Our final day!

 A cold night and a very cold morning, but it was worth it to wake up to the sunrise on the mountains and the sound of distant avalanches. 

We couldn't wait for the sun's rays to reach our camp, so we headed back over the extraordinary swing bridges. We enjoyed working out where on the mountain face in front of us we had walked up to Mueller's hut 2 days before. 

By the time we were back to the car we changed from 4 layers to 1 and enjoyed brunch in hot sunshine on the balcony of the Hermitage hotel. A nice touch of glamping. 

Sadly we said farewell to the majesty of the mountains and our time together there. We kept looking in our rear-view mirrors so we could feel like we were still there.

Unexpectedly the glacial waters of Lake Pukaki was absolutely gorgeous in the bright sunshine and we stopped at 4 lookouts to get different views. 

The water was just as spectacular at Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd. 

Then a long uninteresting drive to Christchurch for our final dinner and pack before we wake up at 330am!

As Isaac and I took off at the end of our trip 5 years ago I listened to 'O praise the name of the Lord our God'. As the same song played in the car today, tears of happiness and sadness and thankfulness welled up again. 

Such a wonderful time in a majestic part of God's creation, but so special to spend it with my beautiful daughter, Bethany.