Wed 25th to Thurs 26th November
Another boiling hot day's cycle ride through gorgeous scenery. Had 2 saddles (hills) to get over and we met 2 ladies in their 50's from California, also cycle touring and heading for Nelson.
Had fantastic sweeping downhill from Whangamoa saddle (357m) and Emma and Michael passed us again just as we got to the top.
Stayed at another nice hostel and met a german lad called Gerald who is really into mountain biking and is biking around with a big rucksack.
The following day it was still roasting and we cycled to Motueka, via Rabbit Island and Mapua. The wind was very strong and it was a relief to arrive at Dorothy's and Peter's house. These are the couple in the thier 80's who we met about 6 weeks ago in the North Island at a campsite. We chatted to the them for about 10 minutes and they invited us to stay with them, which is what we did. What a brilliant couple. Dorothy was born and brought up in Bootle (the same as my Dad). They have lived their life for sailing, climbing and walking and are a real inspiration. We slept in a sleep out on bunk beds and they fed us and looked after us a treat. We had such a lovely time and didn't leave until lunch time the following day.
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Arrive in the South Island
Monday 23rd November - Tuesday 24th
Got the ferry ovet to Picton from Wellington at 1pm - lovely smooth crossing and great views of the Marlborough Sound. Stayed the night in a really lovely hostel and met some nice people.
Left the next morning and it was roasting hot. Cycled along Queen Charlotte Drive - spectacular views that reminded me of the west coast of scotland but sunny! Emma and Michael overtook us and we stopped for a chat. We planned to cycle all the way to Nelson but due to photo taking, blazing heat and head wind that felt like a hairdryer, we stopped half way and camped at a beautiful campground at Pelorus Bridge. We had a swim in the river, which was very refreshing! We then went for a walk to see some waterfalls (I think we are addicted to exercise!). We met our first Weka bird - large, nosey and cheeky (looks a bit like a kiwi but without the big nose).
We posted our Christmas cards today - hope they arrive on time!
Got the ferry ovet to Picton from Wellington at 1pm - lovely smooth crossing and great views of the Marlborough Sound. Stayed the night in a really lovely hostel and met some nice people.
Left the next morning and it was roasting hot. Cycled along Queen Charlotte Drive - spectacular views that reminded me of the west coast of scotland but sunny! Emma and Michael overtook us and we stopped for a chat. We planned to cycle all the way to Nelson but due to photo taking, blazing heat and head wind that felt like a hairdryer, we stopped half way and camped at a beautiful campground at Pelorus Bridge. We had a swim in the river, which was very refreshing! We then went for a walk to see some waterfalls (I think we are addicted to exercise!). We met our first Weka bird - large, nosey and cheeky (looks a bit like a kiwi but without the big nose).
Masterton to Wellington
Friday 20th November to Monday 23rd November
Cycled to Featherston and got the train to Wellington - as not fun cycling into the capital! Met a nice couple on the train who gave some good advice about Christchurch and the area around it.
Was a bit scary cycling through Wellington to find our hotel - lots of busy traffic and wierd things called traffic lights! Decided to stay at a hotel as all of the hostels had awful reviews. We were very excited to have 3 nights in a massive room with ensuite and a fridge and a microwave.
Whilst in Wellington we met up with Emma (a ex-colleague of J's) and her fella, Michael, who are touring around NZ in a camper van for 2 months. We spent a lovely afternoon with them and then we all went out for a curry.
Cycled to Featherston and got the train to Wellington - as not fun cycling into the capital! Met a nice couple on the train who gave some good advice about Christchurch and the area around it.
Was a bit scary cycling through Wellington to find our hotel - lots of busy traffic and wierd things called traffic lights! Decided to stay at a hotel as all of the hostels had awful reviews. We were very excited to have 3 nights in a massive room with ensuite and a fridge and a microwave.
Whilst in Wellington we met up with Emma (a ex-colleague of J's) and her fella, Michael, who are touring around NZ in a camper van for 2 months. We spent a lovely afternoon with them and then we all went out for a curry.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Nearly in Wellington
10/11/09 Gisborne to Morere
Got covered in cement dust first thing due to road being dug up - not much fun. Day got better though and we had a big climb to 488metres and then a great descent. Ended the day at the hot springs over the road from the campsite. Really lovely quiet place.
11/11/09 Morere to Wairoa
Had easy short ride to Wairoa and stayed in a fantastic (massive) cabin at a really nice campsite. We ate pies from an award winning bakers for lunch and then spent the rest of day in our cabin as it poured down with rain (like England!)
