Aoraki (Mt. Cook)
The most beautiful campsite in the world
We drive from Peel Forest to Lake Pukaki. There, we stop at one of the most beautiful places we've ever seen: A bright blue glacier lake, bright blue skies, bright yellow sun and majestic snow-capped mountains in the background.
At this place, right on the shores of Lake Pukaki, we find some sort of gardening project, under the pine trees. Several plants are shielded by rocks, fabric and rubber tyres. Signs next to some plants and a water bucket say "When plants are dry, please feed H2O".
Hidden behind pine trees and bush, we find a bloke in a car. The car is stuffed with mattrasses, clothes and cereal boxes. Looks like he's living there, and he has been watching us closely. This is Doc Holiday, a slightly eccentric but interesting guy who committed himself to growing native plants that disappeared when the europeans introduced pine trees here 150 odd years ago. He has been here for the last 18 months. I wonder what he does in winter, I reckon the weather can be quite uncomfortable in this area.
He pointed out a wonderful and secluded spot to park our car and camp for the night, as long as we were careful not to damage the plants. And he'd shoot us if we left toilet paper in the bush.
Turns out that Doc Holiday created a paradise here! This is the most beautiful camping spot imaginable. Our car is well hidden, but we have a fantastic view. Doc has even made a sort of bed from flat rocks. We just sit there for the rest of the day, enjoying the scenery. At night, we take out our sleeping bags, binoculars and a couple of beers and watch the millions of stars in the sky. Amazing, that's what it is.
