No visit to the Wakatipu would be complete for us without taking the time to enjoy a few of our favourite hiking trails. The trail network here is now better than ever with the Wakatipu Trails Trust doing an amazing job linking new biking/walking trails throughout the district.
Sadly we didn’t have enough time to do all of our old favourites, but we had fun biking in and out of Queenstown on the Frankton track, walking the Arrowtown River loop (more lupins – can’t have enough of a good thing!), and up Sawpit Gully. A Monday evening run out at Mount Creighton track with some of our old running buddies was just like old times.
Lupins in ArrowtownArrowtown River WalkSawpit Gully TrailViews from Mount Creighton trailMonday night running club
Spending time walking and swimming and relaxing at our old favourite Lake Hayes was special, as was a hike up to Lake Alta with Barry & Beth (poor little Jack wasn’t feeling well that day so stayed at home with Ruth). Borrowing Barry’s kayaks was another wonderful way to while away an hour or two in the deep blue water of the Wakatipu. So many special moments in a very special place. We are two very lucky people.
Today we went in search of the wild lupins, albeit a little bit early in the season, but we were not disappointed. The Glenorchy walkway and the banks of the Dart River delivered in bunches of pinks and lilacs underneath a clear blue cloudless sky, and we felt far from the madding crowds of Queenstown. Spring in this part of the world really doesn’t get much better than this.
Wild lupins on the banks of the Dart River, Glenorchy, New Zealand
Glenorchy
The drive alone from Queenstown to Glenorchy is good for the soul, and no matter how many times we’ve done it previously, the lookout and backdrop of the snow covered mountains demands a compulsory stop and an obligatory selfie!
No visit to Glenorchy is complete without a visit to the fabulous GY Café for lunch in the garden, followed by a stroll around the quirky, quaint and tiny historic buildings. We love that the cute little church (seats about 25 people) is shared by different denominations, each taking a turn to spread their own version of “the word”.
Glenorchy LibraryGlenorchy Community BuildingGlenorchy Church
Bob’s Cove
The compulsory stop on the way back to Queenstown is of course Bob’s Cove, but it appears the secret is definitely out about this little gem. The car park, where previously we’ve never seen more than two or three cars, was jam-packed to over flowing. Practically every little bit of the cove’s beaches was full of young tourists with their inflatable beach toys and their bluetooth speakers blasting out a mix of tunes from around the world.
To make matters worse one of the local tour operators brought a huge tour boat through the cove complete with commentary via a loud speaker leaving a wake behind that shook the jetty and the shoreline!
Gone are the days when this was a pristine and peaceful place. There is no getting away from the fact that the nature around it is still beautiful. Maybe we just hit it on a particularly busy Wednesday afternoon. Still it was worth the stop for a dip in the cool emerald waters.
Sitting on the dock of the bayThe water at Bob’s Cove
We’re not talking here about a Ford versus Subaru in a vehicle comparison, but more about what happens when you try and drive through a ford or two in an old Subaru station wagon!
Thanks to our mechanic friend Jonesy we have the loan of a set of wheels to whizz around the Wakatipu – a good old Subaru that has clocked up more than 300,00kms! It runs perfectly well, but it has probably seen better days (the Subaru, not Jonesy).
But boy did we give it a run for it’s money today with a trip up the Matukituki Valley to the start of the Rob Roy Glacier track.
Driving up the Matukituki Valley
The Matukituki Valley in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
A 40-minute drive on a gravel road with several fords to cross was nearly too much for the Subaru. The first few fords were shallow and manageable, and we crossed them all easily. We hesitated at the second to last one and waited for another vehicle to pass through before we made the executive decision to carry on.
The offending ford!
“Its only about 30cm deep” said another driver who was waiting to watch others cross. We can manage that we thought. Holding on tight, Dave picked his course and we went for it. Sloshing through the gravel we could feel the drag, and out we came the other side. Phew we’d made it. Or so we thought. Within seconds on dry land the old Subaru Leone conked out!
“Oh shit how are we going to tell Jonesy we’ve killed his car, and how the heck are we going to get it out of here” were our first thoughts, not to mention a few other choice words better left unsaid here.
Silence ensued before we did what anyone else would do in this situation which was get out of the car, open the bonnet and see what we could see. No sign of any damage, so we sat for a while in the sunshine to let things dry out before taking the air filter off and giving it a quick once over. Thankfully that did the trick and we got the engine going again and made the final 4kms to the trail car park.
Walking to the Rob Roy Glacier
The spectacular walk up to the foot of the Rob Roy Glacier was somewhat overshadowed by the nervous thoughts of the return trip via the fords. Nonetheless it was impossible not to enjoy the stunning alpine scenery and the impressive views. While we ate our lunch at the top of the track we had the added bonus of watching a bit of the glacier calve, Mother Nature at work.
With fingers and toes crossed, as well as having our hearts in our mouths, we had to make the return journey back down the valley. We faced the fords head on and we were relieved, to say the least, when the old Subaru crossed them all.
It was a tough battle, but on this lucky day it was the Subaru that came out on top!
Here are a few reflections on running the Queenstown marathon yesterday.
