The Rainbow Rage is not the way I went over the Rainbow.
But for thousands of bikers it is an annual 100km race from St Arnaud, on the Nelson side of the Rainbow Valley, through this most fantastic part of the South Island of New Zealand to Hanmer, and a waiting hot pool plunge.
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The Rainbow Rage is not the way I went over the Rainbow.
But for thousands of bikers it is an annual 100km race from St Arnaud, on the Nelson side of the Rainbow Valley, through this most fantastic part of the South Island of New Zealand to Hanmer, and a waiting hot pool plunge.
For me, I went over from the Hanmer end, after doing the Molesworth High Country Station trip in the comfort of our 4X4. We saw several mountain ... ...haven't tramped it but the Rainbow Valley is really popular for experienced trampers who can go through in their own parties or on guided tours; one I heard of was a 7 day tramp and those reporting on it were gobsmacked.
If you've got time to get out and explore, please make sure you have, you'll fine beautiful alpine plants like mountain gentians, Edelwiess and a species of ranunculas; along with the New Zealand High Country tussock, ... more
The Rainbow Rage is not the way I went over the Rainbow.
But for thousands of bikers it is an annual 100km race from St Arnaud, on the Nelson side of the Rainbow Valley, through this most fantastic part of the South Island of New Zealand to Hanmer, and a waiting hot pool plunge.
For me, I went over from the Hanmer end, after doing the Molesworth High Country Station trip in the comfort of our 4X4. We saw several mountain bikers along the way and I know which way I prefer to take in this pristine sub alpine beauty.
The trip has some high saddle passes where you can see high country farming, lakeside wonder, huge, craggy mountains and a gate or two to open along the way.
Site seeing and photography come together and I used up so much film. This is beech clad forest and huge, gravel scree shots we are talking.
I haven't tramped it but the Rainbow Valley is really popular for experienced trampers who can go through in their own parties or on guided tours; one I heard of was a 7 day tramp and those reporting on it were gobsmacked.
If you've got time to get out and explore, please make sure you have, you'll fine beautiful alpine plants like mountain gentians, Edelwiess and a species of ranunculas; along with the New Zealand High Country tussock, I just love it.
One of our stops was at a lake where we found a toilet, most precious in the high country! It was a huge improvement on DoC's ''long-drops'' of years gone by!
It was freezing cold there but the ruggedness and beauty drew us into a walk around the shores, and plenty of photos!
When you talk of Rainbow, you need to know there is the Rainbow Valley ,as reviewed now, and Rainbow Ski Area, which is actually where you come out of the Rainbow if travelling it from the Hanmer end.
If going in from nearby Nelson (an hour's drive) you will enter from the Wairau Valley Road and drive up past Rainbow Ski Area and come to the oldest, historic house where a family live just to take your money.
The gate is locked and you have to pay a fee for DOC (Department of Conservation) before going through.
We picked wild raspberries here and had a cup of tea before travelling on.
The rivers and native bush on this trip are just magnificent, clear, blue waters with a look of glacial cold about them on our one-day trip. It can be done quicker but I really love this area, it's high country, probably as near to the mountains as you can get in your 4X4 on a formed road. We stop a lot!
We stopped on several bridges for me to take a photo of my friend driving through the river; he likes to show off a bit. In most cases there is a bridge as well so you don't have to go through the river.
The road is obviously not tar-sealed so don't even consider it if you don't like the dust flying up on you when you pass other vehicles. Sadly for us, our air-conditioning was on the blink when we went through so that added a bit of drama to the trip.
It is a couple of years since I went through so I don't remember what it cost but go on to the Department of Conservation: Nelson site and I'm sure the prices and opening information will be on there.
The Rainbow trip is quite stunning, best to do it in the 4x4 but if you are a mountain bike enthusiast - get in lots of training before you set out on a huge, Rainbow adventure.
Advantages: nice food, not too expensive Disadvantages: gets slow when it's busy
I don?t often go out for meals, especially with being a fussy eater, so when I do I like to go somewhere that does a variety of food, nothing too spicy or strange. At the beginning of October, Mike took me to the Stag and Rainbow for a meal. He chose this one because other pub restaurants are integrated with the pub and drinkers and diners are mixed. Luckily, the restaurant section at the Stag and Rainbow is completely separate and treated as thus.
Upon arriving, we were asked if we wanted smoking or non-smoking. The smoking section is mainly near to the toilets and the non-smoking is nearer to the entrance. We chose non-smoking and despite not reserving and it being a Friday night we were seated immediately at a 2 seat table. The lights are subtly dimmed within the restaurant so that it?s a more private and romantic atmosphere, but ...
Advantages: Underground parking, nice staff, high quality furnishings/comfort Disadvantages: None.
Blue Rainbow Apartments, Manchster. You are impressed as soon as you walk in reception. Underground parking is available on site. So you know your car is safe and secure whilst you're relaxing upstairs. The life and landings on the way to your apartments are immaculate. Apartments range from one bedroom upwards having stayed in a few. They are all of similar layout and design. Wood floors, dining table and 4 chairs. nice couch to chill out on whilst watching sky tv or dvd through the dvd player supplied. Separate kitchen with microwave, working oven, kettle, hob etc.
Rooms come with continental breaksfast provided. Which includes, milk in your fridge, a fresh loaf of bread, cereals, jams, teas, coffees (loads).
But the main thing is you get a separate shower room and bedroom with corridors connecting them. Yes that means no more ...
Advantages: Out of the busy city centre. Disadvantages: Still quite small
Amend.
This place has just had a major refurbishement.
The place has been transformed in to a bright well decorated building. Although the structure remains the same and there is little extra space. The small bar has been incorporated in to the main gaming area and there are a few more seats in the bar area.
The games reamin the same as last reported, plus they have introduced 2, 3 card poker tables with a £2.00 minimum bet.
The Craps table has never been open in the few visits I have made there and I was told by the staff it was due to lack of experienced croupiers. So if you want to play this, phone first. But, don't rely on the promise of it being open, as I phoned in advance and was told it was open every night.
It remains a small friendly casino with a social club type atmosphere.
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The Rainbow, is ...
