For anyone interested there’s another tunnel to explore through the gate on the right just past the small irrigation dam (time stamp 9.52 for context with the video also now that I think about it the dam is almost certainly a gold mining relic probably suppling water for the battery but I don’t know that for sure) enjoy!
I live in the area and one day I did that track on a rainy day in a Suzuki alto. was very lucky not to get stuck. harlarious fun in that tiny car though
Hey Jono I did the Thompson track this year as part of a 9 day Easter/Anzac trip around Central Otago, it was my first time in that part of New Zealand and only my 3rd time on a 4WD trip. We did it on the first day and camped that night around a open fire... A bloody awesome experience.
I have been thinking of doing this track mainly to get to the Ardgour/North Dunstan hunting DOC Block. As a matter of interest, what date/month did you do it, because I don't want to have to turn back like you? Great video by the way, very well done. THANX.
4:38 yes nothing but a little light in the distance (and then you feel another earthquake that infrequently shakes this area???) Was that a bird, a plane or superman.. Nah - it was a scaredy cat - who ran out of an old mining tunnel and forgot to stop at it's entrance - zooming off into the bright summer sun..
0:41 - Mana HU REkia ? U have to be kidding eh? It's spelt as it is spoken. Manuherikia is the word. MANU HERI KIA Is exactly how it is "supposed" to sound. I'll forgive you (a little) as my own Grandmother, bless her soul (who lived almost all of her life in the valley) never could get her "tongue" around it and simply called it. The Manu'rika (as "heri" simply wasn't in her vocabulary) Oh and you call it a 4wd road? Nah - I remember way back long ago - when my Mum & Dad drove over from the Omakau side - in their 1973 Hillman Avenger (2wd) car. It's a public road, and 2wd is OK in Summer / dry weather - but one would preferably use a 4wd if snow, rain or any other adverse weather/road conditions make it fairly impassable for 2 wheel cars.
Yeah bro, searchlight shirt! My local watering hole. You reckon my legacy would be able do this track? It’s just a standard wagon, no outback or anything, but it looked just like a gravel road from the vid.
I've been going to searchlight since it opened haha brilliant spot! Yeah man, the Thomson road is simply a gravel road. Nothing technical other than a couple creek crossings
I visited the Lake Dunston area five years ago. The place you camped looks like the Bendigo Picnic Area, which I was going to tent camp at, until I saw the sign saying camper vans only, no Freedom Camping in tents. Was that the place? Has this rule changed, or do people not bother too much about it? As a visitor I didn't want to disrespect the local rules, so moved on, but over the course of my travels I missed camping in some lovely spots as a result.
Mate, your channel deserves way more subscribers. What a gem! Well done
For anyone interested there’s another tunnel to explore through the gate on the right just past the small irrigation dam (time stamp 9.52 for context with the video also now that I think about it the dam is almost certainly a gold mining relic probably suppling water for the battery but I don’t know that for sure) enjoy!
Looked like a beautiful day for it 🤗 that tunnel was super cool, think I'd be a little nervous going through too.. Thanks for sharing 👌
Love the videos mate keep it up. thanks
Awsome channel, hope to see you round on the trails mate!
I live in the area and one day I did that track on a rainy day in a Suzuki alto. was very lucky not to get stuck. harlarious fun in that tiny car though
Hey Jono I did the Thompson track this year as part of a 9 day Easter/Anzac trip around Central Otago, it was my first time in that part of New Zealand and only my 3rd time on a 4WD trip. We did it on the first day and camped that night around a open fire... A bloody awesome experience.
Need to go back and check it out again. Was closed when I tried last too!
Looks awesome Jono, might give this one a look when I'm down next year!
I have been thinking of doing this track mainly to get to the Ardgour/North Dunstan hunting DOC Block.
As a matter of interest, what date/month did you do it, because I don't want to have to turn back like you?
Great video by the way, very well done. THANX.
I believe it was in October. Normally October is closed due to lambing, along with many other stations
4:38 yes nothing but a little light in the distance (and then you feel another earthquake that infrequently shakes this area???)
Was that a bird, a plane or superman..
Nah - it was a scaredy cat - who ran out of an old mining tunnel and forgot to stop at it's entrance - zooming off into the bright summer sun..
Great video!
Good video. I'm looking to get a vehicle for myself. Would you recommend the Jeep Wrangler? Thanks
They are thirsty and small capacity for carrying gear. The 4dr would be far better for NZ but they are a fun rig.
Good video, Thanks for sharing ✌
Great video
What type of topo map were you showing and how do you obtain such?
NZTopo50. Both the South Island and North Island are like $7 separate purchases? Worth the money, brilliant App.
0:41 - Mana HU REkia ?
U have to be kidding eh?
It's spelt as it is spoken.
Manuherikia is the word.
MANU HERI KIA Is exactly how it is "supposed" to sound.
I'll forgive you (a little) as my own Grandmother, bless her soul (who lived almost all of her life in the valley) never could get her "tongue" around it and simply called it.
The Manu'rika (as "heri" simply wasn't in her vocabulary)
Oh and you call it a 4wd road?
Nah - I remember way back long ago - when my Mum & Dad drove over from the Omakau side - in their 1973 Hillman Avenger (2wd) car.
It's a public road, and 2wd is OK in Summer / dry weather - but one would preferably use a 4wd if snow, rain or any other adverse weather/road conditions make it fairly impassable for 2 wheel cars.
Yeah bro, searchlight shirt! My local watering hole.
You reckon my legacy would be able do this track? It’s just a standard wagon, no outback or anything, but it looked just like a gravel road from the vid.
I've been going to searchlight since it opened haha brilliant spot!
Yeah man, the Thomson road is simply a gravel road. Nothing technical other than a couple creek crossings
I visited the Lake Dunston area five years ago. The place you camped looks like the Bendigo Picnic Area, which I was going to tent camp at, until I saw the sign saying camper vans only, no Freedom Camping in tents. Was that the place? Has this rule changed, or do people not bother too much about it? As a visitor I didn't want to disrespect the local rules, so moved on, but over the course of my travels I missed camping in some lovely spots as a result.
Lot less windy than when we went through. I almost felt sorry for my wife as she almost got blown away whilst opening all the gates
Lol 18 psi for that my drive ways ruffer than that road