Distance travelled to day was 172 kms. Cardrona is a must see on any Kiwi roadtrip. The collection of old buildings lie in a valley on the back route from Wanaka to Queenstown on the Crown Range Road. The road beyond the hotel is twisty and scenic and has a number of tight hairpin bends to negotiate. For that reason I suspect, our campervan company specifically bans us going beyond the Cardrona hotel and a warning comes up on the satnav not to proceed further. Thats a shame as the summit offers an amazing view. I have ridden the road on a motorcycle. Not to be able to show it to Debbie is a shame.
Breakfast at the Cardrona hotel in front of a warming log fire is not to be missed. This iconic collection of old buildings must be on any bucket list visit to New Zealand. What3words location unspent.regatta.dirtier
It is only 20 kms from Wanaka to Cardrona. At around 2 kms from Cardrona is what is known as Bradrona. In days past bras were hung on a fence along the main road to raise awareness of breast cancer. It caused traffic issues with cars slowing down to look at the collection. So the entire collection was moved onto a fence in a purpose built carpark where it lies today. Members of my own family have suffered from the disease so it was only fitting that Debbie left one of her bras as a lasting memory of our visit.
The bra fence near Cardrona known as Bradrona. A fitting reminder of breast cancer and its effect on families. They will need a stronger fence soon. What3words location: bedbug.instantly.transfers
Having backtracked the 20 kms to Wanaka we then headed to Queenstown via Lake Dunstan and Cromwell. The route took us past the Central Otago Pinot Noir vineyards near Bannockburn, past Roaring Meg hydro power station and eventually, after a small detour, to Arrowtown. Another of Debbie’s must see places. It is a small old gold rush town. If there was one thing they could do to enhance it, it would be to ban traffic from the road. It rather spoils the image. There is an amazing sweet (candy) shop reminiscent of days gone by. We simply had to go for a visit inside and get some mint humbugs.
The interior of the “Remarkable Sweet Shop” Another one of those must sees. It really is a delightful little store.
Our final stop for the day was in Queenstown where we are staying at the Queenstown Holiday park and motels at Creeksyde. It is a very clean, centrally located and rather quirky place and we love it. The town is a very easy walk away and we spent the evening wandering into town and walking along the beachfront. I wanted to see the old steam boat the TSS Earnslaw which was docked. Our what3words location is : torrid.exhibiting.essay We are here for two nights so tomorrow we will see whether we can go up the mountain on the gondola weather permitting and a visit to Fergburger. More on that tomorrow.
Woodend Wanderer 