This is a rolling ride through some great Otago country. Valleys, fields and fringes of snow capped
mountain ranges. You have a choice of highways either travelling along the slightly less busy Highway 6 or
Highway 8 which follows the west bank of the Clutha River. The route is slightly uphill but not so as you would
notice it. Wānaka is a large, newish tourist town with a good deal of new money in a landscape that is almost
unbelievable in its postcard purity.
Blue/green lake surrounded by mountains. A photographer's paradise and one that you can happily explore by
bicycle. Wānaka has all the essentials; bike shop, supermarket, backpackers and campgrounds.
Wānaka has a laid back feel to it that, consciously or unconsciously, has more than a little of the Boulder
Colorado feel about it. It is wealthy and picturesque. What you cannot ignore about Wānaka is the sheer
loveliness of the place. Try some of the local bike trails around the lake and take plenty of film.
Swim in the tributaries and relax. From here you can travel to Queenstown via the Cardrona Range, or head
north up the West Coast Highway 6, reputedly the favourite road for cycle tourists in this country.
The
Crown Range is another steep climb and memorable day. The road climbs steadily to 1100 metres (reputedly New
Zealand's highest road) before zig-zagging down into Queenstown. The historic Cardrona pub is on the Wānaka end
and not a place to visit before you hit the hill. However, it's a grand spot and another remnant of the gold
towns. A cemetery and a few stone outbuildings are sadly all that remain. The views from the top of the Crown
saddle are well worth the effort. A small warning. There are no banks between Wānaka and Hokitika.
Arrowtown (21 km east on the Cardrona road) is smaller, quieter but no less lovely and has a pleasant
characteristic gold town feel about it. It's a good alternative to the more vibrant Queenstown, but has no less
attraction particularly for the cyclist.
Try cycling the old gold road out to Macetown; a derelict ghost town remnant of the old gold mining days.
This is approximately fifteen kilometres out of Arrowtown and includes 22 fords across the Arrow River. A great
trip but check locally for the state of the river before setting out. Macetown itself is a lovely, sad place,
very much full of atmosphere.
