Delighting in Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki

After our mountainous days near Mt. Cook we took a short drive to nearby Lake Tekapo to spend a relaxing, scenic lakeside evening and morning. We delighted in the fields of lupins around a sky blue lake surrounded by mountains and woke up to find a glorious sunny morning, perfect for a lakeside run and a trip up to the Mt. John Observatory for 360 degree views of the surrounding fields and mountains. The day was so nice that we just wanted to sit and revel in the views and the air and the sun. Eventually we pulled ourselves away to start driving back south, passing Lake Pukaki and making several stops to admire the blue color of the lake, the mountain and cloud reflections, and to take a (very) quick swim. Photos and commentary below.