New Zealand Bicycle Touring
NZ South Island 2009 - Trip Log
14 March 2009 - Saturday Rain showers after 08:00. Loaded and on the road by 08:20. Roads drying on the way to the city. Stopped at Dick Smiths Pultney street and purchased an extra 4 Gb SD Memory card and then on to the airport. Packed the bicycle OK. Cling warp did not work on the chain or as a fastener in place or tape. Met Lynn and Sue on my way to check in. They had already checked in and knew the locations, etc. Arrived at Auckland airport no problems with quarantine, etc. Walked to the domestic terminal for the flight to Christchurch. In Christchurch got a station wagon taxi that took us and all our luggage to the nearby campground. Pizza for supper and bike assembled before going to bed.
End Odometer 9735
15 March 2009 - Sunday Departed cabin and campground around 0640 to Route 73 and in toward city. Found the shopping center and bus stop but not definite on the location. Proceeded into the city to find the Intercity bus depot. After several tries found the depot at 08:00 and the bus to Te Anau departed at 0745 - next bus tomorrow. Made reservations at the Visitor Info Center for a bus to Queenstown and connecting shuttle the next day for Te Anau. Departed at 10:00. Surveyed the city center before coffee and muffin. Bus took the bike fully assemble. Arid country up to Cromwell - which is similar to the BC Okanogan valley. Found a food store and KFC at the camp overlooking the bay and the town. The nearby gondola ascended a high hill to the rear of the campground - even with Orion's foot in the starry night sky. Showered and phoned Lynn.
Dist 30.2 End Odo 9768
16 March 2009 - Monday Clear and sunny day, dew on the tent and packed wet in plenty of time for the 10:30 Tracknet Shuttle to Te Anau with various stops along the way. On arrival after 14:00, made reservations for the Kepler track at the Department of Conservation (DoC) - too late for a same day start. Shopped for groceries for today and for the hike. Had one of Miles famous venison pies - delicious. Did a laundry and showered before the evening meal. Sorted out which gear to take and which to store at the campground.
17 March 2009 - Tuesday 07:30 rise, cool overnight, packed the tent wet, again and stored the bike in one of the campground sheds. Started hiking around 10:00. It took about 45 minutes to get to the lake-level control gates and about 1.2 hours to get to Brod Bay - lunch stop. About 3 hours and more than 800 meters of elevation rise and arrived at Luxmore hut before 15:00. Cool and windy on the way to Luxmore hut - bunks for 54 - some were platform bunks. Visited the nearby cave, slipped and banged / scraped right elbow. Neglected to pack matched so learned to light stove burner using toothpicks / used matches, etc from other burners that were already lit. I had tea early to avoid the rush of the nearly fully occupied bunkhouse / hut.
18 March 2009 - Wednesday At Luxmore hut, it was cloudy at dawn, sunrise not visible. Did a day walk out to the second shelter on the way to Iris Burn hut and returned to Luxmore hut. There were rain showers on the way out and clearing by the time I arrived back at the first shelter. Walk time was a little more than 6 hours return. Clouds were higher towards dusk. Right elbow still tender / sore from the slip in the cave yesterday. 37 in the hut overnight.
19 March 2009 - Thursday Windy with rain overnight, some drizzle on the way down from Luxmore hut. Retrieved the bicycle from the campground and repacked the equipment. Posted the bike bag from Te Anau Poste Restrainte for me to collect in Christchurch (within 30 days). Cycled to Manapouri about 20 kilometres from Te Anau. Stayed at a Dutch / German them holiday park. There was one other bike campers in the holiday park and a group of bike tourers in the backpackers hostel. Sausages and macaroni for tea - with left over sausages and rye bread for breakfast.
Distance 29 End Odometer 9811
20 March 2009 - Friday Cycled to Tuatapere about 80 kilometers in cross wind . Met Lynn and Sue on the way about 17 km before Tuatapere. Fish and chips for tea at a café. Stayed at a backpackers / shearers camp. No other camper vans pulled in. - there was a better campground on the other side of town.
Time 4:?? Dist 85 Avg 21.0 End Odo 9897
21 March 2009 - Saturday Tuatapere to Invercargill, chilly weather with a cross or forward quarter wind most of the ride. Invercargill still has shopping in the city center with box stores such as Mitre 10 Mega appearing in the inner suburbs. Time 5:30 Average 17.5 Distance 96.21 End Odo 9993
22 March 2009 - Sunday Hilly terrain, calm winds and countryside similar to the south coast, Adelaide with rolling hills , cattle and sheep. Fewer deer farms. Lots of hay bails wrapped in plastic sheeting. Fire engines passed me on the way to a house fire. Lunch at a junction café, slow service. No public phone in Waikowa. Camped in / near the domain. Public toilets and water available.
Time 5:15 Distance 88.6 Average 16.8 End Odo 10081
23 March 2009 - Monday Waikowa to Owaka approximately 65 km. Skies clearing ~ 10C morning temperature. On the road around 0940. No possums overnight. Hilly country and undulating roads, rough road surface steals energy - large diameter aggregate used in comparison to that used in the city areas or on gravel roads. Stopped at Papatowai for lunch - corner store, no drinking water. Stopped at water falls trail head on one hill climb and walked in to the falls. Winds lighter than on previous days. Owaka hotel has a nice and little used camping area with picnic table that had a nice crop of lichens growing on the surface, garden beds are mossy. No other camper vans that night - no powered hook ups. 4 Square grocery store. Steinlager beer was good and Speights ale was below average pear. Tomatoes, sweet corn and ham for main course tea. Peach slices for dessert with chocolate biscuits. Apples and bananas for breakfast and snacks tomorrow. The horse in the adjoining paddock visited several times and seemed to check on me during the night - perhaps I was snoring. Time 4:20 Distance 65.8 Average 15.1 End Odo 10147
24 March 2009 - Tuesday Owaka to Milton on Highway 1 with lots of traffic and often a good shoulder for riding. Sunny day with little or no wind - rolling terrain. Met two British girls cycling who also stayed at the council park and were heading for Invercargill and the Bluff to complete the north to south length of New Zealand. Nice sunrise and sunsets today. Posted the Osprey backpack on to Christchurch from Balclutha (lunch stop).
