Mavora Lakes

 For several years we have been promising ourselves to spend some time camping in at the Mavora Lakes. We pass the turn off every time we are heading to TeAnau and so we decided that now was the time to make the effort.  We were in TeAnau for Grant and Wendy’s wedding but it has also coincided with our very long term tenant, Christine, moving out next week.  As we wanted to be back there next weekend it has been the perfect opportunity.

So on Saturday afternoon, all loaded up with plenty of food and insect repellant, we headed into the Mavora Lakes.  When you turn off the main road there is almost 40km of gravel road so you certainly want to make the stay longer than a night.

There are about 60 campsites available, and managed by DOC, so it is merely a matter of choosing exactly where you want to be. We spent the first three nights at the southern end of the North Lake. We had beautiful views of the lake and it was also close to the start of the Mavora Walkway and part of the Te Araroa Trail.

We chose to bike the 10km to the first hut though it is also a 4WD track too.  The track  certainly doesn’t give you the smooth easy ride the Central Otago trails did and in fact it took us as long to bike it as it would have if we had been walking. There were numerous water crossings or tracks around them as well as rough rutted sections. 

To my horror I did what I have often feared - fell off. But not only that, I landed in the wet muddy water.  Stephen thought we should head back but I felt that I would soon dry out - which I did. It was certainly a good ride that we enjoyed but also one of the most challenging we have done. 

Other activities that kept us busy were a walk around the lakes which you start and finish on a swing bridge, a walk to the Kiwi Burn Hut and a drive to Walter Peak Station.  This drive takes you through some very wide open high country valleys, through a gorge and down into Walter Peak Station on the shores of Lake Wakitipu. We even found the beginnings of the Oreti River, the same one that passes only but 200 metres from our place in Otatara.  

The walk to the Kiwi Burn Hut is quite an easy walk in but the loop track was very challenging and took us through swamp and a hard to follow track before heading back into the bush and a much better track, taking us over 4 and a half hours. 

We shifted camp after three nights to down beside the South Lake. By this stage the wind had dropped and with a bit more shelter we were able to light a fire in the BBQ provided. I like nothing better than to cook on an open fire and with the sandflies not too bad we were able to enjoy some outside time during the evenings. I have always fancied cooking damper over a camp fire so for dessert one night , that is exactly what I did. Delicious. 

The photo doesn't do justice
to the size of the fish!!!!!

Stephen fishing in the South Lake.

On Wednesday morning, as we were preparing for our walk,  Stephen decided that the fish were rising and in no time at all he had a fish on the line and a perfect size for tea. Unfortunately it was the only one that he caught despite several more attempts. It was as though they were playing with him. Jumping to the right and as he cast in that direction they would jump to the left. Frustrating but at least he got one.

We actually ended up staying an extra night, this time at the start of the Kiwi Burn hut track. After a much longer walk than we anticipated we decided to spend the night in the car-park. It had such a beautiful vista and we feel humbled to have been able to spend time in such a wide open space.

Wedding Number Six (in 15 months).

Our main reason for being TeAnau this trip was for Grant and Wendy’s wedding. (Stephen worked with Grant at the AA.)

Not long after Grant and Wendy met they were driving along the foreshore in TeAnau and saw the glass chapel that belongs to The Distinction Hotel and they thought it would be a lovely place for a wedding. And so it was. It was just a picture perfect spot looking out from the chapel over the lake though you wouldn’t have wanted it to be any sunnier outside or we may have baked.

The 'three musketeers' from the AA!!

After the ceremony we enjoyed canapes and a glass of bubbly on the front lawn before heading inside to the reception for the remainder of the evening.

I have certainly had good value for money from my dress. Jessica helped me buy it when we were in the UK in 2012. 

Round Hill/Long Hilly Walk

After our fleeting visit to Invercargill where we managed to catch up with some of our friends, we headed out onto the Southern Scenic Route to Te Anau.  Our friends Linda and Ray’s daughter and family have recently purchased some land and a house at Round Hill- just passed Colac Bay and we were keen to check it out.  They are right beside the car-park for the Long HIlly Track (a good hour’s walk around the old gold/chinese mining) and so we knew that there was a good sized park for the bus.    

