Tuesday 24 February 2015

GATEWAY TO PARADISE

On our last trip, we couldn't fail to notice a striking picture at Kev and Di's house (Kev is Mandy's brother) in Tauranga.  Di told us that it was a picture she had taken on a visit to the South Island.  It looked to be a stunning location and somewhere that we just had to see for ourselves.  But we couldn't fit it into our itinerary then so we made it a priority for this tour.

Di's inspirational photo canvas

Further research told us that Glenorchy is a 45km drive from Queenstown along the shore of picturesque Lake Wakatipu.  In fact, the drive is considered to be one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand.  We found that it lived up to its billing.

Roadside view, Queenstown to Glenorchy


The hut in the inspirational picture seemed to resemble a railway building.  Indeed, we found that it was once NZ railway property although no railway line out here.  Just rails out to the end of the wharf where the steamers docked.  Before the road was completed, the only communication was by steamer on the lake.

The Wharf, Glenorchy

Having found ourselves a personal beach for lunch we set out to explore the Lagoon Walk.  Another of those brilliant boardwalks; this time through wetland in the mouth's of the Dart and Rees Rivers.  A slow burner at first but the right decision to take the longer loop as we were rewarded with a delightful and peaceful walk.

The Lagoon Walk




On return to our beach a refreshing dip was needed but we found that the waterline was quite muddy.  Soon found a new spot though;  what a place for a swim.


Glenorchy claims to be "The Gateway to Paradise".  Whatever you might think about the scenery, it is factually correct as the township of Paradise is not far from here.  As ever there was so much we couldn't explore this time such as the jet boat tours up the Dart River, the fascinating Scheelite ore mine workings, Dart River walking track, Lake Sylvan and more.  With so much still to see it remains a priority.

We returned to Arrowtown with both of us genuinely moved by the beauty of our day in Glenorchy.  So glad you took that beautiful picture and had it on display, Di.  Can't bear the thought that we might not have found it by our own means.





1 comment:

Gibmiss said...

Hi Mandy
More stunning Pictures... It looks reallly beautiful...
Happy your having a goot time...
Hugs Sylviexx
But missong your inspirational creations
Hurry back... No i dont mean it....