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…
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 🌞 Baby oil and Dettol! Calling into the Haast visitor centre, not for the visitor experience, just the toilet! 🚽 I end up talking to a lady from Brisbane 🇦🇺, who is on a coach tour of New Zealand. Not sure about having to wear a name badge! She was horrified I was…
After a couple of nights layover at my brothers in Cromwell 🏠 along with getting my barnet (hair) cut, I set forth towards the West (Wet) Coast. No amount of people have informed me, you’re going to get wet and bitten to hell … we shall see! The days are a lot more stifling now, so that sprig of hair had to go! In no time at all I’m meeting fellow bicycle warriors 🚴♂️ More than I’ve met on my whole cycle travels in one day. I’m always up for restraining a cyclist to chat, even though they might seem reluctant at times. I’m in no rush, but still some cyclists still seem to be in…