Todays distance travelled was 95 Kms. Plans changed today. The intended gondola ride up the mountain never happened for it was shut today and tomorrow. I should have checked but never mind. I did not want to plan this to death rather just go when we were ready. So we decided to take a run up the eastern shore of Lake Wakatipu to the small settlement of Glenorchy. It rained overnight and through the morning so we started the day rather lazily. We had a leisurely breakfast and set off around 11:30 for Glenorchy. The road up the eastern lake shore meanders its way around rocky outcrops and through native bush that stretches from the lofty heights down to the waters edge. The speed limit on the round is meant to be 100Kms/hr. I never got above 80 and was down to around 15 on the narrow and steep sided sections. The rain showers and gusty conditions kept me cautious and I pulled over many times to let faster traffic past me as there are very few good overtaking spots. I did not want anybody taking risks on my account trying to get past me on unsuitable stretches of the road due to impatience. Besides, we were taking it easy to enjoy the outstanding views. The views across the lake to the soaring snow capped peaks opposite reminded me of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. We stopped at Bennetts Bluff to take some photos. It was a brief stop for the biting wind blowing down the lake and smatterings of rain drove us back to the car rather sharpish.
Looking south from Bennetts Bluff down Lake Wakatipu. Running out and dodging the showers and biting wind to get some photos.
Glenorchy is a small town at the top of the Lake and to here in years gone by the TSS Earnslaw would bring supplies and livestock for the farms and hill stations in the area. Now it is a quiet place. I guess in the height of summer and in covid free times it will get busier.
The pier at Glenorchy where the TSS Earnslaw would tie up to load and unload supplies from Queenstown. Now she comes with tourists.
The shed at the head of the pier. Now houses tourist information.There must have been trains around here in days gone by or at least rails down the pier to the ship side.
Having returned to Queenstown we had to make a visit to another icon of the area. Fergburgers. Quite a famous place it would seem as even Ed Sheeran left a poster on the wall claiming the burgers are the best in NZ. They are good. Though they are huge. We wont need to eat for days now.
So that was our day in Queenstown and Glenorchy. Tomorrow we hope to get to Milford Sound. There is still a warning about possible avalanches on the road from Te Anau to Milford Sound so we will check the latest advice tomorrow.
Woodend Wanderer 