So here we are about to leave Tasmania. Over six months since I left the shores of England for New Zealand. In that time I’ve 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…
New Zealand 🇳🇿 my first real big bicycle adventure/journey. How will my wild 🏕️ camping skills tone up? I started out slowly with an official campsite near Christchurch Airport. Then once on the road another official campsite at Ashley Gorge. From Ashley Gorge, I received my first taste (bite) of the much talked about and feared Sand Fly 🦟 (namu in Māori). I could never fathom out what all the fuss was about. Surely, it’s just a small fly!! A…
So onto the main highway back to Christchurch. I say highway 🛣️ it’s a normal road, but for New Zealand this is a highway! I can’t believe I’m about to complete my first-large-bicycle-tour. It’s 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! 😀 My direction is the Taylor Pass and the back roads to the famous Molesworth Station 🐮 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 🎪 was a bit of a mission as I’ve 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! 🚧 Back I turn up the valley to Nelson. Only five or so km’s, so no worries. Something I’ve desired to do for a…
I pass through Greymouth as it’s a tad nondescript. A mining ⛏️ 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 … well, I’ve surveyed enough coast 🏖️ 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…