Based near Wanaka, Camilla Rutherford grabbed some mates and escaped its busyness during the festive season.
Continue Reading...Archives For Wanaka
By Chrissy Wickes, Ranger – Biodiversity in Te Anau
It’s that time of the year when the world turns bright orange and yellow.
My son Shannon enjoying some autumn riding near the Clutha River
A perfect occasion to put on your helmet and explore the brilliant bike trails in all their autumn glory while it lasts.
There are many trails in the Wanaka area that are golden with fallen leaves. A favourite of mine is the Upper Clutha River track, this follows the Clutha River all the way from the Wanaka lake outlet, under the Albert town bridge and on to Luggate. This track is classified as “intermediate” for mountain bikers.
The golden leaves of autumn
You can go as far as you want, lie amongst the autumn leaves, or just take a picnic and sit on the banks of the impressive Mata-Au/Clutha River. The entire track is 21.5 km long, one way.
On the other side of the river are two other great tracks; the Newcastle and Deans Bank for a slightly more challenging ride. These trails were made possible through the partnership of the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, Bike Wanaka and DOC.
Shannon amongst the gold and red leaves of autumn
So what are you waiting for? Go plan your ride on the DOC website and find out more information about some fantastic tracks in your area.
Get out there, get amongst it!
By Chrissy Wickes, Biodiversity Ranger, Te Anau
My partner, son and I recently went for a walk up to Fern Burn Hut along Motatapu Track which is out the back of Glendu Bay just twenty minutes drive from Wanaka.
The start of the track follows a river through farm land
The track starts in farm land and follows a lovely river all the way through beech forest and up to the tussock lands around the hut.
Stopping for a quick play in the mud
It is a fantastic short walk and a great hut to stay in overnight. The track to the hut is the beginning of a longer walk. It took us three hours with my son Shannon walking the easier sections. The section through the bush is like a small goat track and perhaps not so suitable for a child to walk alone due to the drops into the stream below. But the track is relatively straight forward for big people.
There were heaps of fish in the stream and we came across a group fishing and they caught a lovely trout as we approached which was neat to see.
Fishing for trout
It is a hot area in the summer so I recommend hats and sunblock and avoiding the heat of the day.
We were lucky it was over cast but we still felt the heat and it is not even summer yet. The stream that the track follows is lovely with small waterfalls and pools which would be great to cool off in on those really hot days. We had a great time on this beautiful overnight walk in a stunning part of the country.
Nearing Fern Burn Hut
Related links: