Daily Photo – The Routeburn
The next morning was bright, clear and I was heading in a northwesterly direction and the start of the Routeburn Track. Situated in Mount Aspiring National Park and having been a formal recreational tramping track since 1964, while I had no intention of walking the track I had made up my mind to at least wander along the track for a bit and have a wee lookaround.
The scale of the Routeburn Track is relatively small by international standards (33 km / 20.5 miles). Yet, what it lacks in length, it makes up for in spectacular scenery, dramatic landscapes, lush forests, and panoramic mountain views. The track just wraps you up in tranquillity and overwhelms you with towering peaks and sweeping valleys. Walking the track you find yourself in a constant state of awe and amazement. I wish I’d allowed myself more time but alas time was against me.
Daily Photo – The Glenorchy Pier
I arrived in Glenorchy and parked at the information centre. I’d hoped to have a rummage through the brochures and maps that I assumed would be on display, but I was later than expected and I found to my annoyance that it was already closed. Instead, I went for a wander around the nearby streets, looking for nothing in-particular. Afterwards, I ambled down to the lake, perhaps 400 metres away (500 yards) and onto the wharf that stretched out over the lake. The place was quieter than I’d been expecting and apart from the occasional campervan passing by, I mostly had the place to myself. I strolled to the end of the pier and stood looking out across the lake. The cold front that had earlier brought wind and rain had passed, leaving a moody, atmospheric feeling hanging over the town and lake as the daylight vanished. It was all very lovely in a mirky, gloomy sort of away.
Feeling content, I started to make my way back to my car when it suddenly dawned on me that I hadn’t yet found a place to stay. On the walk down to the lake I remembered seeing a sign for a Lodge with the word ‘vacancies’ in large letters, I made my way there now and hoped they’d be both a bar and restaurant, as it occurred to me I was really rather hungry!
Storm over Lake Wakatipu
While driving to Glenorchy, I stopped at one of the lookouts overlooking Lake Wakatipu. The surrounding mountains were partially shrouded in dark, stormy clouds, creating a moody and atmospheric scene. The wind from a passing distant storm whipped up over the deep blue-green hues of the lake. The interplay between the stormy sky and the rugged mountain terrain added to the sense of drama and natural beauty in the image. For the life of me, I couldn’t decide if I was happy I was driving into it or not!
Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway
The Glenorchy Boardwalk is a truly picturesque place. Stretching over wetlands with multiple places to stop and take in views over lagoons that are framed by surrounding trees and look out towards Mount Earnslaw Mount Alfred and the surrounding ranges. It really is a glorious spot.
Diamond Lake
This delightful scene I discovered on my way to Paradise and yes, here in New Zealand there really is a place called that. It’s located on the eastern shoreline of the Dart River at the head of Lake Wakatipu. If you’re heading to Paradise (I like being able to write that), before you get there you’ll pass Diamond Lake, a popular camping and fishing spot and a true gem of a conversation area. Actually, I spent hours there. I only stopped for a look and I ended up walking along tracks and watching all sorts of wildlife. I even went for a swim in the lake.
Glenorchy Lagoon & Boardwalk
Isn’t this an outstanding spot for a place to sit and watch the world go by? It’s part of the Glenorchy Lagoon/Boardwalk which crosses wetlands that are full of bird life and surrounded by stunning mountain ranges. The track twists, turns and loops around with multiple starting and finishing points. In addition, it’s completely flat and a really easy walk which makes it perfect for a family outing. In the summer the lagoon is still, warm and full of colour whereas in the winter the mountain ranges are covered in snow and the air has a bracing chill, making it equally delightful.
Mt Bonpland – Buy
The town of Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu is an amazing place. If you’re keen to get up early you’ll see some outstanding sunrises and in the evenings the sunsets are just as good. Add to that, in the warm summer months the dusks are long and the lake is splendid. It’s also a great access point for the Routeburn Track and the Paradise Valley.
The Glenorchy Pier – Buy
A few years back now, I stayed a few nights in the tiny South Island town of Glenorchy. One morning, waking up early I snuck out for a walk as dawn was starting to break over the lake and the surrounding mountains. I made my way down to the pier at the lakefront as heavy clouds started to clear over the mountains and sunlight started to hit the hills high above the lake. If there’s one thing that is guaranteed to make you feel insignificant, it’s watching the earth wake-up while being encircled in mountain peaks when you’re the only one around.
Glenorchy Lagoon – Buy
The boardwalk track at Glenorchy is a most magnificent place as it twists, turns and loops around the lagoon. It crosses and cuts over the wetlands that have incredible views of Mt Earnslaw, the surrounding ranges and is filled with amazing birdlife.
Glenorchy Walkway – Buy
A few years ago I stayed in Glenorchy for almost a week, it was quite delightful. In fact, I was greatly taken by the whole area. I’ve been there many times and every time it doesn’t fail to disappoint. One of the truly magic places to visit is the Glenorchy Walkway with its views of Mt Earnslaw, Mt Alfred and the surrounding ranges. The boardwalk traverses the wetlands just north of Glenorchy and is filled native birds that call the lagoon home. It’s very splendid.
The Glenorchy Lagoon Boardwalk – Buy
The Glenorchy Lagoon Boardwalk is an amazing place. On a calm day, the mountain peaks reflect in the lagoon, while native bird life such as the pied stilt and the South Island pied oystercatcher fill the area. If you’re lucky you might even spot The New Zealand falcon soaring above the wetlands.
Glenorchy mountain range at dawn – Buy
There really is something wonderful about places and locations around Queenstown, once you venture out of the traffic in the main shopping area that is.
This is a sunrise that I shot one morning while I was in Glenorchy. The bright dramatic light and colour in the clouds didn’t last long and was localised to one specific section of the mountain tops as the sun’s rays escaped through some thick cloud to dance across and through the face of these mountains.
Glenorchy Mountains – Buy
Having survived the sting of the early morning alarm clock, I found myself on the Glenorchy Pier as the sun was rising. Not only did I have the spectacular sights of dawn lighting up the mountains all around me, but I had it all to myself.
Glenorchy Mountain Peaks – Buy
A few years back, I stayed a few nights in the tiny South Island town of Glenorchy. One morning, waking up early I snuck out for a walk as dawn was starting to break. I made my way down to the pier at the lakefront and savoured the splendor of the colours that surrounded me. If there’s one thing that is guaranteed to make you feel insignificant, it’s watching the earth wake-up while being encircled in mountain peaks. Only gradually did dawn on me that I was the only one around.
The Routeburn Track – Buy
I decided, impulsively, to walk a section of the Routeburn Track. However, being neither prepared or dressed for such an undertaking, it was when I reached a swing bridge over Sugerloaf Stream that I reconsidered my options. Looking at my watch and discovering the afternoon was quickly disappearing, I made a few quick calculations. Deciding that I’d gone far enough to earn a beer at the nearest pub, I started the walk back.
… from a Small City. My daily musings from Ōtepoti to get you inspired. Read the blog, view the photos, embrace the creativity.
