Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sharplin Falls and Woolshed Creek. Trail highlights include volcanic formations, Maori
rock drawings, deep river canyons and botanical diversity. The route is subject to sudden
weather changes, so precautions should be taken.
There are two DOC huts on the track: Pinnacles Hut and Woolshed Creek Hut (adult/
child $15/7.50). Hut tickets and information are available at the
Mt Somers General
Store
(61 Pattons Rd;
8am-6pm)
.
Sleeping & Eating
Mt Somers Holiday Park
HOLIDAY PARK $
( 03-303 9719;
www.mountsomers.co.nz
; Hoods Rd; sites $18-32, cabin with/without bathroom
$80/55)
This small, friendly and well-maintained park offers both powered and un-
powered sites. Ensuite cabins are fully made up, but you'll need to bring your own linen
(or hire it) for the standard cabins.
Stronechrubie
CHALETS, RESTAURANT $$$
( 03-303 9814;
www.stronechrubie.co.nz
; cnr Hoods Rd & SH72; d $120-160, mains $33-38;
restaurant 6.30-9pm Wed-Sat; )
Comfortable chalets ranging in size from studio to two-
bedroom are scattered across bird-filled gardens at this oddly named lodge. The intimate
restaurant showcases local produce such as beef, lamb, venison and duck.
SOUTH CANTERBURY
After crossing the Rangitata River into South Canterbury, SH1 and the Inland Scenic
Route (SH72) narrow to within 8km of each other at the quaint town of Geraldine. Here
you can choose to take the busy coastal highway through the port city of Timaru (and on
to Oamaru and Dunedin), or continue inland on SH79 into the Mackenzie Country, the
expansive high ground from which NZ's tallest peaks rise above powder blue lakes. Most
travellers pick the latter.
The Mackenzie Basin is a wild, tussock-strewn bowl at the foot of the Southern Alps,
carved out by ancient glaciers. It takes its name from the legendary James 'Jock'
McKenzie, who ran his stolen flocks in this then-uninhabited region in the 1840s. When
he was finally caught, other settlers realised the potential for grazing in this seemingly
inhospitable land and followed in his footsteps.
Director Sir Peter Jackson made the most of this rugged and untamed landscape while
filming the
Lord of the Rings
films.
