Lake Ruataniwha

Lake Ruataniwha, near the town of Twizel (pronounced twy-zel), is the newest lake in the Waitaki Basin and is completely man-made, built between 1978 and 1981. On its shores was our camp site, nestled amid the pines. So we had to clear pine cones and horse poo before we pitched tent. It was a good base from which to explore Mt Cook and the lakes.

We never go camping without our tin of Harrods biscuits, doncha know. Thanks Tony! The lake itself also offered a chance to play with Shannon's present from our pink lady friend.

On our final night there we went for a brief fish in Lake Ohau, reached by driving along the Ohau Canal, part of the hydro scheme.

We then went for a little off road adventure, almost to the lands of Mordor!