Glenorchy

The 45 km road from Queenstown to Glenorchy takes about one hour to drive and is sealed the whole way. It is eye candy in terms of the magnificent scenery and there are several parking bays at the side of the road where it is safe to stop and take photos. Glenorchy itself lies to the left of the triangular mountain in the centre of this image.

Here Kirwin is taking a load off in front of an old boat shed. Its just a stone's throw from the relaxed Glenorchy Café and its outdoor picnic tables.

A few doors up from the café is Dart River Jet Safaris, owned and operated by Ngai Tahu. Their Wilderness Safari is really worth doing. The 4WD component drives through an area known as Paradise (a.k.a. Arcadia) and Lord of the Rings fans will find themselves in territory that seems strangely familiar. Fangorn Forest, anyone? The 4WD excursion ends where river flooding has washed away the track. From there its a short walk through mossy 1000+ year old protected forests to the river, where your jetboat will speed you up the Dart River as far as possible and practical before whisking you back to the jetty at Glenorchy.

Take your camera with you, but also be pleasantly surprised by the photograph pack that's waiting for you on your return. Rain ponchos are provided but you will do the odd 360 on the water, and you will get wet.

Kirwin thought he was too sexy for his poncho and decided to take the jet boat for a spin after everyone disembarked.

Glenorchy is also the last stop before starting the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks through southwestern Fjordland, a preserved World Heritage Area.

Kirwin was here on 19-Dec-2008.