Monday 9 November 2009

We survived the East Cape

It took us 5 days (including a day off) to cycle the 330km of the very unpopulated and very beautiful East Cape; Opotiki to Gisborne.

Wed 4th Nov - Opotiki to Te Kaha
What a 'fintistic' days cycling. Gorgeous coastal views all day in blissful sunshine. Then we stayed at a 'home stay' with a Maori family with a hot tub right next to the beach. We spent about 2 hours in it to re-awaken the sore bits! Then we had a spectacular sun set. Life is sweet.


Thur 5th Nov - Te Kaha to Te Araroa
Cycled our first 90km. Had drizzle (like Scotland) but the scenery was still wild and stunning. Did not have a hot tub - damn!

Fri 6th Nov - Te Araroa to Tokomaru Bay
Another 90km day with a tricky head wind, but it was sunny again. Had massive views all day, including stunning views of Mount Hokurangi.

We're getting fitter and stronger. Found a brilliant hostel with elevated views of Tokomaru Bay - really small place with a great pub and a great beach. We got the 'honey moon suite' - a cabin in the trees with stunning views over the bay - wonderful.

Wharf at Tokomaru Bay:


Sat 7th Nov - Day off at Tokomaru Bay
Got woken by sunrise ('honey moon suite' does not have curtains!) and as we were on the the east coast we would have been amongst the first people in the world to see it. Had a lazy day but then went to the beach. Nick tried to surf and ended up with a nasty injury. Went to pub again for tea and beer.

Sun 8th Nov - Arrive in Gisborne after cycling 104km (blimey!)
Compared to all the other days on the east coast the scenery was a bit dull and the head wind came back so it was a relief to get to Gisborne. Decided to camp for 2 nights and have a day off to recover from yesterday. Also, we are in a 'city' so we can enjoy a bit of civilisation again! There is a dolphin who regularly visits the harbour where we are camping but knowing our luck with dolphins he'll have heard we are coming and done a runner!

On Tuesday we head South via Napier to Wellington and we should be in the South Island in about 2 weeks.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

test

Anonymous said...

Heeeewooo,
from pooey warton, dlad to see you are still in full trundle mode!!! have just enrolled on a 300KM ride in Sweden oh eck!!
ttfn mike-c-

Unknown said...

Maaan that hot tub on the beach looks awesome guys :/

Anonymous said...

biking obviously better than surfing! always good to resort to the pub.
Ged.