Apart from a bridle track built around 1870 Glenorchy was dependent for nearly a century on the Wakatipu steamer service for its connection with the outside world. Glenorchy was serviced by a flotilla of early steamships and launches, the Ben Lomand, the Jane Williams and the Meteor. By 1912 it was the SS Earnslaw that had started and would continue a schedule running to the head of the lake. The SS Earnslaw is a twin screw steamer that had a cruising speed of 13 knots and a capacity for 1035 passengers; 1500 sheep; seventy head of cattle; or 200 bales of wool. She also occasionally carried cars or buses to Glenorchy. The Lady of the Lake took two hours to steam her way to Glenorchy three times a week, dominating the township activities on boat days with unloading passengers, goods and fresh food.
The mid 1950’s saw a push for a road to Queenstown and this was finally opened during the Centennial celebrations in 1962. Glenorchy residents were no longer dependant on the steamers for transport and carriage of goods so after a few years the TSS Earnslaw discontinued its Monday, Wednesday and Friday round trips from Queenstown to the Head of the Lake.
The road took six years to be constructed with much of the initial finance coming from raffles and public subsciption by the local residents. A narrow gravel road was opened on 13th November 1962. Today the road is fully sealed and even has passing lanes built in! A far cry from how it was not so many years ago.
Please ensure the cache is covered over to prevent it being removed. No room for a pen so you will need your own writing tool.