Recommended Hiking Trail: Mt John Summit Circuit Track

📍 Location Mt John Summit Circuit Track is located near Lake Tekapo on New Zealand's South Island. The trail is approximately 8.9 kilometers long and loops back to the starting point. 🚗 Transportation It takes about 5 minutes by car from Lake Tekapo town to reach the trailhead. Alternatively, you can walk or bike directly from the town to the starting point. 📝 Personal Experience When I first challenged the Mt John Summit Circuit Track, I never expected to encounter three stunning landscapes—lake views, snow-capped mountains, and grasslands—all in one hike. The trail starts off relatively flat, but as you progress, you can feel the elevation gain. Looking back, the vibrant blue Lake Tekapo resembles a giant gemstone nestled at the foot of the mountain. Upon reaching the summit, the wind was quite strong, but the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view made me forget all my fatigue—Southern Alps in the distance were clearly visible. Along the way, you’ll pass by an observatory, which is impressive during the day and a renowned stargazing spot at night. The entire hike took me about 3 hours. Although my legs felt a bit sore, sipping coffee back in town afterward, I was completely rejuvenated by the tranquility and magnificence of the experience. 🌿✨