"First Stop on the NZ Inland Scenic Route 72" Rakaia Gorge by glennw2u

Travelling along the inland scenic route 72 is the best way to travel between Christchurch and Queenstown. You start out along this normal road and catch glimpses of the Southern Alps. Then just as you are getting sick of the rolling farmland you get your first taste of the contasts to come...The Rakain Gorge area.

With great views of the Gorge and back to Mt Hutt it is a good place to stop and take a photo. Here is one of mine which was taken in the final light of the day.

There is a camp ground if you are looking for a place for the campervan and good picnic spots. There are also some good walks and a couple of scenic jet boating options.

While famous for Salmon fishing the Rakai is also very pretty and has that milky aqau blue of a snow fed river.

Methven is a great little town about 10 minutes away which is the ski town in the winter but also a great B&B spot or watering hole for the night.

• Pros:Views, Mt Hutt, Salmon, and quiet.
• Cons:Limited accommodation in the gorge area
• In a nutshell:Good spot for a break on the journey down the Southern Alps.