Day 7 – Vineyards, Headwinds and the Queenstown Trails
Today’s ride from Lake Dunstan to Arrowtown was a shorter one by recent standards — 65 km with about 614 metres of climbing — and it turned out to be a very enjoyable day on the bikes.
Now that we’re firmly in rugby heartland, we even managed to take in a local match this evening at the field next to our campground in Arrowtown.
The ride itself broke naturally into three distinct phases
Phase 1 – Fantastic
Our camp beside Lake Dunstan was alive overnight with the sounds of swans, ducks, plovers and gulls. Early in the morning the frost fans started up across the nearby orchards — a clear sign it had been a chilly night.
This region is full of vineyards, stone fruit and pome fruit orchards, and the fans are used to circulate warmer air to help prevent frost damage.
The day began with about 15 kilometres of tailwind riding along the lake before a breakfast stop in Cromwell.
Breakfast included an apricot turnover which, while very nice, might benefit from some truth in labelling — perhaps the words should be reversed.
Cromwell also features some impressive split wood piles, although I suspect the Swedes would still have a few suggestions on how they could be stacked more neatly.
Leaving town the road winds through what can only be described as a garden of vineyards and orchards before entering the Kawarau Gorge. The road climbs gradually and continuously, though with enough small rests to keep things manageable.
For about 20 kilometres there is Armco barrier between the white line and the river far below. Spectacular scenery and just enough exposure to keep you paying attention.
Phase 2 – A Bit Nasty
After crossing the river the road turns west and runs straight into a wind tunnel at Nevis Bluff.
The headwind took a bit of the gloss off the previous forty kilometres, although the surrounding vineyard country was still very picturesque.
Sometimes the best strategy is simply head down and keep pedalling.
Phase 3 – Mass Market Cycling
Eventually we joined the Queenstown Trail network, which follows the river more closely.
The trail is a little more up and down but thankfully much more sheltered from the wind. It’s also considerably busier, and at times a little tricky navigating around riders and walkers who don’t cycle regularly.
Still, it’s a very good ride.
Along the way we crossed the famous suspension bridge where bungy jumping operates. We didn’t see anyone jumping — perhaps it was too windy, too expensive, or nobody had the courage.
A second suspension bridge crossing was a little bum-puckering, but eventually the trail delivered us safely into Arrowtown.
Tomorrow is a rest day, with a bus trip planned into Queenstown.
Day Summary
Route: Lake Dunstan → Arrowtown
Distance: 65 km
Riding Time: 4 hr 21 min
Climbing: 614 m
Weather: Cool morning, breezy near Nevis Bluff
Best moment: Riding through Kawarau Gorge
Ride link
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