We still haven’t quite cracked the time difference thing and after a disturbed night, wake up at what is a late hour for us. The sun is shining across the lake and there is not a cloud in sight, nor does there seem to have been any snow. The first snag is when the inhabitants of the neighbouring van, who are leaving early, unplug their electric cable and then turn off the master switch, which halts the supply to our van as well!

We decide to climb to the summit of Mount St John, where the dark sky observatory is located. There are signs of frost but the air is wonderfully fresh but on the thinnish side. Our destination is 1043 metres above sea level. I don’t know if I am still suffering from the after effects of the Peruvian trip but I did find reaching the top a bit of a struggle. Maybe there is a reason why almost everyone else we see is about half our age and those who are not have driven up. The views did make it worth the effort and we run out of superlatives.

We stop for refreshment at the top where, allegedly, we encounter the highest postbox in the southern hemisphere. It is a little early to post things home so we don’t make use of it. In an effort to control the caffeine intake, I have a very pleasant ginger, honey and lemon hot drink. There is free water available and my travelling companion offers to get me some while I am waiting for my purchased drink to arrive. The container is empty and whilst attempting to take it to the staff for refilling, he drops it on the floor. Fortunately it bounces. Later a small child, away from watchful parental eyes, turns on the tap at the bottom of this now full water container, so the contents runs all over the carpet. This makes our offence seem trivial.

The downward journey was much easier than the upward climb, although I somehow manage to trap my fingers in the door of the public toilets. Dripping blood in a spectacular fashion, I return to the van. Chris has discovered two overseas drivers’ permits in the glove box. I wonder if I can pose as Fabiola. Probably not. She is thirty something and no clothing is visible in her head and shoulders photograph. After a short recouperate, we head for the hot springs. We enjoy floating around in the open air, with views of the mountains. The water is 37 degrees but the cold wind makes getting out a little chilly. Still, with the summit and the swim, we have ticked off two of our guide book’s recommended 101 things to do in New Zealand in one day. Some are in North Island, some we have done on our previous visit and some are rather to ‘active’ for us but we should manage to accomplish a few more later in the trip.