Middling weather as I got up today ready for the long drive to Methven. Decided on stopping here as during my previous years living in Christchurch I had never been here and also have long had a hankering to drive the Inland Road from Geraldine to Amberley. Planned on taking all the day with lots of stops for photos etc and looking out for places to visit next time Im back in this area as have never spent any quality time between Wanaka and Christchurch in the Mackenzie country.
Back to Relishes Cafe for breakfast - chose something different today and fortifyed myself with coffee. More sun coming out - still cloudy. Last few photos from the Wanaka town foreshore before setting off. Drove through Tarras - had been looking at a holiday cottage here when it was to be two of us together doing the holiday - lovely area on the otherside of the airport and a good ten mins drive to Wanaka. Bit of traffic on the road for the first hour or so. Driving through the Lindis Pass was lovely - thought the road would be quite up and down and windy in places but not as bad so nice driving. Several stops but there is a proper lookout with parking area if you keep going for photos down the valley. Stopped for petrol in Omarama and then continued on. Weather continued to clear and the views became more and more stunning. Loved the area around Lake Ruataniwha and the salmon farm - - great to see lots of families / kids finishing on the river bank. Stopped for a cup of tea on the side of the road. Have never rated Twizel as a destination to visit however have changed my mind - great spot to stay and do day trips in the area and so close to the Mt Cook turn off. Another stop at lake Pukaki and on to Lake Tekapo. Planned to stop at the bakery for lunch but they didnt have much left (was about 1400) so went a few places down and had a steak sandwich which was ok.
Continued the driving and no more stops until I got to Methven on dark. Stayed at a placecalled Ski Time Lodge - essentially chosen because of the cost (around $100-110 for their basic room - no tv). Lovely room and a lovely lodge and would definitely stay again - right on the edge of the village so views across the paddocks to the mountains covered in snow. Had dinner at the lodge and braved the duck breast - first time for me and was delightful. Reading for the rest of the evening