Trip Report - Wanaka weekend - Jan 2024
Trip Report: Wanaka weekend plus Norman's mystery tour..
DAY 1 SKIPPERS CANYON AND THE BRANCHES.
The original plan for today was to visit Dingleburn Station but a good dousing of overnight rain meant this had to be changed.
So 14 vehicles departed Wanaka on a fine but windy day heading over the Crown Range towards our destination. Along the way our trip leader Donald pointed out the site used for the yearly Rhythm and Vines music event. After stopping at the lookout for a quick view of the area towards Queenstown we continued on to the Cardrona Road and the entrance to Skippers Canyon Rd.
As we started travelling along this road we observed the mountain bike track to the right of us which wound its way deep into the valley. Could be very interesting and challenging for enthusiasts of this sport.
Morning tea stop today was at the site of the old Welcome Home Hotel. Time to stretch our legs and have a look around at the same time.
Break over we all carefully made our way through the road taking in the breathtaking scenery along the way. Over the Skippers Bridge, passing the Schoolhouse area we continued on past the old gold sluice holding areas before finding a lovely open space with awesome views of the area where we enjoyed our lunch sheltered from the wind.
Lunch over and time to leave we headed out. After a quick toilet stop and look around at the Schoolhouse and surroundings we moved on to view the cemetery.
Back over the bridge and on to the road heading to The Branches Station. Once again this area provided us with spectacular scenery although the presence of hundreds of dead trees everywhere which have been sprayed and left standing both here and in the Skippers area have somewhat taken away from the beauty of the area a few years ago.
Moving down the track towards our destination it was noted that the river was running reasonably high after the recent rain. By the time we reached the station gate (as far as we were allowed to go) the weather had changed. Temperatures had dropped considerably and rain was threatening so everyone was donning extra clothing before getting out of their vehicles for a walk around and a cuppa.
Time to return to Wanaka which we did via Arrowtown and back over the Crown Range again.
Back to our accommodation for a bit of a tidy up before most of made our way to Donald and Shirley's home for the evening where we enjoyed pizza, salad and delicious dessert along with a few beverages.
A great day out that we thoroughly enjoyed.
Thanks so much Donald for leading this trip and for the hospitality you and Shirley shared in the evening at your home it was much appreciated.
Norm and Jackie
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