Day 44 Notes

The big day, I finally get to Bluff today, It was a short 70km ride from Riverton to Invercargill then on to Bluff. The Ride from Riverton to Invercargill was lovely but full and full of excitement. So After 44 days, 4072 km, 219 hours and 37 minutes in the saddle, 2 Islands, 85km on the beach, 15 of New Zealand’s iconic off road trails, Highest sealed road in the North Island, Highest sealed road in the South Island, 4 Alpine passes , not to mention some of New Zealand toughest climbs the Northern and Southern points of both islands, the West and East of the South Island Many km with no cell phone connection Zero punchers I have finally come to my end at Bluff and boy Bluff turned on the weather for me today. Wet wet wet. It’s been an amazing journey.

I am privileged to have been given this opportunity for which I will always cherish, I have seen New Zealand in a way very few people have had the opportunity from top to bottom and lots of off road. I am very much wealthier for the experience. 

Thanks to Rachel, thanks to my kids I love you guys and will be back tomorrow night. Thanks to Graham my father in law, who drove the camper following me without your support this trip would never have happened. You guys rock.

See GPS data here

Day 43 Notes

Manapouri to Riverton today, this was an all road day.  From Manapouri it was to Tuatapere the sausage capital of New Zealand, then on to Riverton. Although it was a 130Km there was only a one notable climb and I had winds mostly at my back for the entire trip as such it was  pretty quick day. Stopped in  Tuatapere for a coffee, slice and sausage. In Riverton is was a pup dinner at the local, which was packed because of the Easter Races at the Riverton Race track.

See GPS data here

In the Morning. 

Day 42 Notes

From the Mavora Lakes It was to Manapouri for the day via Te Anau this was 99km trip. The Lakes in the morning are stunning, however bloody cold my Garmin was reading 1.7 degrees on the bike. I also lost my bum bag  (the bag that’s got my spare tubes in case of a puncture kind of important) in the first 5Km so I backtracked until I found it. Had to go back 4km making it a longer trip than planned.  I must remember to secure it to the bike even if it is cold. It was gravel road all the way to the Key but down 95% of the way then joined SH95 to Te Anau. I found the Te Anau winds coming in so the last 20km or so where quite hard. Te Anau is a lovely town, had the best pie to date in Te Anau lamb and mint.  From Te Anau it was an easy trip to Manapouri.  The Camp ground we staying at is a little out of town but my goodness it is set up well. Will head down to Riverton tomorrow which is 130Km. Hard to believe I only had 2 days left of my trip. The time has gone so fast.  

See GPS data here

The Lakes in the morning. 

Stunning but bloody cold.

Lovely ride out of the lakes easy.

Having fun with the camera.

Following the river downstream.

About 50Km on gravel road today.

Made it, those winds slowed me down a little (lot)

The Lake at Te Anau

A small break.

Well Okay, I will stop in Manapouri

At the main water front park at Manapouri

All the places I have yet t do down here.

Camp for the night.

Day 41 Notes

Today was a great ride starting from Queenstown, I jumped on the Earnslaw across to Walter Peak Station.  The Earnslaw only left at 10AM so it was a late start to the riding today. The trip across on the Earnslaw is great as you can see how the old steam ship works. From Walters Peak I cycled on the only road out, you cannot do go wrong. In general it is a very good gravel road with only a few hiccups. 

1) had to ride passed a Bull. I was hoping that Orange was not the same as red. 

2) a river crossing that was a little deeper than I expected and got my feet truly wet as put then down to save myself falling in. 

3) a little 300m gravel climb. The views from the top were worth it.  

It was then on to Mavora Lakes. We camping on the South Lake, but I did a ride up to the North Lake. The Lakes are great, there are wild mushrooms in the forests as you go by the lakes. Todays ride is up there with the best on my tour.

See the GPS data here