Day Five, Wanaka, Lake Hawea, and WIne!

Well today we didn’t quite know how it was all going to work.   Pete and I are checking out of the Kingsgate as we are moving to the Mercure Hotel on the other side of town to attend the AROC (Alfa Romeo Owners Club) AGM.     Also we were picking up friends Fiona and Bruce (who also belong to AROC) at the airport, getting them to their loan car (they have friends who have a bach/crib at Wanaka, who leave a car at the airport) and then??   All we knew was they wanted to go to Wanaka. 

So all that done, the big discussion was had!   Fiona was keen to wine taste but we could only do a minimal amount or we couldn’t do Wanaka and back!

First stop at 10am was Amisfield Winery at the foothills the Crown Range and only a few minutes drive from the airport.    Only Fiona and Bruce did tastings as it was too early for the rest of us!

Going up the Crown Range - looking back

The drive over the Crown Range was completely different than I had imagined.  There is a steep climb up then it plateaus out and is quite flat.   We drove through Cardrona which again was not what I expected.  A small settlement with the famous Cardrona pub and that was it!   It was some distance to the Cardrona Ski Field which is actually off the main road.

Famous Cardrona Hotel

Another long windy drive down into Wanaka where decided to have lunch.   Found a nice pub on the waterfront.     While there we saw a lot of familiar Alfa’s being driven around.  All obviously together on their way down to Queenstown.

Lake Wanaka

Next mission was to find Fiona and Bruce friends crib which turned out to actually be at Lake Hawea not Wanaka as I thought, about 20 minutes from Wanaka.   We played follow the leader and eventually we found the crib – right on the lake front no less!!!!   Section was a good quarter acre and the crib appeared to be one of the original cribs in the area.   Must be worth a bomb!   What a fantastic spot.

View from the front of the Crib!

Pete had the return trip all sorted – yeah right!   We eventually arrived back at the main highway to go south back Queenstown via Luggate and Cromwell (again!) Only problem was we encountered road works which slowed us down.  

So you know where we are going here is a map: http://goo.gl/maps/i0qSu

On the way we detoured and called into Pisa Moorings which we had seen from the other side of Lake Dunstan a couple of days before.   It was not a resort but new subdivision and some properties had moorings.   Again in the middle of no where!

Back in Cromwell Fiona and Bruce wanted to go to the Wooing Tree Winery which has come highly recommended.   The Winery has a little café as well, which meant we could have afternoon tea once we had done some tasting of course!  We tasted and bought the Blondie, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris and were able to shared case with Fiona & Bruce, which meant we could get a discount and free freight back to Auckland.

As it was getting late we headed back to Queenstown

As we need to collect our luggage from the hotel and drop Julie & Dave off.   We are keeping the rental car as they fly back to Auckland on the Saturday while we are staying on until the Sunday.

At check in at Mercure we were treated like royalty!!!  Fussed over and I was called Mrs. Kelly etc!   Hmmm they knew exactly who I was as I was the only one from the club arriving that used a wheelchair and I had complained when originally booking at being charged for the hotel portion three months out!  I don’t mind paying a deposit but not the full amount in advance!    Anyway it was worth being fussed over as check in was chaos!    Total Registration for AROC AGM was 94 and the car park full of Alfas and the odd rental car!

I had booked as accessible room with a standard shower (which had a small lip and would provide a shower stool) with a Lakeview.   Well Room 107 was a joke.  Yes accessible as it was large and on the Reception level, but a Shower stool in 700 x 900 stall was ridiculous.    We had a think about it and asked if we could change to a properly accessible room but alas no as hotel full to bursting.    So we were going to have to make do!   Wish I had taken photos.

Anyway we had a more pressing engagement – Registration and Pre-dinner drinks and socializing to do!    The reception rooms were full to bursting as not only was there all of the AROC there was about 4 busloads of tourists!

 

Dinner wasn’t part of the package so we decided to book Waterfront where we had been on the first night. Pete booked for 6, and on the way in we realized he had made a mistake so I had to call ahead and increase the number to 8.     We collected Julie and Dave and headed for the restaurant.   While waiting for the others to arrive, another AROC couple turned up, so we had to hastily arrange for them to join us!   The restaurant was very accommodating and we had a really nice night.

