The Original Great Southern Brevet

Friday 16 December 2011

Leg 4 Wanaka to Cromwell Description

Time to leave the summer playground of Wanaka and head into the hills (the Pisa Range to be precise). Head out of Wanaka on the Cardrona Valley Road. Up the Cardrona Valley turn off at the Snow Farm Road and follow the DOC signs to Tuohys Gully Track.

The Historic Cardrona Hotel - you've missed the turn off if you get here!
A bit tricky navigating the gates and fence styles through the farm but follow the orange top warratahs and you will soon be rising into the Pisa Range. At the top (Tuohys Saddle) head right to the Roaring Meg Track.

Roaring Meg Track
Roaring Meg Track is famous for it's spear grass. These little (and sometimes large) plants are the antithesis of an inflated tyre. Very fine sharp tips seem to cause tyres to deflate at the mere sight. Tubeless is well worth the investment here. Your other option is to add some sealant to your tubes (a note on this later)

Spanish Spear Grass in the foreground

Once you reach Plank Creek cross to the other side of the valley for a challenging (DOC guide description) single track ride to Roaring Meg Dam access road. Drop down the access road onto Kawerau Gorge Road (State Highway 6) and head towards Cromwell (and hopefully in time for some end of season fresh cherries).

Cromwell from atop the Pisa Range

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