Lakes and more Lakes

After a long, hot and dusty 34 km day from Twizel we hit the luxury of Ohau Lodge, a family-run business that it was a pleasure to support. The owners kindly picked us up from the Glen Mary Ski Lodge and delivered us back next day. Our accommodation was lovely, we showered and soaked in a spa and ate a truly sensational three course set menu. Of particular note was the creamy polenta the lamb rump was served on – and Tracy the prize-winning chef shared the secret of it with Rob.

Ahuriri River

The next night was a complete contrast – after a 9 hour day we camped in amongst matagouri and dry cow pats on the south bank of the Ahuriri River, and ate our simple dehyd meal. We’d had an 800 metre climb in the morning, the usual battle with tall tussock and dastardly Spaniards on the top of a saddle, and an “interesting” rocky descent into the East Branch of the Ahuriri. We forged our own route down the river climbing high to avoid some gorges, stopping along the way to savour our delicious lunch from Ohau Lodge (including an amazing chocolate torte). We’d climbed barbed wire fences, snagging my leg on one of the barbs when I lost my balance – ouch – but amazingly enough it was an enjoyable day.

Notes:

Day 46: Twizel to Glen Mary Ski Club (Ohau Lodge). 34 km