So here we are about to leave Tasmania. Over six months since I left the shores of England for New Zealand. In that time Iโve cycled countless miles (yet to tally up), conquered many BIG l o n g hills, visited family, worked at a backpackers, welded an ailing bike, fought mind bending headwinds, endured countless road kill, ran away arms flaying from sand flies, grew a handlebar moustache, had a haircut, fell of the bike twice, broke and lost…
So onto the main highway back to Christchurch. I say highway ๐ฃ๏ธ it’s a normal road, but for New Zealand this is a highway! I can’t believe Iโm about to complete my first-large-bicycle-tour. Itโs all pretty uneventful as I head southwards. My next camp spot is the large domain ground of Culverden. Tucked up in the far corner under the shadow of the setting sun. The ground is flat: short mowed grass, no sandflies, no mosquitos, temperature pleasant. Happy days….
The road out of Blenheim this fine sunny day was pleasingly flat. Such a novelty! ๐ My direction is the Taylor Pass and the back roads to the famous Molesworth Station ๐ฎ This is the largest station (farm) in New Zealand. I pop into The Honey shop. More out of interest to see an actual hive section at work. My camp spot this night is a bit of stealth camping, in what I think is forestry land. So leap the…
Leaving my camp spot ๐ช was a bit of a mission as Iโve to cross a pipeline bridge. So one thing at a time. The plan from here was to cycle up the Mai Tai valley, but due to works taking place on the road it was closed. And closed properly it was with a big-bugger-off-gate! ๐ง Back I turn up the valley to Nelson. Only five or so kmโs, so no worries. Something Iโve desired to do for a…
I pass through Greymouth as itโs a tad nondescript. A mining โ๏ธ town on the decline, but with an extensive history to the settlers from the past. I was keen to move off the scenic highway and meander inland. Why you may ask โฆ well, Iโve surveyed enough coast ๐๏ธ for now! I set camp not far out of Greymouth, behind what sounds like the local gun club. No snap or crack over my head. So they’re certainly shooting in…
After stocking up on supplies at the Haast township stores, along with a spot lunch, I head off up the West Coast glistening in the midday sun ๐ Baby oil and Dettol! Calling into the Haast visitor centre, not for the visitor experience, just the toilet! ๐ฝ I end up talking to a lady from Brisbane ๐ฆ๐บ, who is on a coach tour of New Zealand. Not sure about having to wear a name badge! She was horrified I was…