Overseen by punt operator Tom Jones — and funded by Clutha District Council — a drive to the punt, a leisurely trip across the Clutha River, and a drive home down the river’s other side makes for a pleasant day-trip on a sunny summer’s day.
Better still, it’s free.
During the region’s hey-day, when horse-and-cart made for lengthy trips by dirty, gravelled roads, the punt was one of about 25 plying their trade across New Zealand’s most voluminous river, saving a good couple of hours getting from A to B.
Even today, the drive from the punt’s entrance to its exit takes half an hour, perhaps illustrating, in part, why it’s been retained, despite its slightly offbeat nature.
Founded in 1896, it remains well-used, calmly making its way across the Clutha by force of flow, fixed cables and clever hydrodynamics between 10am and 2pm daily, except on Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning.
Like all true pleasures, its leisurely nature forces travellers to savour the experience.
A trip on the punt takes you back to a slower time and pace of life, when there were moments to simply observe and enjoy your surroundings, and daydream a little before you resumed your journey.
If you are extra unhurried when you reach the pleasant village of Tuapeka Mouth, there is also a Heritage Hub available to visit, and the Tuapeka River Dam Walk to explore.
Cars, vans, motorhomes and buses welcome (weight restrictions apply). Free of charge. Operates daily 10am-2pm, river level and weather permitting. For the latest updates see Tuapeka Mouth Ferry on Facebook, or call (03) 415-9068 before arrival.
