We're back down south! Epic weather, epic views - pretty hard to beat!
In this episode Daniel heads out to explore the canals and rivers around Twizel before the fam' heads up to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to check out the Blue Lakes on foot before heading back down the lake to recreate a photo Daniel took years ago.
Ohau C is a short, well-liked run through the braided Pukaiki River in Canterbury, often used as a handy shortcut linking Lyndon Road towards the Omarama Saddle. It packs plenty of fun into a small distance and is a popular choice when the levels are kind.
The route involves multiple crossings of the river braids, and its difficulty ranges from fairly easy to tricky depending entirely on river flow. The braids run over loose rock bottoms with large river stones, which can make individual crossings awkward and is worth considering for heavier vehicles. When levels are low the crossings are straightforward and make for a scenic trip; at higher flows they become considerably more challenging. Snorkels are reassuring at higher levels but not essential when the river is low.
Keep an eye on the western flows, where plenty of young salmon can be spotted. Please check lake and river levels before attempting, as the river can rise quickly and wash you away.
Running up the side of the Pukaki River in Canterbury's Mackenzie Country, this is a long, very bumpy but mechanically easy gravel track with grand high-country scenery and a real sense of remoteness. There are some cool camping spots along the river, and you'll often spot salmon in the water near the iron bridge.
The going is generally straightforward — most reports complete it in 2WD, making it a good spot for beginners to get some experience off the seal — but the relentless corrugations reward airing down for comfort and a slow pace. Speeds vary from a crawl of 15-30km/h over the rough sections to open faster stretches. A couple of highlights break up the drive: a narrow old iron bridge that creaks as you cross (and a touch nerve-wracking in wide vehicles), and the lone chimney that's all that remains of an old hunter's hut.
The track end follows the riverbed near Lake Pukaki, where Meridian periodically releases water from the dam and spillway — worth keeping an eye on lake levels and staying clear of the river beds when releases are underway. Many drivers loop out via Haldon Arm Road to save their suspension on the way back.
Tucked into the head of the Tasman Valley near Aoraki/Mount Cook in Otago's high country, this short track rewards a quick detour with stunning views of the glacier-fed lake, dotted with icebergs calving from the ice above. It offers some of the closest vehicle access you can get to the glacier and lake scenery.
It's rocky and bumpy throughout, so the going is slow and you'll likely pick up some pinstriping along the way - leave the low or pavement-bound vehicles at home. The route no longer runs as far as it once did: a mountain stream on the western side has carved the gravel wall away down into the glacier lake, and this slip is considered unfixable.
Note the track can be closed over winter after significant snowfall to reduce avalanche risk, and access is often restricted by a chain at the second avalanche area, so check before you commit. Even so, the accessible section is well worth it if you're in the area - a scenic, rough little adventure that punches above its length.