Despite never having run the Queenstown marathon before (this was only the event’s fourth year) it was full of memories for us. From the start line in the ever serene setting of Millbrook, where I had worked in The Spa, and Dave as a green keeper many moons ago. To running through the streets of Arrowtown, the place we called home for so long. Circling the stunning Lake Hayes where we spent many a summer’s evening swimming, and the occasional morning, was as breathtaking as ever. Following the tracks and trails in the Wakatipu Basin with their majestic views on every twist and turn was the same pure delight we had felt years previously when we were regular runners in this very special part of the world.
It felt like we were home, especially because we saw so many friendly and familiar faces en route – spectators, volunteers and runners. Bumping into the Race Director at registration who was none other than our friend Nicole was lovely, and being called in over the finish line by local stalwart Ferg who we’d met when we first arrived in Queenstown in 2001, was an entertaining finish to the race.
The event itself was super slick (we have to say that since it was our friend in charge!), but we were amazed at how many people were walking the route, were there so many people like me who had not done the training required to run a marathon? I truly believe if I had done the training then this marathon could’ve been my personal best. Of course we’ll never know that, and I will just be eternally grateful to have made it to the start line. Even more grateful to have crossed the finish line, especially in front of the man in the mankini!
Suffice to say it was a fantastic day. It was hot, hard, and dusty. We both completed the Queenstown marathon, 42kms of running in our old stomping grounds. Dave finished well in 4hrs 18minutes. With a fair few walking breaks I eventually crossed the finish line after 5hrs 18minutes.
This surely is the most beautiful marathon in the world?? Do you have it on your marathon bucket list?
Muscle memory is what I’m banking on for running tomorrow’s Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon! I’m relying on muscle memory to get me through the 42kms, along with the fact that I can once again soak up the absolutely stunning views I know and love so well. Sadly my training this year has fallen far short of what it should have been. Rather than running I spent precious time with my Mum before she passed away in September.
I’ve never felt so ill prepared for taking on the 42kms, but despite the lack of physical training, and the increasing number of niggles in my shins, knees and hips, I’m as determined as ever to cross the finish line in Queenstown tomorrow.
The body will go where the mind takes it
My old faithful mantra “the body will go where the mind takes it” will no doubt be in full force tomorrow as I take on what I feel could be my final physical and mental marathon challenge.
I feel so lucky to have been privileged enough to live in this area for 12 years of my life. During that time I ran many miles on what is now the Queenstown International Marathon course. It is yet another privilege to be here again and to soak up the scenery once more.
Since I’ve practically made it to the start line, I’m sure I’ll make it to the finish line, albeit at an even slower pace than usual, but I’ll do my best to enjoy every step of the way.
With views like this how could you not enjoy it?
Lake Hayes
Wish me luck! And here’s to Dave as well, who, of course, is also running tomorrow.
How we travelled from Portrush to Auckland with bicycles
Let’s start by saying we are travelling from Portrush to Auckland with our bicycles packed in boxes. We’re not riding there!
Portrush to Belfast
Public transport out of Portrush is poor at the best of times, but try get from Portrush to Belfast on a Sunday morning and you’ve got no chance! Add to the fact you’ve got two big bike boxes to transport and there’s not a taxi in town that can take you. Thankfully our friend Tommy from TWV Sports Massage came to the rescue and transported us and our boxes to the bus station at Belfast for our 9am bus to Dublin airport.
Dave and Tommy carrying the boxes!
Belfast to Dublin
Our first change of plan came as soon as we realised the boxes would not fit in the storage compartment on the express bus to the airport! This was despite having phoned the bus company in advance to check and being told it would be no problem. But not to worry, they did fit on the non-express bus that made stops along the way. We still made it to Dublin Airport in plenty of time, and only 20 minutes later than the express bus. We’d built in extra travel time to allow for these kind of hiccups. We’d always rather be killing time relaxing at the airport than feeling frantic about making it in time!
Dublin via Doha to Auckland
A bit of last minute taping and a very helpful check in clerk at the Qatar Airways desk, along with some dodgy weighing scales, meant we came in under our weight allowance of 30kg per person. Everything was good to go, fingers crossed it would all arrive safely in Auckland.
Carrying an extra roll of packing tape was worthwhile for last minute taping!
It was all smooth sailing, well flying actually, with flights on time and three seats between the two of us on each of the flight legs. What a difference it makes to have that little bit of extra manoeuvrability on a 7 hour, followed by a 16.5 hour flight (Doha-Auckland is currently the longest commercial flight in the world). Less than a couple of hours waiting around in Doha was enough to stretch the legs.
Weary and bleary after a 36 hour door to door journey including countless, texture-less airline meals, numerous movies, most of which we can’t recall watching five minutes after landing, and a little bit of sporadic sleep, it was a relief to see all our luggage waiting for us.
Safely arrived in Auckland
Now to fit it into our friend Debbie’s car who is kindly collecting us and putting up with us. She doesn’t know what she’s let herself in for! Let the holiday begin…
Hi, we're Sharon & Dave an active and adventurous Irish & English couple who've been travelling together for more than 20 years. These posts are our travel stories and personal journeys. Follow our adventures to see where we've been and where we're going next!
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