South Island Otago Region 2021 Cromwell to Haast

Cromwell to Haast
Otago Region South Island
New Zealand

2021

Cromwell /Bendigo

We drove from Te Anau yesterday, washed the motorhome and got groceries in Queenstown then stayed the night at Lowburn (free camping)

This morning we moved to the opposite side of Lake Dunstan, staying at Bendigo (free camping) gorgeous spot overlooking the water.

After lunch, we hiked the Mount Koinga Track, a steep climb but rewarded with a huge view from Cromwell up Lake Dunstan.

Stunning place for free camping

Love this pair they were here last year

Another favorite free camping spot

Didn't see any mine shafts

Love this alpine plant

Orange Fungi

Frog

Windy but wow what a view

Yellow Fungi

Windy but wow what a view

It is a steep walk but worth it

Stunning

Lindis Pass

We left Bendigo yesterday and found we couldn't get up to the Bendigo Historic Village, not for the lack of trying. We tried the day before after having a night back in Cromwell at Rotary Glen NZMCA sheltering from the wind.

The loop road to the village said it was closed so we followed google maps that sent us up a private road, to find it was not passable for our motorhome nearly getting into trouble trying to turn around.

We headed back to camp to try the next day, we went in the loop road from the other end, and yes that was closed just before the turn-off.

So back we went ignored google maps and found the historic village turn off.

The only problem was the road was wet, muddy and very steep and the motorhome couldn't do it, carefully turning around again we decided enough and moved on.

If the day was nicer we would have got the bikes out.

Next Lindis pass staying for a night at

Omarama, there is a cool clothing and accessories store there where I brought some new slippers this morning.

Gotta love this bare looking country

Stayed here last year

Lake Wanaka

Leaving Twizel we had an uneventful trip back over the Lindas Pass to Luggate. Staying the night at the Red Bridge Reserve (free parking, slow internet) grateful for a free place to stay before heading into Wanaka for supplies in the morning after a night of heavy rain.

We had a good look around Wanaka last year, so apart from a drive out to Glendhu Bay and after shopping, we headed north staying for the night at Boundary Creek Doc camp, on the shore of the north end of Lake Wanaka

With fresh snow on the mountains and a mostly cloudy day, I got some moody photos.

Tonight's stay so convenient to Wanaka

Red Bridge

Lake Wanaka

View on the drive

Nice camp

View around camp

Mount Aspiring National Park, Haast Highway, Day 1

We traveled a short distance to Cameron Flat Doc Camp, staying two nights to do some walks.

We were lucky enough to catch the snow still on the ground making it a winter paradise.

First, we walked to the Blue Pools (we did this last year) then beyond to on the Young River link Track 13km-3hours. The sun goes down behind the mountains by 3 pm so pleased to get back and close up the motorhome to keep the warmth in.

View on the drive

Gotta love winter

Our camp

View from camp

We walked beyond the blue pools this year

Frog negotiating the ice

Frog negotiating snow and ice on the bridge

Yes it's blue so pure

Frog

Small waterfalls at this time of year

Mount Aspiring National Park, Haast Highway, Day 2

Today we drove to the walks, first up Cameron Creek Forrest walk just 20 minutes to a lookout.

The second walk Davis Flat Bridle Track this historic track was beautiful especially at this time of year with snow on the ground and small waterfalls. 11km-2 & half hours.

The turnaround point was the main road where we could cross the highway and do another hour's return to the Haast Lookout, we decided to return to have lunch and do that one tomorrow on our way. So pleased we didn't do the extra hour by the time we drove back to Cameron Flat Camp the sun was nearly down.