Date:    1/08/14
River:    Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie Country, NZ
Lake Conditions:    Water cold and clear, choppy.
Weather Conditions:   Sunny but cold, strong NW winds.
Number on Trip:    2
Time on Lake:  1 hour.
Comments:   We arrived in Tekapo in the mid-afternoon and after checking in to the hotel, Lauri was keen to go for a paddle on the lake to make the most of the fine weather and remaining daylight hours. There was a strong wind blowing from the far end of the lake and this was creating a bit of a swell so we mainly just paddled around the near the Church of the Good Shepherd and the dammed outflow to the Tekapo River. This was quite fun as we were able to “surf” the swell back towards the shore. I noticed that there was actually some small waves breaking on the headland that the church was situated on and managed to get a few rides in, taking care to dodge the rocks. This was quite fun until the winds drop and the swell ceased.

Lauri was wanted to watch the sunset from the water but the weather worsen and by the time we got to shore the wind had changed direction and had risen to almost gale force. Tying the boats to the roof of the car in the rain and freezing winds was challenging and the fun aspect seemed to have disappeared by this stage. It was a relief to get back to the hotel, crank up the heater, have a shower and get in to some warm dry clothes before dinner.