill. Just over 100 km drive to Lake Tekapo with lots of sightseeing and a very relax pace.
But the traffic news said the road to Lake Tekapo was closed this morning due to black ice.
So no need rush, we took our morning very slowly to be safe.
10 am Playground Time at Timaru Holiday Park
Since got so much free time, why not let the kids chill at the playground.
Cannot compare with Caroline Bay playground lah, but still good enough for them to play an hour and release their energy.
11.30 am Grocery Haul at Pak and Save
Pak n Save is what I call the New Zealand discount grocery store must-go. They really have good prices, so whenever we spot one, we always stop. Their petrol kiosk also standard lah, we filled up full tank here.
People ask me how I usually park the campervan at supermarkets since the van so big.
Simple, I look for four empty lots away from the crowd.
I asked staff also, they said ok one.
Normal car about 4 to 5 metres but our van is about 7.5 by 2.4 metres, so need four parking lots. (By right is 1.5 side, and 1.5 front back) So 2 Lots + 2 Lots = 4 Lots.
As long as don’t block others, no problem.
2.30 pm Snack Break at Fairlie Bakehouse
Fairlie Bakehouse is famous for their pies and you can find it along the route from Timaru or Christchurch.
People must queue for their pies. We joined the short queue, ordered an apple sauce pork belly pie and another flavour.
Honestly I rate only about 2 out of 5 stars. Taste so-so lah, maybe because pies are fresh due to fast turnover. Nothing to shout about.
Better don’t specially come for pies, but if passing by can try. If you do not find Old Chang Kee fantastic. This one can forget it lah.
Beautiful Drive to Lake Tekapo
What I like most about this drive is how the scenery changes.
From green fields to snow-covered lands, very stunning and reminds you that New Zealand winter very power.
3.30 pm Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
This little stone church by the lake is famous and photographed a lot.
It’s a memorial built to remember the Pakeha settlers.
Looked so pretty against the backdrop of the lake and mountains.
Quiet small church but very scenic at the lakeside. We pop by for awhile, and since the kids are asleep and we have plenty of them,
4 pm Checking In at Lakes Edge
This day is our seventh on the road and third day after cabin stay.
We tried to book powered site at Lakes Edge with good view but fully booked. Powered sites cost NZ$80 while cabins about NZ$280.
Since no power sites, we booked a cabin instead. Very basic but very ex leh. ($280 leh) one bunk bed, one queen bed, no kitchen, heater slow to warm.
Cozy enough, can tahan.
We took the keys and headed out for more activities nearby.
4.15 pm Skipped Lake Tekapo Hot Springs
We thought of booking the hot springs but with two kids, winter cold and cold showers, decided to skip. Anyways, we will also have jacuzzi stay later on to make up for this.
Mummy took Loti ice skating, I brought Mei Mei to snow play.
Wanted to try their snow tubing but Mei Mei too short for safety.
Snow play just small area with snow digging, some toboggans lying around.
Mei Mei tried toboggan once but snow melting fast and slippery.
She slid fast and face first into snow, cut her face a bit. No more toboggan after that, just digging snow. So just some simple snow play which cost $10 per pax.
Abit overpriced for such lousy condition.
8 pm Dinner
Dinner was good! Braised chicken wings with pearl white rice. After a long cold day. Sitting down to have zhup with rice feels very shiok leh.
The campsite kitchen was the busiest we saw so far. Powered sites all full with lots of people moving in and out. Kitchen was crowded too.
We took our turn and enjoyed warm comfy meal.
11 pm Stargazing
I camped outside cabin to snap pictures of the night sky. The Milky Way was crystal clear and beautiful. Was hoping to catch aurora but no luck tonight. Still, a magical night to end the day.