We woke up to no power. There was a power cut at 4am. That was not a good incentive to get up in the cold. I bit the bullet and finally did get up. We headed off just after 8am. Fresh dusting of snow on a lot of the mountains. The track was slightly uphill until we reached the first canal which is the Pukaki canal. It was one of those annoying ups that you can’t see but you very much can feel.

The Pukaki canal was down stream but when we reached the Ōhau canal is slightly uphill. I didn’t notice that incline. We reached the overflow from Lake Ōhau and had a sandwich.

From there we went on the Ōhau Weir track for 7km along the lake front. Absolutely stunning. We were making good time so we stopped quite a lot along the way.

At the end of the track we hop onto the road and cycle to the Ōhau Lodge. Before we reach it we have a bit of lunch by the lake. Joanne and I both get spiked by Matagouri.

39km brings us to Lake Ōhau Lodge at 2.30pm. I love this lodge so much it has so much retro in it. It has just gone under contract and I hope the new owners don’t refurbish it too far and take away all it’s character. We get into the tubs and have a soak with an incredible view!

We get out of the tubs and have an extremely large nachos to share. We all hop back in the tubs waiting for dinner time. Dinner is three courses, breakfast is also on for the morning and they provide a packed lunch. I shower before dinner with no plans to get back in for a soak.

Dinner was fantastic, we were very full and I didn’t last long until I was fast asleep.