Lois, Kiwi working as UK Live-in Carer. I have to leave Ciao due to pain preventing me using my lap...
Lois, Kiwi working as UK Live-in Carer. I have to leave Ciao due to pain preventing me using my laptop for long. Have tried just reading but it is not working out. Thanks to all who read, commented and supported my reviews and membership... Lois
Member since:13.08.2005
Reviews:46
Members who trust:64
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.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
What an enjoyable read - maybe one day I will make it to New Zealand and see this for myself. Linz x
UKRushbrook 07.02.2006 22:29
Now that was a great review and has only added to the feeling of wanting to tour New Zealand in the very near future. This will certainly be one of the places I visit!
Tadders 10.10.2005 17:51
This sounds fabulous. It sounds as though you've seen it all. Not sure my legs could take the mountain biking!
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
exceptional by (3%):
very helpful by (94%):
helpful by (3%):
