New Zealand - Days 7 and 8

Our last couple of days in New Zealand are here :( It's been an amazing place so far and we've gotten super lucky with the weather given that its the start of winter. On Day 8, we hit 70 degrees Fahrenheit in Timaru! Although the "epic" part of the trip is over, we still saw some amazing views on these two days of the roadtrip. Here's a quick summary of what we did on Days 7 and 8, followed by some things to know if you visit, fun facts, and some of our favorite pictures.

• Drive from Queenstown to Twizel
• Hooker Valley Track Hike in Mt. Cook National Park
• Night at Kiwi Twizel Holiday Park (Campervan)
• Hangout at Lake Tekapo
• Drive from Twizel to Timaru
• Timaru Town Walk
• Night at Top 10 Holiday Park in Timaru (Campervan)

Things to know if you visit

• Petrol (don't call it gas or they'll judge you for being American) is much cheaper, by like 20-25 cents per liter, in bigger cities. So try to plan your fill ups when you're in a bigger city.
• Mt. Cook has quickly changing weather and is super windy. So even if its 50 Fahrenheit, a windbreaker really helps. 
• Hooker Valley Track is a three to four hour round trip walk/hike. It's great to do with parents too because the elevation gain isn't too much, the path is very well maintained, there are facilities at the start of the hike, and there are tons of picture taking opportunities.
• Lake Tekapo is right behind the main town area so its a great place to stop for lunch, hang out, and just stare at the ridiculously pool-like blue water.
• Timaru has a well laid out path for tourists to walk on. It takes you all around the major sightseeing places including the beach, cliffs, and main shopping street. There's a cool aviary and rose gardens free to walk around in.
• You can get real fish and chips for $6.50 in Timaru compared to the $15 you'd spend in Queenstown. And you know its real when Asian people are making it :)

Fun facts

• Mohit had his first alcoholic beverage (Montana NZ Pinot Gris) in New Zealand on Day 7.  
• Timaru has four or five Indian restaurants (one is even called "Punjabi Indian Tandori Restaurant" this place is legit).
• You may think you want to walk inside the aviary in Timaru but you'd be signing up for up close and personal poop smell, and aggressive birds flying close to your head.
• Broccoli at grocery stores is really cheap in NZ.

Days 7 and 8 Summary Pictures

Lake Pukaki on the way to Hooker Valley Track walk/hike, 

It happened, a sheep crossing!

It was so windy on these suspension bridges.

A nice trail for the whole family but crazy picturesque.

He felt very LOTR here.

I'm on that bridge.

Sometimes we don't use the selfie stick.

Beginning of Day 2 at Lake Tekapo

Now at Timaru at Caroline Bay.

See? NZ can be normal looking.

Skipping pebbles.

A fish and chips shop where you only do pick-up and two can eat for $12 NZD. 

They created a huge park area near the bay.

Have birds always been this evil looking?

My nose paid a price for this shot.

Timaru town square/main st area.

Besides fish and chips and flavored canned tuna you also have access to lots of savory pies.