Empire Hotel, Oamaru

We decided to leave Lake Tekapo (population 342) this morning, to make a run for Oamaru on the pacific coast.  The lack of a grocery store played some role in the decision, but ultimately we figured if we had to pull a double header in a town somewhere it might as well be a place big enough that we could find wi-fi internet.  Lake Tekapo was nice, but it's a bit of a one hit wonder unless you really just want to unplug and do nothing.  That's almost us, but not quite :)

Before leaving we visited the Mt. John astro cafe, where the University of Canterbury has a number of deep space telescopes.  We considered taking the midnight our, but it was rather expensive. So we opted for a chi tea latte and enjoyed the incredible 360 degree views of the alpine environment.  

Empire Hotel

We headed towards Lake Pukaki, then took highway 8 north, towards the Mount Cook visitor center.  Lake Pukaki was perhaps the most teal coloured lake we've ever seen - Lake Louise in Alberta included!  We got treated to vistas of it for a full 50km, until we arrived at the visitor center.  It was hands down the most interesting mountaineering visitor center I've ever seen - educational, historical, modern and relevant - all at the same time.  The new chalet at Mt. Rainer is close, but this one took the cake.  

After lunch (PB & Jam sandwiches) we skirted Twizel and headed on towards Oamaru.  Amy got a few hours of driving in, and only once did I have to tell her to move to the "other" side of the road ;)  With my chest infection I still tire easy, so while she drove I managed both an early morning and mid-afternoon nap.  Did me a world of good!

We picked up a few eggs (more on eggs later!) from a farm on the way, and popped them in the trunk.  Along with a few groceries dinner at the hostel kitchen was terrific - chicken, carrots & rice with an apricot sauce.   Only we cooked so much we'll be eating it for breakfast too, I suspect.

The evening was topped with a walk to the beach, where dusk brings a fun surprise - penguins!  Blue penguins, the worlds smallest, come ashore here in Oamaru each evening.  Sure enough, small flocks (are they called flocks or schools?) started to appear offshore a little after dusk.  The first came ashore right next to us, which was in a very rocky area.  Others came ashore a little further down the beach - it was somewhat comical to see them get past the surf, and then march single file up the beach!

Blue Penguins marching to shore!