Day Four - Cromwell, Clyde, Alexandra, Tarras and Coronet Peak

We were getting good at meeting at 9 am for breakfast.  Restaurant was full this morning.  Over breakfast we discussed what we should do for the day.  Turned out Julie and Pete’s thoughts were just about identical!!  Cromwell, Clyde, Alexandra and Tarras and may be Coronet Peak.   The weather forecast is windy and cloudy in the morning and supposed to fine up in afternoon.   We decided it was best do Coronet Peak last.

Time to get Petrol as we had already covered quite a few miles.    This included completing Alfa Romeo Owners Club competition as we might win a tank of gas before we head to the airport!  Yeah Right!

Off to Cromwell – first task was to find the Highlands Motorsport Park.   We had heard all about this $20 million privately owned project we had to find it!       We found it on the way into Cromwell – we had driven past it a couple of times without realizing what we were looking at!    As part of the track goes through a pine forest we expected it to be a distance from Cromwell, not on the outskirts.     Of course we took photos.    

The beginnings of the track, with the Pine Forest on the far side.

The side of the new Motorsport Museum - see the Porsche!  Quite obvious when you actually stop and look!

Dave was keen to find out more about it so we went to I-site to get more info.   The lady on the counter’s husband actually worked there so they had quite a chat.   Apparently it is the best thing that has happened to Cromwell.  As recommended we sign up on the website for updates.    And while Dave was there he got more maps.

Stopped at Cider House Cafe and Bar for morning tea about 11.30am, next to ‘Provisions’ where Julie wanted to stock up on chutneys.   Staff very friendly, so Julie and Dave experimented with half and single shot flat whites and lattes!  In fact most of the people we have encountered on this trip have been friendly and helpful.   

After a lovely late morning tea we drove to Clyde 20 minutes east of Cromwell – looked at the dam on the Clutha River (one of the most controversial dam constructions in recent times), through the quaint village of Clyde.   Some of the older cottages and buildings had plaques etc which was great.    

Clutha township

Clutha Dam

Clutha Post Office

Wonderful old preserved Cottages

Each with a little sign - taken on using zoom!

The Main Street

From there we drove onto Alexandra.     We basically had a quick look around by car.   What amazed us was the amount of new subdivisions and building happening.

Having had a late breakfast and morning tea we decided it was too early for lunch so off to Tarras we headed and hoping we could get there for lunch.   The scenery was spectacular all the way.  We had to go back to Cromwell (again!!) and go nor-west for amount twenty minutes.

Hugh stack of caged rocks - not sure why.

Close up of the caged rocks

On the way to Tarras

Tarras is a small collection of buildings.  A Country Store, a Merino store and a Country café.     We had lunch on the deck outside in the partial shade partial sun.    In fact we got hot, which was weird after the cooler days previously!  Fortunately we had parked the car in the shade and we found the car temperature was 21 degrees in the shade!   After much we had a small spend at the country store – interesting stuff.  

Tarras

The whole of Tarras

Lunch stop

Driving back we took in the breathtaking views of Pisa Moorings across Lake Dunstan.    It looked like another expensive resort.

Back again through the Kawarau Gorge back to Queenstown stopping at Waitere Winery.   The wind was very strong, so I didn't get out of the car, but then we found it was not accessible so it was a good call.   Julie and Dave know one of the owners, so did some wine tasting and buying!

Waitere Winery

Finally a photo of Julie and Dave!

By now the weather was sunny skies with very few clouds.  There was plenty of traffic around for some reason.  So the last item on Today’s “To Do List” as to drive via Arrowtown to Coronet Peak.   The drive up Coronet peak was very nerve racking for me as I am not good with heights at all!   It is a long way up, only a handful of cars on the road an up at the top.   Once there you can see forever.  Pete collected some snow from the banks and bought it back to the car.   There wasn't really that much snow – but it was there.      I didn't want to get out… being a bit of a scare-die cat!    That word spectacular has to be used again!  Up at that height the temperature had dropped down to 10 degrees at top.

At the top of Coronet Peak

Views from Coronet Peak - in background you can see Lake Wakatipu - where Queenstown is.

The road up and down!

Oh a second photo of Julie and Dave!

That Road!

Just down from the top looking back up

We decided to go back to Queenstown via Arthurs Point, the only place on all our travels we ever saw road works!

By this time we were a bit weary so it was time to retire to our hotel for a bit of time out (blog time) before pre-dinner drinks and Steak Night at the hotels Hillary Restaurant.    

Guess what we found (after unloading the car and chair etc) one of the lifts was out of action!   Well it had to happen.    The boys took chair inside then Pete drove around the front to get me out of the car.    What a pain in the butt!!!    How was I going to get to the restaurant on level 2 when the only access was from the lift which had broken down???????     Spoke to reception and told how to find the staff area on Level 2 from the only operating lift, knock on the door and ask to be shown through to the restaurant!    What kind of hotel has guests accessing the restaurant via the staff area.  That was an eye opener and a half!!!

Any way the Steak Night was very nice and we enjoyed the meal.   I love a good steak!!  

Then time to hit ‘the hay’.