Day 4 – Haast Pass without assistance

Haast Beach early morning

The last time we were in Haast the Golf broke down and we had to be transported to Queenstown for repairs.  This happened leaving Jackson’s Bay.  It was another gorgeous West Coast day so we decided to travel the relatively short distance there to see it again without all the associated trauma.  It was lovely. 

 

Jackson Bay wharf

The Craypot Cafe - unfortunately not open

The drive through Haast Pass is stunning and a reminder of the engineering that was done to make it happen all those years ago.  We stopped at the Fantail Falls and the real highlight was a large log that was covered with rocks making for a lovely piece of communal abstract sculpture.  We commented as we drove up the Pass that it would be tough for those doing the Tour Aotearoa (a brevet, or cycle ride, from Cape Reinga to Bluff over 30 days).  We did see one cyclist about to climb the pass and then another who was at the top catching their breath.  We were going to stop at Marakopa for a coffee but the place was closed and it was not until we carried on that we realised that it was the general store a bit further on that had the coffee and refreshments so looked forward to by the riders (and us). 

Communal Sculpture

Fantail Falls

 

Instead, we had lunch at Wanaka and had a little wander around the town before refuelling and setting off to Clyde. 

 

We decided we would visit Black Ridge Winery where the TV series Under the Vines is set only to find that the vineyard was not open.  We chatted to a man who was raking gravel who said that it was closed for the next couple of months as they are currently filming the second series.  They weren’t present today as they were shooting scenes in Queenstown. 

 

On the way to our accommodation at The Postmaster’s House in Clyde, I spied some fresh fruit at a roadside stall where I got some lovely late apricots. 

 

Next we  checked in and spent some time sorting our bags into smaller ones ready for transporting during the next seven days of riding.  After some weeks of planning, the little adventure was about to begin.