|
The following are descriptions of the drive along the
gravel road (called by locals as “The Driveway”) to Waipori Falls
Village:
“There were areas of grass and small trees covered in sparkling
frost and light snow all along the winding road up into the
mountains. At one point it was almost like a tunnel of trees with
drops of water falling slowly in the sunlight.” – Dr Garret Evans
(during a winter visit).
“Driving up to Waipori Falls Village through the wooded hills on the
long forest track, the river was clear and beautiful – it was a bit
low if anything. There didn’t seem to be much evidence of rain there
at all.” – Dr Garrett Evans (during a summer visit).
“Surprisingly soon the narrow tarred road turned into a gravel road
and we lurched and slipped up to the mountain, skirting it down a
windy track, past tall poplars and willows and then into a narrow
gorge. It was hard to tell at first that it was a gorge since the
forest was thick on either side. We drove on through this
rainforest, for that is how it appeared; lichen clinging flimsily to
thin branches and dipping down towards the Nissan 4x4 as we ground
our way through these dark corridors. From time to time we would
stop. Garrett, our friend and driver, would turn off the engine and
sit quietly so we could all listen to his favourite sound – cicadas.
The noise of these small grasshopper-like creatures reminded him of
hot lazy halcyon days in Sardinia as a young man.
Slowly we left the rocky brown river that had been
beside us and drove higher and higher. From time to time trees would
part enough for us to see the frightening drop beside us into the
gorge. There was really only enough room for one vehicle. I hoped we
would not meet another. On and on, up and up, this winding shale
road climbed, making us feel like we were entering the real ‘back of
beyond’, shafts of sunlight shooting through the trees giving relief
to the dimness. This light and dark gravel road, winding
frighteningly above a precipitous gorge, eventually came to tar. A
sigh of relief! Still alive! But wait, we were still going up and
winding, but this time past odd wooden bungalows that hugged the
side of the mountain. A number of hairpin bends brought us to the
top of our drive.”
– Joanne, February 2006
|
"The Driveway" |
|
Car hire is inexpensive, the most convenient
being ‘Get Away Car Hire’ in nearby Mosgiel. From about NZ$40 a
day. You can have the car delivered to the airport where, on
your departure, you can leave it. Phone 64 3 489 7614 – ask for
Bob or Dawn. Book on-line at:
