We always like to get to the end of roads, wherever we are. So on a recent trip to Blenheim we headed down the road on the north side of the Wairau river.

We didn’t quite get to the end of the road as it was closed for logging but next time we are in the area we will get to the end!! Disappointed that we couldn’t go any further, we headed into the Mt Richmond Forest Park heading to Lake Chalice and Mt Patriarch. This was a great trip following park and forestry roads through bush and forest, up into the hills.

Looking down on the valley we had just come up.

Looking towards Blenheim.

We came across the enchanted lookout and it certainly lived up to its name. The views were beautiful!!

Looking down over the Wairau Valley

No wind and a nice sunny spring day.

This beats working!!!!

A bit early for lunch but what a spot for a picnic table!

Lake Chalice

We carried on up the winding forestry road past Lake Chalice as far as we could go. It was a stunning day but there was still ice and snow on the road near the summit so we decided to turn back. It is a three-hour walk from here to the Mt Patriarch summit – next time!

We got to the bend in the road on the top right hand side of the photo below and decided to turn around. It was a sheer drop off the left hand side of the road so a careful several point turn was needed. The sign further down the road had said  4×4 access was not recommended past that point. Usually we don’t take much notice of signs like that but it was a long way down and an icy road!

Time for morning tea – what a spot

Our trusty old Land cruiser has taken us on some amazing adventures and many more to come – watch this space!!

How to get there:

From Renwick follow state highway 6 towards Havelock, cross over the Wairau river ( a nice spot for a picnic under the bridge beside the river) and take the first road on the left. It’s about 56km from the here to lake Chalice (about another 10km to Mt Patriarch) a pleasant drive down the Wairau valley then into the forest park.