“If there is magic in this world it is contained in water”
Loren Eiseley
Day 91 to 95
- Day 91 – Lake Tekapo to Lake Ohau ; 94 km cycled
- Day 92 – Lake Ohau to Ahuriri River ; 25 km
- Day 93 – Ahuriri River to Timaru River ; 21 km
- Day 94 – Timaru River to Pakituhi Hut ; 20 km
- Day 95 – Pakituhi Hut to Wanaka ; 37 km
Total hiked : 2605 km
Yup she’s a pretty blue lake. Definitely the bluest lake I’ve ever seen. Kinda convinced they’re putting something in the water to make it this blue. Maybe not. But maybe?
Incase you missed my last post I’m talking about Lake Tekapo and the above comments were made frequently throughout N.D and I’s time spent in Tekapo and the surrounding canals.
From Lake Tekapo trail walkers are given an ultimatum of trotting or cycling; ‘Lake Tekapo Village to Twizel (59km total) canal route is a long stretch without any camping spots – if you do not think you can make this in a day consider hiring a bicycle’. So despite N.D and I loving a good 59 kilometres in a day trotting challenge, a more exciting adventure sounded like cycling 94 kilometres past Twizel to Lake Ohau so that’s what we did!
Setting off from Bespoke Bike Rentals owned by the lovely and very accommodating Annie, N.D and I were sussed with bike carrier packs, bike bottles, helmets, repair kits, even fluro vests… only one of us loved wearing the vest though. 😛
We may have also stopped at a cafe on leaving town to pick up a few sweet treats for the ride (the Greedy Cow in Tekapo has the best cinnamon buns! As an avid cinnabon consumer I know my buns and you won’t be disappointed).
The route from Lake Tekapo to Lake Ohau follows the Alps to Ocean cycle trail. This trail involves cycling alongside canals from Tekapo to Lake Pukaki, through Twizel, to Lake Ruataniwhai and finally Lake Ohau. Not only was this scenically stunning but cycling meant we didn’t have sweaty backs from our packs, we could stretch our arms and legs while still getting the kilometres in and we passed through towns meaning more coffee and snacks. I could really get on board with this cycling thing. 😉 Oh and incase your wondering yes the cinnamon bun was delicious, the views of Mt Cook weren’t half bad either!
Continuing on trail the bikes were sadly switched out for our shoes and rivers crossings, mud and hills were tackled again. In particular Breast Hill at 1578 metres was summited, which at sunset offered beautiful views of Lake Hāwea and the Southern Alps, unfortunately while Mt Aspiring was in the distance I really couldn’t tell you which peak it was haha.
As the light disappeared the air chill set in and we raced along the ridge line to the hut for the evening. That night we stayed in Pakituhi Hut which at 1300 metres is the highest we have bunked. 🙂
Along the ridge line N.D and I also faced a first, alpine cows, well cows on the track at a high elevation. So alpine cows! I was very glad to have a buddy when getting them to share the track with me.
From Lake Hāwea we trotted the Gladstone trail to Albert Town and alongside the Clutha River to Lake Wanaka where we were greeted with our favourite town refreshment! I even got to meet Shelby and Jordan who completed Te Araroa last season and were just as kind in person as they are on youtube (felt like meeting celebrities to be honest).
Happy trotting everyone. 🙂
GC Chronicles 
I have never seen water so blue. You looked so very happy with bright vest. Photo’s amazing and another great read, well done
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