Southern Cruise May 11-12th 2019

[classicdat]

Destination: Lake Benmore for lunch, with cruises hopefully starting in the North, South, and East (please feel free to organise a cruise from the coast to complete the points of the compass)
converging on the fantastic roads of the central South Island.
This is your chance to get a cruise going from your area and be part of one of the most enjoyable Datsun Events of the year.

Lake Benmore is a beautiful spot for photos and the settled North Otago weather has not let us down yet. After lunch we cruise down the far side of Lake Aviemore, and more photos along the way.

The day will end up in Oamaru, where we will be hosted by the locals. These North Otago roads are just amazing and a joy to drive, you won't be disappointed.

Post you local cruise details and I will include them in this post, I'll kick it off with the Christchurch details.

Meet & greet:
Yaldhust Pub, West Coast Road. 8 till 8.15am

Depart: 8.15am. (probably won't wait for latecomers, just let them catch up)
First we head south via the inland scenic route to Rakaia Gorge and on to Fairlie to meet up with Mid & South Canterbury crews.

Timaru Meet:
New World Timaru 9:15 am Cruise to Fairlie to meetup with the Christchurch cruise. about 10:30

Dunedin Meet:

Invercargill Meet:

? Meet:
Any cruisers wanting to meet up along the way from the West Coast, Ashburton and Timaru or points in between just add to your post where and we can make a when.
The goal is to meet with the Southern Cruise in Omarama before lunch.

Omarama Meet:
In the carpark near the Public Toilets in Omarama (then cruise to Otematata to meet the locals (and hopefully a Dunedin Crew) and on to Lake Benmore) for lunch about 1 - 1.30, where the cruise will start in earnest.

Evening and Sunday morning details to come: But will hopefully get some photos with the backdrop of the old town.

There are many interesting drives in the Oamaru area, there could be options for Sunday before we all cruise on home again, feel free to post your thoughts for Sunday, your idea might be the winner everyone is looking for.

This has been an excellent drive over the years, everyone who has been raves about it, get the days sorted and join us whether you are from North, South, or central, (Get a cruise organised and the details can be posted here) don't miss this opportunity to put home and the mundane well behind you and get out into our awesome country.

[Dattodevil]

Love Omarama's meet up point. The public toilets

[jeanalesi]

We are leaving Invers @ 8-8.30ish meaning Omarama @12.30-1ish?
Play it by ear re day trip or overnighting but looking forward to it.
See you all in Omarama/Benmore.
Any lunch requirements or just get your own?

[kartboy]

Excellent to see you coming up from inverse.

Lunch is a get your own, last year weather was dubious so stopped at Otamatata pub for lunch.

Will be going out for Dinner to Last Post I think.

I have a room booked at Midway Motel.

[kartboy]

Excellent cruise had by all who attended.

Compulsory stop for a Fairlie Bakery pie then through to Omararama for a fuel stop and lunch stop at Otematata pub.

From here it was a great drive over the Benmore dam and round back of Aviemore and back roads through to Maheno, quick stop at Hayden's place.

Into Oamaru for a quick check in to accommodation before going to Last Post for dinner.

Quick pint or 3 at Scotts Brewery and then onto Fat Sally's making me feel rather old so departed and left a few partying til they got kicked out.

Managed to get booked into Coast cafe at Kakanui for breakfast.

Parted ways here and made our way back home,

Was great to see Shaun and Nic come up from Invercargille and Ashleigh, Craig and the kids come out for breakfast.

Hope you all enjoyed it.