Back to Tekapo, and dog heaven

We resumed our visit to Tekapo, after having to spend time in Christchurch getting the gas regulator adjusted, but nothing could be done to fix the satellite dish, despite phone calls to the experts, and Bruce getting up on the roof of the van to look at it. He also took this time to replace the sealant around our big bedroom hatch that had started dripping when we travelled in wet weather. That at least was fixed.

Tekapo put on an array of weather for us – rain, wind and sunny skies thrown in. We were able to take advantage of a fine afternoon for a hot soak in the Tekapo Hot Springs, which was divine.

Travelling with two dogs is not always easy, but we would not have it any other way. Beau has adapted well to the nomadic life, although he steadfastly refuses to sleep in the comfy bed we purchased for him. Anywhere on the floor will do for him.

One of the Tekapo nights was particularly cold and wet and only then did he succumb (albeit for only half and hour or so) to the comfort of his cosy bed.

There is a large dog park adjoining the NZMCA park that we were at. Every day the dogs were set free in this area and they thought it was heaven. A couple of times we met up with Otis, a 7 month old black lab, and Beau thought he was just wonderful – no need for us to exercise the dogs, they did it themselves. The dog park was well planted with conifers and silver birches in their full autumn colours.

In addition to the dog park, there was plenty of lake shoreline for the dogs to explore. The whole area seemed to be a haven for rabbits, and when Hunter happened to see one he squealed loudly – anyone would think we were murdering him. I felt that the rabbits around here are all quite large and look well fed.

We managed to get a particularly nice day to explore the touristy sights of Tekapo, including the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Also here is the statue recognising the value of the sheep dog to the area.

In all, Tekapo was a great place to visit, and a great place to be a dog, but more of the South Island beckons.