One very annoying thing was I decided I need to use the toilets.   We were told they were accessible.    OMG Toilets definitely not accessible friendly – goodness knows why anyone thought they were.   

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’.

Day Three - Shopping Day, Kelvin Heights, Jacks Point, Lake Hayes

Today we decided on a ‘shopping day’.  First stop was the town centre.  We wandered around for an hour and half then stopped at ‘Tatlers’ for a coffee overlooking the lakefront.  We watched the ‘Earnslaw’ arrive back at the wharf.

From here we headed out to check out Kelvin Heights and the golf course which is opposite the main area of Queenstown.  This included a look around the much touted Hilton Queenstown.   Well - it did not appeal at all as it is miles from anywhere and seemed more like a group of apartments on a semi private road way.   It was then out to Jacks Point, again a much touted exclusive subdivision. out towards the Remarkables.   The subdivision has been subject to financial issues over recent years so the amount of building was low and it all looked a bit bare.   Having said that, it is one suburb (if you can call it that as it is again miles from anywhere) that gets sun all day.    After driving around we headed back to the Remarkables Shopping Centre for late lunch.   We had a short wander through a couple of shops but decided we were no longer in the shopping mood.   

We ducked onto the new Lake Hayes suburb to check out the new homes.   At least they are all different, but only a couple had the ‘wow’ factor.  On the way back to the hotel we drove up into the suburb behind the hotel.  These roads are really steep and where the houses were built was extraordinary.  We didn't have the camera so will go back and get some shots as the view is amazing but south facing!

Time for a wee rest back at the hotel!  Today it was about 14 degrees but windy.

As our custom we met at room 462 for pre-dinner drinks.

Dinner – Julie and Dave had been to Speights Ale earlier in the week and they wanted to go back.    We parked in the free car park just across the road and about 50 metres up the hill on the right.    We go there and you guessed it – it was a full house!   So we wandered it to the main town centre ended up at Avanti which was a mix of Italian and European fare.   We skipped starters and entrée as we thought it a dessert night.  I had Lasagna, Pete - Pizza, Dave - Risotto, Julie - Penne.  No way was there room for dessert.  It was terrible windy and cold so we retired to the hotel bar for a nightcap.  I wanted a Brandy Alexander but the girl serving didn't know how to make that, so had to settle for a Baileys on ice. (That’s why I think it may be a ‘training’ hotel, without the training!!)

Day Two - Glenorchy Cromwell and wine

We has a reasonable nights sleep.  Bed is a King – so 2 king singles put together giving us plenty of room and comfy enough.    The usual morning routine with showering – send Pete in first to ‘test’ the shower out!      As the bathroom was so large, using the shower was easy and there was good pressure and temperature was good to control. 

We decided we should dress for the cold, well me at least with thermal leggings as I got such cold legs yesterday.   Pete doesn't seem to feel the cold.  In years gone by he would try and get away with shorts all year round, but as he has got older he has become a little more sensible!

We did the trek across the hotel and met Julie & Dave in Restaurant for breakfast.  They had managed to get a table by the window as the view is very good.     The buffet was the usual fare but coffee very mediocre.    Although the staff were attentive they appeared a little less confident, which made me wonder if this hotel may be a training hotel.   Mind you, if that were the case you would expect some staff to be very efficient but that did not appear to be the case.

We decided we would head off about 10am for Glenorchy which is North West of Queenstown, meaning one drives through the town centre and up the right hand side of the lake.    Initially we came across a couple of campervans which made me think we might spend the entire week following then!   But not so, thankfully.

The drive along the lakeside road is absolutely stunning and I kept asking Pete to stop and take photos.      Saw “The Earnslaw” steaming up the lake from Queenstown to Walter Peak Station, which runs a number of times a day.   We had been planning on doing the trip but seeing all the black smoke belching out of the boat we were completely put off!!!    Plus Walter Peak is not that far up the lake and driving by road you get to see the same scenery.

Look at the smoke coming out of the smoke stack!!!

