Danseys Pass Drive

This is a shortish post, just to finish off about my visit to Oamaru, which is now some weeks, nearly a month(!), ago. As part of my go “somewhere and drive around” short holiday thing, I drive the Danseys Pass Road, which runs from Duntroon (on Highway 83, in Waitaki) to Naseby (not far off Highway 85, in Maniototo). It’s only 50 km, but takes a while.

I’m not sure when the road was built, but it was some time in the second half of the 19th century, to serve the needs of the McLean brothers, who had major sheep farms in the area. The terrain is pretty rugged, with the pass itself being at just under 1,000 meters as it crosses over the Kakanui mountain range. The first European to traverse it was local land owner, William Dansey. Most of the road is still gravel, aming it a common stage for various rallies. These pictures illustrate the vibe - it’s quite a remote feeling area, with little traffic. At one point, I round a corner to encounter a fellow on a motorcycle, who visibly flinches when he sees me.

Here’s a look back from the top of a hill, somewhere near the pass.

It seems to take an awfully long time, but I eventually make it to the Danseys Pass Hotel, a former coaching inn built in 1862 which now has rooms ( for a couple of hundred dollars), a restaurant and full bar facilities. Of course I need to stop - it’s in the rules. The lighting means I don’t get a photo of the big leather sofas around the fire.

I’m very close to Naseby at this point - I don’t stop there as I’m no great fan, but pause in Ranfurly for a coffee and then make a proper stop in Hampden: dinner at the pub there is always good. Several years ago, I was so blown away by their chips that they provide the gold standard against which I measure other chips: tonight’s ones don’t quite measure up, only 9 boulders (the proper name for the pub is Boulders Bar, to mark its closeness to the Moeraki Boulders), but the snapper is wonderful.

Back in Kakanui, because it’s my last night, I walk around the wee shop, looking at the murals painted on its walls.

Next trip - I accidentally head to the south west of New Zealand.

Cheers!