"The Crown Range Rd 2" Cardrona Travelogue by kiwi

Surprisingly, up on top, there are some areas of fertile lush green grass. Yes there is tussock and rock, but as this photo shows, it is not all like that.

Some local flare

This is an interesting letter box, made from an old copper water heater. Very typical and fitting in this area.

Cardrona road summit

It's not the summit of the range, but this is the summit of the Crown Range Road.
As you can see by the tree, the wind is harsh and consistent, and one wonders how the tree even exists! The rock monument celebrates the history of the road and especially the year 2000 sealing of the last part of this road.
It was bitterly cold up here, but worth the stop as I was well wrapped up. In the photo you can see, away in the distance, some parts of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

Falling rocks

Be assured that you need to take notice of warning signs in this area. The one in this photo indicates rocks falling, and that is a very real danger here. Not just that you may get hit, but that you may turn a corner and find the road covered in large rocks, causing an accident. So, be alert and drive at a sensible speed.

Weather encroaching the summit.

The weather can change very quickly as you can see here, on a bluesky sunny day, over came the cloud full of ice and snow!!

Sealed road

Just another view of the tussock hills so resplendant in their golden hues, with a view of the snaking but sealed, winding road.

Cardrona Hotel

When I finally approached this famous hotel I felt a very familiar emotion. One of disappointment. I had seen this hotel featured on calendars for years, and in books and from it's folklore. But of course calendars always feature perfect photos taken by very successful photographers. Also, as I had seen things after hearing about them as a child, this place seemed a quarter of the size I expected. I parked my little rental car and took my photos, but did take in the scene I was viewing and thought about how our country's pioneers had found the place. The Hotel has been renovated and there is added accommodation out the back. Inside the old part can be found a restaurant and bars, worth the stop.

Cardrona Hotel Limosine

Most times you drive past the old hotel the old car is parked right out front looking very resplendent in it's margarine yellow colour.

Amusing sign

I enjoyed this small sign above the bar in the hotel.

INside again

There is an interesting display of old items from the area, in the hotel. Worth taking time to view and read the accommpanying signs re history etc.

Have a beer here in this very old bar, and notice the local brews and see how you like them.

Flowers

Out the back of the bar and restaurant area there is a nice outdoor garden area where patrons can sit in the sun during summer months.

Cardrona Accommodation

This photo shows the accommodation both in an old wing and a new wing.

Outdoor social area

A really nice area out back to sit and drink beer under the setting sun, and just generally enjoy the terrain and ambience of Cardrona.

Old barn and vehicle

Take a walk around out the back and find some interesting relics there. Try to imagine the original times, before modern cars and during the gold rush period.

Even a small shed is built with the local stone in the traditional way. Utilizing the local resources was logical and efficient.

Local customs?

Beside the road, out front of the Cardrona airfield you will find hundreds of womens' bra's hanging on the fence. I'm not sure how this began, but every year more and more women are shedding their undergarments to display here.

Crazy bus

Situated at the airport, there is also a business where you can ride these crazy vehicles, such as this bus with huge wheels.

General store

The Hotel isn't the only building in the small settlement here at Cardrona. The old general store is still there, resplendent with the bright red and green petrol bowser out front.

Cardrona Airfield

Not sure if you can fly in, but perhaps you may like to take a sightseeing flight from here around the mountains.