Conqueror - Te Araroa - 149.2 km - Got a Postcard, and almost done

August 15, 2023

Here I am, inching closer and closer to the end. My last update was almost 2 months ago, at 99.5 km. I had hope this would challenge me to get out there and walk the walk, but it's more of a passive record or the bits I do from day to day. Still need to find a way to encourage/trick myself to walk more daily. Yes, research shows even 4k steps a day is significant, but that's a benefit for future me.

I'll hit some hilites for this post, including the postcard at the 3/4 mark.

First, the postcard. And the text with it. It's an earlier part of the walk, but still interesting.

There is something calming and joyous when walking beside water, so I was in a state of zen for most of my hike to Glenorchy as I walked beside Lake Wakatipu. The lake is enormously long, a good 50mi (80km) in length, and bends in an S-shape. It is New Zealand's longest lake and fairly deep with a maximum depth of 1250ft (380m).

This lake is incredibly picturesque, surrounded by a mountainous landscape. It's easy to become distracted by the peaks lined next to each other, some with snowy summits. Many bays and small beaches are tucked away in nooks and crannies along the lake's shores. Pig Island and Pigeon Island occupy the centre of Lake Wakatipu's northern end. Several walking tracks allow for exploration, provided that private water transportation can be organised. I gave it a miss and chose to hike a small section off the main road at Lake Face Creek. I walked through overgrown scrub that concealed some of the narrow track to reach a waterfall plunging into a small rock pool. It was a fun hide-and-seek kind of experience.

Back on the main road, I continued until I arrived in Glenorchy, a small settlement at the north end of Lake Wakatipu. The first stop to take in the gorgeous surroundings was on the wharf, past the small red shed with Glenorchy emblazoned on it. There, to my right, was the famous line of willow trees. Like 'That Wānaka Tree', these willow trees have rooted themselves in the lake. From the right angle, the trees are a perfect subject for sunset shots. A cool winter morning, just before the sun rises, is even better, though, when a layer of fog shrouds the mountains and most of the lake, leaving only the willows visible. A long exposure photograph would create a mystical image of willow silhouettes reflecting in the still water with a band of fog as the background.

For The Lord of the Rings movie fans, Glenorchy is the gateway to its many filming locations. From the Wizard's Vale to Isengard to Lothlorien, locations that make up the various realms in the movie are, in real life, expanses of beautiful countryside, grand mountains, and braided rivers.

Taking in the last of the views from the wharf, I walked by the shoreline to enjoy a short and easy walk on the Glenorchy Walkway. It was a well-maintained combination of gravel track and boardwalk. As I walked around the lagoon, I kept an eye out for the abundant wildlife, hoping to spot the native pied stilt or the South Island pied oystercatcher.

PS. Experience our virtual challenges in real life - The Conqueror Adventures

This photo courtesy of Tripadvisor. Ithilien Camp Lookout, from LOTR, where Frodo, Sam, and Gollum see the Faramir’s rangers and Oliphaunts battle.