AROUND THE MOUNTAINS Cycle

Transcription

1 Around the Mountains Trail KINGSTON WALTER PEAK 4-5 DAYS 180km AROUND THE MOUNTAINS Cycle Trail Trail Info When fully completed in 201, the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail will be a 180km, 4-5 day trip through gorgeous surrounds. The Around the Mountains all part of experiencing real, heartland Trail will allow cyclists to New Zealand. explore and discover some Cyclists can follow the route of the of New Zealand s most secluded and Kingston Flyer railway and ride from rustic settings at a relaxed pace without the historic settlement of Kingston, at sacrificing the comforts of home. the southernmost tip of Lake Wakatipu, Along the way you will be welcomed by alongside the Eyre Mountains, through charming locals, served mouth-watering the towns of Garston, Athol and meals and told stories about the Lumsden to Mossburn via a wide beautiful places they call home smooth trail. Passing through the LOOK OUT FOR... Queenstown Thrills Adrenalin junkies will find it hard not visual appeal makes skydiving a to overdose in Queenstown thanks to spectacular experience, or you can hop its astonishing on board a jet boat and zip down the number of Shotover River at full speed. Then there s heart-pounding the buzz of rafting and canyoning, the adventure exhilaration of paragliding or hang pursuits. If you re gliding, the thrill of river boarding and brave enough, river surfing and the family-fun option the region s of riding the Skyline Luge. 138 heartland of Southland, this section of the trail is 85km long and can take two to three days. The trail from Mossburn to Mavora Lakes will not be finished until 201. Riders are advised to take a shuttle for this section rather than ride on the road. Getting to Queenstown, the departure point for this trail, is easy. The town is well served by domestic flights from New Zealand s main centres as well as international flights. BELOW, LEFT: Skydiving Nzone Queenstown BELOW, RIGHT: Lake Wakatipu Destination Queenstown Lake Wakatipu This pristine lake with a mountainous backdrop is accessible from Queenstown, Kingston and Walter Peak. Cruising on the TSS Earnslaw, known as Lady of the Lake, is the best way to take it in. 4-5 Days 180km TRAIL GRADES: KINGSTON TO ATHOL ATHOL TO LUMSDEN LUMSDEN TO MOSSBURN MOSSBURN TO MAVORA LAKES Due to be completed in 201. MAVORA LAKES TO WALTER PEAK - GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Coverage available from Kingston to Mossburn. No coverage from Mossburn to Walter Peak. DRINKING WATER: Can be taken from taps in the towns along the way or purchased from shops.

2 Kingston 31km Athol Von River Lumsden Mossburn 31km 19km 50km shuttle QUEENSTOWN Spirit of Queenstown Mt Nicholas Cruise TSS Earnslaw Steamship Walter Peak Mavora Lakes Walter Peak 48km Kawarau River Nevis River AROUND THE MOUNTAINS TRAIL MAP LEGEND open section Mararoa River MAVORA LAKES Shuttle / road section Under appeal - due to open at the end of 2015 Mt Nicholas Road Eyre Mountains Lake Wakatipu KINGSTON Mataura River Fairlight Station Garston other route TSS Earnslaw Steamship Spirit of Queenstown Cruise start / finish point point of interest i-site Visitor Centre town Eyre Creek café/restaurant Athol toilets camping 94 to Te Anau 97 Five Rivers 1 accommodation state highway Mossburn Oreti River LUMSDEN 94 Mataura River Waikaia River AA Traveller 2015 RIDING THE TRAIL Views to Glenorchy from Mt Nicholas Station Southern Discoveries To start this trail either drive to Kingston or take a 45-minute shuttle ride from Queenstown. Kingston to Athol, 31km From Kingston the trail rolls past Fairlight Station (the Kingston Flyer Steam Train destination) and on to the settlement of Garston before stopping the night at either Athol or Five Rivers. Athol to Lumsden, 31km From Athol ride through Jollies Pass to Five Rivers where it s a gentle 15km descent to Lumsden. Here the trail parallels the Oreti River with its picnic spots making it a popular stop for fishers, swimmers and cyclists. Lumsden to Mossburn, 19km Spend the night in Lumsden or Mossburn. It s a good idea to buy lunch for the next section to Walter Peak. Mossburn to Mavora Lakes, 50km (via shuttle) This section is under construction and will be completed in 201. A bus is available to shuttle riders to the Mavora Lakes sub-alpine area. Mavora Lakes to Walter Peak, 50km From Mavora Lakes a wilderness no-exit road leads through Mt Nicholas Station and alongside Lake Wakatipu to finish the trail at Walter Peak Station. Riders then embark on the TSS Earnslaw steamship to Queenstown. If you don t wish to cycle to the very end of the trail at Walter Peak you have the option of catching the Spirit of Queenstown cruise from Mt Nicholas to Queenstown. 139