Link to this walk: Round Hill Track Information

We arrived about 5pm, in time to do the walk before our evening meal. 

After the meal we joined Hannah and Scott to share dessert.  We also got to meet their first ‘paying guests’.  To make a few more dollars for the kitty, they have turned their sleep-out into a bunk house and hoping to attract back-packer guests. Sam, Robert and Caleb are doing the Te Araroa track, which takes you from Bluff to Cape Reinga, and passes right by Scott and Hannah’s door. They were allowing five months to complete this journey so they have a long way to go as this was only Day 4!!!  But what an interesting trip to be doing. The following link takes you to the website: Te Araroa Trail

We spent a very enjoyable evening and the following morning went back for a morning cuppa with Scott and the children before heading off to TeAnau.(Hannah was at work and the intrepid trampers had set off on their way.)  They have a lovely rural set-up with lots of gardens, animals and space for the children to enjoy.

Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trails

Before we left Central Otago we completed a couple more rides on our bikes.

Looking south down the Clutha River.

A new trail has been created along the western side of the Clutha River between Alexandra and Roxburgh. Unfortunately it is still incomplete as one landowner is not allowing the trail to go through his property so at the moment there is a 10km ride to Doctor’s Point, a 12km boat ride and then the final 10km ride to the  Roxburgh Dam. We had heard from several people that the 10km ride to Doctor’s Point was an excellent ride so we made a point one afternoon (after the hottest part of the day) to check it out for ourselves.

And we weren’t disappointed. It was a more challenging ride than the Rail Trail but well worth the effort. It follows the Clutha along through the gorge down to an area called Doctor’s Point. This is an historic gold mining site (most is on the other side of the river which can be reached by boat or walking) with some dwellings still intact. It is hard to believe that anyone could live in such conditions, especially in the harsh climate this area can dish up.

On our way to Invercargill we were keen to experience the next trail which is the Clutha Gold. As we passed by the Roxburgh Dam, we left the car there and continued down to Pinder’s Pond, our camp site for the night. Once we were settled we headed back on our bikes to the Dam to collect the car. This was an easy 14 km ride along the banks of the Clutha, with all that water that courses through it.  The following morning we took the car and the bikes further down the river to Miller’s Flat and from here we rode back the 15km to the bus before we decamped and headed south to Gore and then on to Invercargill.

Riding north along the Clutha River between Roxburgh and the Dam.

 

Signage for the Clutha Gold Trail

at the Dam and Miller's Flat.

We had just a couple of small problems at Pinder’s Pond. At Lake Dunstan it was rabbits that enjoyed the lettuces. This time it was a couple of chooks. At first we thought that one of the mobile homes were travelling with live stock to supply their daily eggs, but as it turned out these two chooks seemed to be residents in the area. I am sure that they thoroughly enjoyed their dinner of lovely sweet lettuce.  It seems gardening can have  its ups and downs no matter where you are. 

Day Three - Waipiata to Middlemarch

This day was to be a big one. We needed to take our car down to Middlemarch and then return in the bus to Waipiata. There is camping allowed in the Domain so we joined several others doing likewise.
By the time we were ready to start our 52km bike ride it was nearly 11:25am.  The day was very hot but with a slight breeze in our face it was very pleasant.

This part of the trail takes you through farmland, through the Upper Taieri Gorge and another tunnel and then down into Hyde.  We did  a small detour on foot to walk down to the river, just before the tunnel, to look at a second tunnel that had been created many years ago, to divert the water from the main river flow in the hope of finding gold. (They were unsuccessful.) The trail continues along the river and down into Hyde. Here we stopped to eat our sandwiches before going into the cafe for a cool drink and to replenish our water supplies. (They certainly know how to charge for fresh water and there is no where to refill your bottles anywhere on the trail.)

Looking back along the trail towards Tiroiti.

Looking down the Upper Taieri Gorge just before Prices Creek Tunnel.

Historic photo of the derailment.

