Day 12 - Lake Day

Makarora to Wanaka

Our day started bright and early at the Makarora Wonderland Lodge and Camp Ground where we broke camp, had a quick feed (Oatmeal, Coffee, Chocolate Milk) and hit the road. Our destination: Wanaka via Lake Hawea township. 

6:45am and getting ready to leave Bottom Lodge

Sneaky

After looking at our official Tour Aotearoa map in great detail over the last 14 days (and longer for Tony), we have a pretty good read on how a day will pan out. When I first looked at this segment of the TA, it didn’t jump out as anything special. The distance was nothing special (75km or so) and the overall elevation looked benign. Looking closer the elevation line bumped up and down like an earthquake measurement strip. Constant ups and downs. 

Cool mornings and no traffic. Just how I like it.

A tale of two lakes

We started off following the Makarora river through yet another stunning valley. Large mountains on either side with a valley bottom of sheep, deer and cattle farms. Within no time we were on the shores of Lake Wanaka. The lake itself is massive and surrounded by snow capped mountains, with waterfalls and rivulets seemingly every time you turn around. This seemed like a good time to pull out the drone and take some scenic shots.

Lake Wanaka - scene of the Drone Drama

What, wut?

Did I say drone? Yes, I did. I’ve not blogged about it too much but I’ve been carrying a small drone (DJI Neo) and have captured some stunning footage along the way. Once all is said and done I’ll spend some time putting it together into a coherent video. So stay tuned for that after the trip is over. Anyway, we were on the shores of Lake Wanaka and my plan was to take a broad shot of me in the foreground looking out over the lake. That meant the drone would describe an arc behind me and loop around to get the broadest vista possible. In both my enthusiasm and naivete I neglected to scout the flight path and did not take into account the big poplar tree standing guard over the lake. The drones relentless buzzing was cut off with a sound suspiciously like small blades cutting small leaves. My little drone was stuck in a tree. But since I was not looking at it when it was flying, I couldn’t determine exactly which tree. I also didn’t know how high up it was flying, and how deep into the tree it flew. The preview window in the app just showed a bunch of leaves. My heart sunk. How the heck was I going to get the drone down when I couldn’t even find it?

My first thought - note, not a good thought, just my first - was to try and dislodge the drone by flinging objects into the tree.  The closest thing I had at hand were the rocks on the lake shore. I grabbed some softball sized rocks and began throwing them with all my might into the general direction that I think the drone was lodged. After several fruitless throws I moved on to a different approach. I figured if I could get closer to the drone I could shake it out. So I started climbing the tree. Although I had the excellent idea to keep my bike helmut on (for safety), I made it only about 1m off the ground before I realised I’m a nearly 50 year old dude who last climbed a tree about 45 years ago. I got out of the tree. I took a deep breath and said “work smarter not harder”. So I gave the phone to Tony and asked him to tell me when the leaves started shaking. I grabbed the largest stick I could find (maybe 3 metres long) and started shaking the tree branches. On my third attempt Tony declared there was “big movement” on the drone camera preview so I worked my stick more vigorously. Eureka! The little drone dropped to the ground. Safe and sound and none the worse for its dalliance with a poplar tree.

Back to riding a bike

After that excitement it was back in the saddle and we rode the highway along Lake Wanaka until we reached The Neck which is a lookout point that transitioned us from Lake Wanaka to Lake Hawea. At this point our earlier suspicion that this would be a challenging ride was well and truly confirmed. We had travelled only 25km and were already feeling the ups and downs. The scenery along Lake Hawea continued to be breathtaking and the road was breathtaking in a more literal sense. We completed the many climbs and descents until we rolled into the town of Lake Hawea on the south shores of the lake. We took the opportunity for a bit of a sit down and a coffee break.

Lake Wanaka

Lake Hawea from The Neck

Lake Hawea. Long.

Off the Highway

From Lake Hawea we started to make our way back to Lake Wanaka and it was with relief that we left the highway and took the Hawea River Track; a cycle/pedestrian gravel trail. This was the first time off the highway since Hokitika on day 8. It’s funny how you can get used to a certain condition and it’s only when it is removed that you realize how draining it can be. We absolutely loved this trail. Really well maintained gravel trails, a suspension bridge, gentle ups and downs and not much wind to speak of. The trail took us along the Clutha River and back to the lake proper. Enjoying the conditions, we took our time to make our way to the town of Wanaka.

No cars!

Standing Wave. Popular with the kayakers.

Back on Lake Wanaka

#ThatWanakaTree

Another rest day

With accommodation secured for two days in Wanaka, and family arriving in Queenstown on Sunday it made sense to  take a rest day tomorrow. After a refreshing shower we walked into town and feasted on some pizza and beer. It’s the simple pleasures. 

We've been longing for Pizza.

Final tally for the day:

Distance: 77.98 km

Elevation: 793m

And the tally for the Tour so far:

Distance: 961.97 km

Elevation: 9,774m