Central Otago

 Gail and I recently had a short break down in Central Otago staying in Cromwell and Lawrence. The main purpose twas to catch the autumn colours which had been on my bucket list for some time. It was interesting in that we had spent a day last year around this time and were about 2 weeks too late after a dry summer.

This year we had had more rain and in places the colours were coming into their own but that depended on the tree species as well. Further down towards Lawrence the trees had just started to turn. The following photos will show the variations of stages of the autumn changes in colours.

First good colours were on the hill behind the spillway at the Benmore Dam.

A back water below the Benmore Dam.

Arrowtown: 

A colourful group on a street 2 blocks from the main street.

I don't like too many people in my photos but try to minimise their presence where possible.  One often waits until selfie takers move out of the way. With this shot I waited until someone walking backwards with their phone on video and jabbering way with a running commentary.

Bannockburn:

Alexandra:

Moving down SH 8 it was noticeable that the trees were at the beginning of the autumn changes so the emphasis was on other subjects.

Near Millers Flat we went to the Horseshoe Bend bridge.

More of the history of access across the river here.

On the way back to Millers Flat we stopped at this stone cottage. Nothing about its history though.

From here we went on to Lawrence and Gabriels Gully. Not much to see here now although there is are plenty of information panels to see on there interpretation walk. 

The only physical remains nearby is the gold safe at the site of the Gold Office.