A Great day in LOTR territory
Trip Start
May 06, 2010
1
4
8
Trip End
May 31, 2010
Where I stayed
Mt Somers Motor Park
Mt Somers NZ, South Island, New Zealand
Saturday, May 8, 2010
I had a wonderful day photographically. It was light rain and mist all the way. From Christchurch I went to Hornby where I shopped, and then on via Darfield and the Rakaia Gorge. It only took me 2 ½ hours to get past the Gorge. I kept stopping to take photos – every bend in the road presented some new and wonderful vista!
I found a fabulous Dept of Conservation campground right at Rakaia Gorge, just to the south of the twin upper bridges. It is landscaped, there are 2 toilet blocks, water laid on, designated bays for motorhomes, and THIS is the view you get each morning. All for $7.50 per night per adult. I'd recommend it unconditionally to anyone with a van or motorhome.
The park I chose at Mt Somers – well it is the only one at Mt Somers! - was lovely, set in picturesque gardens and with excellent facilities. (All my accommodation choices were made via the Internet, except for the North South at Harewood (near Christchurch airport) and Grumpy’s Retreat near Geraldine, we stayed at those 2 last time.) Also, the MT Somers cabins are well heated, even in May it is cold up there, and with lovely cuddly doona spreads on the beds. The only fault is no Internet access whatsoever, either kiosks or wireless.