After a good rest in Hyde we set off on the last 30km of our journey. The first point of interest was the site of NZs first major rail disaster where 21 people were killed in 1943 when he driver had been speeding and failed to take the corner. He had been drinking in one of the hotels  and was convicted for manslaughter.  A memorial now stands close to where the derailment occurred.

Red Dwarf Ganger shed between Daisybank and Hyde.

Along the trail there are lots of 'ganger' sheds that have left for shelter or a rest as you travel along the trail. Many of them have information boards in them telling you about points of interest, history and notes on flora and fauna in the area.  They also tell you how far it is to the next place, which helps especially as you near the end of the journey.






The last 7km from the Ngapuna station was the hardest. It was one long straight and the head wind had picked up so we found it a very hard ride. We were very pleased to see Middlemarch and be able to get in the car and drive back to our camp at Waipiata for the night.

Although we haven't biked all sections of the trail we have completed over half of it. There is some wonderful scenery to see, interesting history to discovery and a great way to get some exercise.  I am not sure which way is the best way to do it though most people start in Clyde. There is always going to be a gradual climb to the highest point at 600m near Wedderburn but starting in Clyde usually has the wind behind you.
The link for more information again is: The official Otago Central Rail Trail website.

Day 2 Otago Central Rail Trail

As we were parked up on the Hayes Engineering site we took advantage of the open 'working' day and joined the tour at 10:30am. Ken was our host/guide and he gave us an excellent tour, which included demonstrating some of the original equipment. Hayes were  certainly a very innovative business and even today most farmers will still have the wire strainers that they designed on/in their fences. 

More information can be found at this link: Hayes Engineering

Even the original homestead has been restored to its former glory. It too had evidence of design before its time with its flush toilet and electricity coming from the 'workshop'.

After our 'tour' we relocated to Ranfurly. We parked the bus in a NZMCA (Motor home association) park behind the local hotel.  We explored the main street on foot, before doing a short bike ride (15km) to Waipiata and back before tea.  Ranfurly has lots to see at both the i-Site information centre and the art deco museum in the Centennial  Milkbar.  More information about this only art deco museum in the Southern Hemisphere can be found at this link:Art Deco museum

Stephen enjoying the view of the wide open space in the Maniototo
while biking from Ranfurly to Waipiata.

To finish our day we treated ourselves to a meal at the Hotel.  We had a big day planned for the next day on the trail  - Waipiata to Middlemarch, which is just over 52km.

Otago Central Rail Trail - Day 1

Otago Central Rail Trail

The Clyde Rail Head is only but metres from our property in Clyde and ever since the trail has been open we have promised ourselves to do at least some of it. We have, over several occasions biked the section to Alexandra but never any further.  So when we finished our contract at the Camping Ground off we set.

We decided that we would take the bus to use our accommodation, and relocate the car along the trail as needed.  Our visit stop was Omakau and we set up camp beside the river, just over the bridge. That evening we did a warm up ride around the Ophir-Omakau loop which is just a mere 6km.

The original Post Office at Ophir which now comes under the NZ Historic Trust ownership.

The 1880 Daniel O’Connell suspension bridge with its stone piers crosses the Manuherikia River at Ophir.

 
We got ourselves well organised in good time the next morning and drove to Hayes Engineering at Oturehua. This is another Historic Trust site and there is also camping for here for NZ Motorhome Association members. We left the car and set off on our bikes the 30km to Omakau.
This is an excellent ride. The section through the Poolburn Gorge is particularly interesting with its tunnels, the remains of a workmen's camp site and the opportunity to see our threatened New Zealand falcon/kārearea. We briefly saw 2-3 of these birds flying/swooping in the distance and heard their distinctive “kekking” call.  

About to start at Oturehua

Ida Burn Dam

The Poolburn viaduct.

Tunnel entrance

Looking towards one of the tunnel entrances.

Below are photos of the remains of the 'living along the line.'

We stopped for some lunch at Lauder before heading along the trail and back to Omakau by just after 1pm.  After a rest and a cuppa we relocated the bus to the Hayes Engineering site where we camped for the night.