Omarama to Lake Ohau

Today’s ride on Komoot

It rained last night and sprinkled a little this morning so that was today’s excuse for a late start. I had 43kms to make it to Lake Ohau Lodge so there was no rush.

I was told that there was nothing along the way, and not much at the lodge apart from the restaurant etc. so I made sure I had a big breakfast and plenty of food for the rest of the day.

When I checked in to the campground yesterday, I met an old Canadian guy called Steve who was hiking the TA. He looked like an old hippie but was strong and fit, and full of stories and tips about the area. As with most travelling people I meet, their stories rarely reflect their appearance and Steve was the perfect example. A really interesting guy to talk to.

I had breakfast at one local cafe, and on the way back, Steve was hitching a lift to Twizel but by the time I’d packed and left the campground, he was gone – obviously well underway.

I left Omarama which I can never pronounce correctly along with most names here. I’m resigned to the fact that my first attempt at pronouncing a local place name is always wrong. The locals always have smiles on their faces when I make a mistake, and enjoy correcting me.

Back to leaving Omarama … The road out of town was sealed, then it was onto a smaller trail by the river before the start of Quailburn road. It was sealed and pretty flat and easy. At the 10km mark, it gradually turned to gravel and lots of it. In places the rideable part of the road was only about 150mm and the rest was simply loads of loose gravel. To be honest, it was really tedious and I was very pleased to see the end of it, and then the fun began.

After a few kms of narrow and easily rideable road, the trail turned north for a short section of single track downhill. Gee it was fun, but then the track gradually climbed to the highpoint of the day at 900m. There were switchbacks and very rocky sections but also some cyclists coming the other way.

A really nice couple (Willem and Marlene) from the Netherlands stopped and we had a long chat. They’re on a four month trip which includes NZ and Vietnam and have great taste in bikes – Koga World Travellers like me 😁. They’re doing the reverse of my last few days, so I told them about the great camp spot near Danseys Pass. I hope it’s still as nice when they get there. I hope you have a fantastic trip !!

After that, it wasn’t too far to the high point and the following 10kms were sensational. I hardly pedalled down the rocky single track descent. Nearly fell of twice but had a ball.

The descent finished at Lake Ohau Lodge which is a lovely place above the lake. I’m camping but decided to live it up with the fine dining set menu at the restaurant tonight. It should be much better than the camp and pub meals that I’m becoming accustomed to.

I also had a swim in the lake which was pretty brisk. There were two other hardy souls swimming, and I’d later meet them at dinner. The dinner was interesting. I was at a table of travellers of all ages and it was really entertaining to listen to everyone’s stories.