So Pete stopped several times and took great photos.  Each time we turned a corner we were all saying WOW!     Along the way we saw some very expensive houses on the way down private roads. 

I took this as I thought we would see heaps of backpacker vans!   But no thankfully.

The windy roads

Walter Peak Homestead across the Lake, where the Earnslaw stops

This photo is my screen saver!

We arrived in time for morning tea at Glenorchy, so found a small café and decided to site outside in the sun.   It was lovely sitting in the sun and the views were absolutely beautiful and it wasn't long before I was starting to peel off the layers!   The sun was out and it was only chilly if in the shade and wind.   With hardly a cloud in the sky it was warmer!!!     At Glenorchy there is not actually much there.   It is a very small settlement and some places looked rather run down.     

After having a nice cuppa we drove out towards Rees Valley and Routeburn Road.  We went as far as the turnoff to Kinloch which is around the top side of the lake and headed back towards Queenstown.     Driving back the views were just as stunning.

The turn around point at Rees Valley

On the way back to town we saw plenty of wild goats on the road side.   Dave spotted an old van on the side of the road, so we had to stop, photograph it and work out what it was.

What a bargain!

As we had to go back through Queenstown we decided to have a short stop at hotel for toilet stop and to refresh.

As it was late morning we thought we should head out again, so off to Cromwell for lunch.  The views completely different as the road to Cromwell is very rugged wine country.   

I took these photos for our friend Bob who has a very small collection of farm vehicles

After a quick look at the old Cromwell town centre (from the car window only) we were all getting rather hungry so we thought we would look for something in the new town centre.    A drink and sandwiches from a bakery was just the ticket.

Old Cromwell Town

Old Cromwell Town - we didn't go in

The man made lake which covered the original Cromwell Township - it was moved to it's present location.

As Cromwell (and Central Otago) is wine country it was appropriate to head off to wineries towards Bannockburn.    Our first winery visit to Cere although supposedly open but on arrival we found the door was locked and pressing the bell did not result in anyone answering.   Bad luck for them.

From Cere Winery

From Cere Winery

Back at the intersection we turned left and then right into Felton Road where we thought we would have more luck.   Our first successful winery was Mt Difficulty http://www.mtdifficulty.co.nz/.   Interesting building and stunning views (again!!!)   We tasted wines – Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, resulting in a purchase (of course).  There is an award winning restaurant but we had eaten and the prices were way up there!!!  But I have it on very good authority dining is a wonderful experience.   May be next time.

From Mt Difficulty Car park

Ah - the photo of Dave - it is one of the challenges of holidaying with Dave to get a photo of him!

The entry to Mt Difficulty Tasting Room and Restaurant - we have to return to dine here as it has a wonderful reputation, but we didn't have time this visit (and it was too late)

Julie and Dave were keen to check out Felton Road Winery just down the road. Unfortunately there was only stair access to the tasting area, but on inquiry we so we were taken via the wine making area through the back door to the tasting area.   All high security as they were in the middle of dispatching the latest vintage.     Here we tried Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and made a small purchase.  Well its too tempting not too!

On the drive back to Queenstown we stopped at Roaring Meg which is rapids and two power stations, and the name of one of Mt Difficulty’s wines!

Roaring Meg (managed to just catch Julie in the photo!)

Then it was a quick stop at the Remarkable Shopping centre for supplies which is Franklin’s nice new shopping precinct.   Just out of Queenstown and close to the airport.

We were back to hotel 5pm, and for Pete it was a big day of driving.   As it turned out I didn't need the thermals as temperature got to 15 and very rather warm in the sun.

Again, drinks at Julie and Dave’s after a short break!

We went into town again and this time dined at a Tapas Bar “Eicharts”  http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g255122-d1639340-r124452977-Eichardt_s_Bar-Queenstown_South_Island.html which had been recommended to Julie by her physio. The menu was impressive and we shared 6 tapas’ between the four of us, which was sufficient, leaving room for an ice-cream!

From the restaurant window we could see people walking past with ice-cream so we decided this was a nice way to finish the day.     It was a little cool walking along the waterfront but we were well wrapped up.  The Ice Cream Shop was doing a roaring trade and we had to queue!