We had no idea what we would be in for when we chose to drive an hour inland from the resort town of Twizel for a hike that Alltrails came up with. The past few attempts at Alltrails did not work out as they put us on private and gated property but this was a great one.
We knew right away that this would be a spectacular hike. The Belmore Dam is at the right and Lake Belmore to the left. The river coming out of the spillway had all sorts of boating activity on it. Water skiers and jet-skiers too.
Decided to sport the shades this day as the sun was intense. Lots of sun screen too. Trying to keep those pasty white arms and legs safe.
Spectacular ridge line trail this was. Not much trail maintenance needed here!
It sure would be cool to drive an off road vehicle on those roads cris-crossing the landscape. Our rental car contract tells us we must stay on paved roads. That has not happened but we do have our moral limits!
Same lake, different branch or arm of it. Love the little islands.
So nice of someone to put a bench for us at this wonderfully peaceful spot. We have learned during this trip to pack our books (and glasses) in case we find these types of spots and have the time to relax a bit.
We wondered about the engineers that planned the dam and their thoughts on exactly what pattern the lake shore would have after the river was dammed up. Note the lake takes “a right hand turn” and disappears into what looks like another lake in the distance.
The Clay Cliffs above was our bonus spot for the day today. Reminded us a bit of Bryce Canyon back home. Each day, almost without exception, we have encountered something of beauty that was not on the itinerary when leaving in the morning for a day trip. This place was down a washed out, rutted and dirt road about 6 miles from the highway. There was a sign noting its existence. The sign did not report that it was private property and you had to pay $5 to walk in from the carpark to see it. Once you got down to the spot you had to make the decision to see it to give the car a rest before bouncing all the way back to the road. There was also probably the largest house we have seen in New Zealand hidden off to the side of the cliffs. Guess business has been good over the years!
That bench looks like the perfect spot for some of Uncle Wally’s famous tuna salad.
Should you start off-roading with the rental, better hit up a car wash after- wouldn’t want to leave evidence 😉
Hey Jake, hope all is well. What did you think of the bike ride in Queenstown post. Thought of our conversations in the woods when we had dinner at the end. We have indeed taken the rental car off road against all regulations! Boy are there some remote spots in New Zealand.