12/11/09 Wairoa to Napier (art deco capital of NZ)
Got bus to Napier as we were advised that the road was dangerous due to it being narrow in many places and the trucks. The views were spectacular and is would have been a great ride if other vehicles didn't exist. Napier is lovely and quite a good place to spend a few days, which is what we did. We visited the aquarium and saw 2 kiwis - very big and clumsy looking things. Also went on a tour of the wineries near Napier and went to a great cidery/brewery. Met a couple that had lived in Goosnargh (about 5 miles from Longridge) until about 7 years ago. Ended up eating out for all 3 nights as the backpacker hostel was overun with young germans partying - how very dare they!!! We do feel quite old here sometimes!
15/11/09 Napier to Wanstead
Really big headwind today so quite hard going but we had the quietest road yet - hardly another sole around. Arrived at a farm stay hostel, which was wonderful. Miles from any busy roads and surrounded by fields of sheep. The hosts, Ellen and Greg, were fantastic and we decided to stay 2 nights so Greg could show us around his farm in the morning. We went out with him for a couple of hours on the quad bike and his dogs and had a great time. He asked us how we'd financed our trip and was really impressed when we told him our interest rate on our mortgage (they are much higher over here).
17/11/09 Wanstead to Pongaroa
Really big headwind again but we managed to cycle 107km (the best yet). We arrived at another farm stay hostel and had the place to ourselves all night. The owners didn't come and see us so it felt a bit wierd. The rain was terrible the next day so we stayed in bed until quite late. Later on Peter (the son of the owners) came with homemade biscuits, eggs and milk and invited us for dinner with them. We had a great meal and it was lovely to meet George and Pauline. Pauline also gave us a bag of goodies for our ride tomorrow. Such a kind lady.
19/11/09 Pongaroa to Masterton
Had a lovely ride again on the quiet road. Off to Wellington (the capital) tomorrow and then we'll be getting the ferry to the South Island. Very exciting!
Got covered in cement dust first thing due to road being dug up - not much fun. Day got better though and we had a big climb to 488metres and then a great descent. Ended the day at the hot springs over the road from the campsite. Really lovely quiet place.
11/11/09 Morere to Wairoa
Had easy short ride to Wairoa and stayed in a fantastic (massive) cabin at a really nice campsite. We ate pies from an award winning bakers for lunch and then spent the rest of day in our cabin as it poured down with rain (like England!)
12/11/09 Wairoa to Napier (art deco capital of NZ)
Got bus to Napier as we were advised that the road was dangerous due to it being narrow in many places and the trucks. The views were spectacular and is would have been a great ride if other vehicles didn't exist. Napier is lovely and quite a good place to spend a few days, which is what we did. We visited the aquarium and saw 2 kiwis - very big and clumsy looking things. Also went on a tour of the wineries near Napier and went to a great cidery/brewery. Met a couple that had lived in Goosnargh (about 5 miles from Longridge) until about 7 years ago. Ended up eating out for all 3 nights as the backpacker hostel was overun with young germans partying - how very dare they!!! We do feel quite old here sometimes!
15/11/09 Napier to Wanstead
Really big headwind today so quite hard going but we had the quietest road yet - hardly another sole around. Arrived at a farm stay hostel, which was wonderful. Miles from any busy roads and surrounded by fields of sheep. The hosts, Ellen and Greg, were fantastic and we decided to stay 2 nights so Greg could show us around his farm in the morning. We went out with him for a couple of hours on the quad bike and his dogs and had a great time. He asked us how we'd financed our trip and was really impressed when we told him our interest rate on our mortgage (they are much higher over here).
17/11/09 Wanstead to Pongaroa
Really big headwind again but we managed to cycle 107km (the best yet). We arrived at another farm stay hostel and had the place to ourselves all night. The owners didn't come and see us so it felt a bit wierd. The rain was terrible the next day so we stayed in bed until quite late. Later on Peter (the son of the owners) came with homemade biscuits, eggs and milk and invited us for dinner with them. We had a great meal and it was lovely to meet George and Pauline. Pauline also gave us a bag of goodies for our ride tomorrow. Such a kind lady.
19/11/09 Pongaroa to Masterton
Had a lovely ride again on the quiet road. Off to Wellington (the capital) tomorrow and then we'll be getting the ferry to the South Island. Very exciting!
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.
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.
Monday, 2 November 2009
Stange, wonderful White Island
Just got back from a boat trip to the White Island near Whakatane. Here are some photos to give you an idea of how weird this place is:
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