3 things to do... ALONGSIDE THE TRAIL Combining civilisation and seclusion, this trail passes through friendly towns and many a breathtaking sight. Kingston after a town in Ireland 47km S of Queenstown Café Bar Groceries Souvenirs New Zealand Post Open 7 days 8am to 7.30pm ATM Sky TV FREE WiFi Info Queenstown 284km NW of Dunedin on SH Athol, a farming locality near the junction of the Mataura River, has plenty of appeal for anglers. They come for the ultimate fly-fishing experience and to catch large numbers of freerising trout. Around an hour s drive from Queenstown, Lumsden and Mossburn share much of the spectacular scenery, including snowy mountains and crystalclear rivers, yet are completely away from the hustle and bustle. Lumsden is a rural service town known for great fishing and authentic farm Cnr SH & Kent Street, Kingston P: Kingston At the southern end of Lake Wakatipu, Kingston is surrounded by mountains and is a relaxing spot to visit. It s home of the Kingston Flyer steam train (currently out of service). Cycle around the town and count the quirky cribs (South Island baches), enjoy the lake, birds, starry skies, friendly locals and the café/bar. stays it s the ideal place to visit if you re after a low-key, relaxing break away from city life. Keen anglers flock from all over the region to try their luck at catching brown trout, which the local Oreti River is teeming with. If golf is more your thing then there s a 9-hole golf course in Lumsden. There are also cafés and craft shops here. Mossburn is the deer capital of New Zealand, and the large statue of a stag in the town supports this title. It has a range of accommodation and places to grab a bite to eat. As the popularity of this cycle trail has increased so too have the attractions alongside it. A number of local businesses have opened alongside the trail in the past couple of years. Welcome Rocks Trails in Garston has a hand-built 27km biking/hiking trail following the old gold-miners water race (online booking required). The Trailer Sixty food truck and Stables Hunny Shop also in Garston, American 1950s-themed Route Café in Lumsden, Five Rivers Café in Five Rivers and the Dome Café in Mossburn are all a welcome boost for the rider in need of sustenance and the local economy. LEFT: Around the Mountains Trail TOP, LEFT: View to Kingston Destination Queenstown take your bike on a Cruise SOUTHLAND ATTRACTIONS across the lake MT NICHOLAS & cycle UMOUNTAINS $ ONE 35 WAY WITH BIKE 45 MINS southerndiscoveries.co.nz #discoverqueenstown DEPARTS QUEENSTOWN 9.00AM* 11.00AM 1.00PM 3.00PM DEPARTS MT NICHOLAS 10.00AM* 12.00PM 2.00PM 4.00PM * OPERATES 1 OCTOBER 30 APRIL 140

4 NEARBY DESTINATIONS Culture and heritage are a major around the world, including the John drawcard to the southern rural town Money collection and works from of Gore. Famous for its country premier New Zealand artists, Ralph music and brown trout fishing, Gore Hotere and Rita Angus. In July there is growing into a hub of history and is fabulous fashion at the Hokonui art. The Hokonui Moonshine Museum Fashion Design Awards. The Croydon gives an insight into the illegal whisky Aircraft Company in Mandeville distilling era, while the Eastern specialises in restoring vintage planes Southland Gallery houses fine art from and offer flights to the public. The Catlins beauty is magnetic. The area is known for its rugged seclusion and wildlife yellow-eyed penguins head to coastal nests, Hector s dolphins play in the waves and seal-lions bask on rocks. Hidden lakes, stunning waterfalls and the fossilised remains of a Jurassic period forest at Curio Bay beckon the inquisitive traveller. AROUND THE MOUNTAINS TRAIL Cycling, Lumsden. ABOVE: Couple rock jumping at the Petrified Forest, The Catlins. Both Lumsden after George Lumsden, Mayor of Invercargill 2km NW of Gore FREE WiFi MOTEL 7 Hero St, Lumsden, Southland Ph/Fax: info@lumsdenmotel.co.nz 5 self-contained ensuite units sleep Sky Channels, laundry & dryer available Overnight stop on Around the Mountains Cycle Trail Secure cycle storage A quiet and comfortable rest is assured Continental breakfasts & packed lunches by arrangement Guest BBQ and outdoor socialising i area Short walk to eateries & Four Square supermarket Opposite playground, shops and town centre Tariff: $120-$170 (1-5 persons). Extra adults $20 each, children $15 141

5 THE DEEP SOUTH VISIT TE ANAU About an hour s drive from Lumsden, Te Anau is a spot worthy of a detour. The sparkling blue waters of Lake Te Anau form the largest lake in the South Island and the second biggest lake in New Zealand (after Lake Taupo). The town of Te Anau lies beside the lake and near mountains and lush virgin forest in one of the country s most spectacular locations. Tours to Milford Sound usually start from here as do people setting out on the Milford Track, one of New Zealand s greatest walks. Te Anau Tracey Tibbles Boatsheds in Watercress Bay, Stewart Island Many people visit Invercargill to admire the elegant Victorian and Edwardian buildings, gardens and landscaped parks. The renaissance of Invercargill has seen it grow into a modern centre that is the vibrant heart of Southland. New to the city is the Bill Richardson Transport World (open late October 2015). It is reputedly the largest private collection of its type in the world. Stewart Island and Rakiura National Park are Southland s jewel. The island is home to many native birds, including the kiwi, and catching a glimpse of our national icon is a priority for many visitors. Enjoy breathtaking views of the heavens and strikingly clear waters. Mossburn Scottish place name 113km S of Queenstown Te Anau cave of swirling water 172km SW of Queenstown on SH 94 Café & GIFT SHOP Breakfasts, lunches, coffee, venison pies, real-fruit ice creams, takeaway lunches Free WiFi available Phone: brackenhall@xtra.co.nz Open: 8.30am to 5.30pm Main Street, Mossburn Mossburn Country Park 333 Mossburn Five Rivers Rd, Mossburn Phone: Mobile: info@mossburncountrypark.co.nz 142 Beautiful, peaceful campground set amongst 28 acres of farmland Tame farm animals to feed by hand Plentiful power and non-power sites 7 lovely country cabins of varying sizes and bed configurations Hot showers and clean toilets, fully equipped kitchen and laundry Space to store your bicycles securely out of the weather