Glenorchy at the Northern end of Lake Wakatipu, North West of Queenstown, is the entry point to an area of spectacular scenery where scenes from films like the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit have been shot. We didn’t have time for a tour of these but thought that a visit to Glenorchy was called for.
As we drove up the Glenorchy – Queenstown Road the scenery which unwound before us was spectacular. The calm, blue lake providing a perfect lead in to the mountains to the North and West.
On arrival at the jetty in Glenorchy, which once was the main point for the movement of people, goods and animals into and out of the area, we found that a bus-load of tourists had the same idea. Some went off on a jet boat to the Dart River while others stayed to admire the scenery.
Photos taken we turned South back to Queenstown. A road always looks different when travelled in the opposite direction and this was no exception. We just had to stop by one of the lookouts, overlooking the lake to press the shutter one more time.
Our way, once past Queenstown stuck to the main highways. SH6 to Cromwell then across the neck of Lake Dunstan onto SH8, down to Alexandra. All fruit growing country. Then right onto SH 85 and down to Raes Junction past Roxburgh, Teviot and Ettrick – could have been in the Scottish Borders again. On to SH8 again to reach SH1 at Clarksville and in to Dunedin. A workmanlike route with no photo opportunities. The morning had provided ample.
After a small navigational mishap, easily rectified, we checked in to our apartments in Dunedin. Opposite the Cadbury’s factory and backing onto the local nick. That said, they were more than adequate and had good high speed wi-fi.
Once checked in we thought we would find out about the train trips to the Taieri Gorge which had been recommended. We walked down to Dunedin station, a
glorious early 20th Century building, to see what information was available. The ticket office was shut but it looked like there was a morning trip which would suit us well. So we just had a look around and departed, planning to return the next morning. Off to the New World supermarket (note to UK supermarkets, offer visitors a temporary discount card. It works wonders for retention.) to buy supper.
