Alternate Leg 4 Details

With the forecast for heavy rain and high winds still in effect for Central Otago it is prudent to have a Plan B.
 

The alternate Leg 4 from Wanaka to Cromwell will be via the Crown Range and Gibbston Valley should the weather not improve.
 

A large number of riders expressed their preference to remain on the original course (over the Pisa Range). We can make a call on this on Saturday. For now it is prudent to have an alternate plan available and communicated.

This route was marginally favoured over the Queenstown option as it avoided waiting for a boat, and returned to the original course quicker. It also maintains options for those who wish/need to shortcut sections.

The only drawback of the route is a 300 metre section at Gentle Annie Bluff. NZTA have chosen to erect centreline road barriers after several incidents with drivers crossing the road centreline. Great option to protect drivers from themselves but profoundly stupid on the part of NZTA as they provided no options for cyclists to safely use the route. Please be extra careful on this section. There is little room to maneuver on an already narrow road.

The route is:

Follow the Crown Range Road out of Wanaka to the Cardrona Valley and up over Crown Saddle

Drop down to Crown Flats and hang a right into Glencoe Road and then left onto Tobins Track to Arrowtown

Leaving Arrowtown, follow the Arrow River Bridges Trail (back down the Arrow River) out towards the Kawerau River

After crossing State Highway 6 keep an eye out for the left turn to Gibbston River Cycle Trail

Stay on the Cycle Trail till it runs out before Nevis Bluff and then join State Highway 6 to Cromwell

The GPX and Cue Sheet for the Alternate Leg 4 Wanaka to Cromwell can be found at the following links.

Alternate Leg 4 Wanaka to Cromwell GPX File

Cue Sheet for Alternate Leg 4 Wanaka to Cromwell

Fingers crossed we won't need it and the weather improves!