Time 4:04 Distance 69.42 Avg 17.0 End Odo 10216
25 March 2009 - Wednesday Milton to Dunedin. The approach to Dunedin is very poorly signed for bicycle travelers. The Express way that takes motor vehicles into the city center is closed to bicycles. The signs do not provide an accurate of workable alternative route for cyclists. This added at least 5 kilometers to the bike distance. There are come cycle lanes in the city center but the plan for bicycles in not integrated. Stayed at Leath? Holiday park close to down town.
Time 4:54 Distance 80.67 Avg 16.4 End Odo 10297
26 March 2009 - Thursday Dunedin - Middlemarch - Ranfurly. Got the Wanaka shuttle to the Middlemarch start of the Otago Central Railway trail. Reasonable gravel surface and nice rail grade and slopes. Calm winds and interesting cloud formations. Bridges and schist stonework were points of interest along the trail. It was nice without the road vehicle traffic. Most cyclists were day trippers without luggage traveling in the opposite direction. The van / shuttle service moved their luggage from one town to their next accommodation.
Time 4:28 Distance 65.66 Avg 14.6 End Odo 10363
27 March 2009 - Friday Ranfurly to Omakau. Head winds for the first half of the distance with easier downhill grade in the afternoon. Cloudy and overcast with interesting cloud formations again. Scout group at the camp from Alexandra heading in the opposite direction.
Time 4:14 Distance 66.46 Avg 15.4 End Odo 10428
28 March 2009 - Saturday Omakau to Cromwell - low or favorable winds. Generally downhill along the rail trail. Pie for lunch at Alexandra then followed the river single track trail to Clyde. From Clyde followed highway 6 through to Cromwell. Warm and dry overnight. A N police and emergency services personnel gathering was on at the campground that weekend. Met a couple who had done some bicycle touring in South Australia.
Time 5:03 Distance 76.38 Average 15.1 End Odo 10504
29 March 2009 - Sunday Cromwell to Wanaka - warm and dry overnight. No big hills, rolling terrain and head wind / breeze most of the way. Wanaka would be a fine alternative to Queenstown. Shopped at the New World store. 8 bicycle tourers in the campground that night - James - camped beside me, German mega tourer couple, older north island couple, the Japanese girl and one other I did not meet.
Time 1:16 Distance 59.55 Average 13.9 End Odo 10564
30 March 2009 - Monday Wanaka to Makarora - mainly sunny with light and favourable breeze. Departed 08:10 with first rest stop at the Haast pass summit and then had rest stops at 16 kilometer increments. Visited waterfalls on the decent. No camping at Haast town site. Stayed in a shared room back packer accommodation - $27.
Time 4:16 Distance 85.73 Average 20.0 End Odo 10716
01 April 2009 - Wednesday Haast to Pine Grove motel, 35 km south of Fox Glacier town site. 08:00 start. Little or favorable winds and mostly sunny morning. No location to buy supplies at in the afternoon. Basic pasta sauce at camp site. Sand flies around were a persistent nuisance. The cover-up strategy seemed to work in combination with Aerogard on the legs, etc. Did a small laundry. Cool to start with. Wore the raincoat for warmth for the first half hour. By the last 25 kilometers I wore the long sleeved jersey only.
Time 4:39 Distance 88.0 Average 18.90 End Odo 108 4
02 April 2009 - Thursday Pine Grove motel to Whataroa - fog, mists and cold at dawn, the coldest overnight so far on the trip. Little or favorable winds, mostly sunny. Called in to Fox Glacier. At Whataroa lichens grow on the sidewalks and on the less used parts of the paved streets or highways. Camped in the hotel campground and had a pub pizza and beer. I was the sole camper at the seldom used hotel campground..
Time 5:58 Distance 102.13 Average 17.1 End Odo 10906
03 April 2009 - Friday Wataroa to Ross - departed around 08:00, tent packed up wet. Fruit for breakfast. Little or favorable winds. Foggy patches clearing then clouds over the high areas in the afternoon. Ross had a small general store, but better than the one in Whataroa. I chose the buffet pub meal for tea. Ross was a gold mining town in the 1860s and a small mine still operates today across the valley from the campground.
Time 4:36 Distance 80.40 Average 17.6 End Odo 10986
04 April 2009 - Saturday Ross to Greymouth and Christchurch - Departed Ross ~ 0800 calm and cloudy, traces of drizzle before Greymouth - raincoat not used. Space on the Tranz-Alpine Scenic to Christchurch. Clear east of the ranges, found my way to the Christchurch info center - closed and no campground maps to be found. Navigated my way back to the North South Holiday Park and stopped at Bishopdale New World store on the way for Steinlager, pastie, apricot pie and supplies. Set up tent in dark, went OK
Time 4:21 Distance 81.21 Avg 18.6 End Odo 11068
05 April 2009 - Sunday Christchurch - back on standard time. Bicycled to the Port Hills area south of the city. Visited the Art Gallery and took the 1 hr 10 minute tour of the Rita Angus touring collection of NZ art.
Time 3:01 Distance 54.77 Avg 18.1 End Odo 11122
06 April 2009 - Monday Christchurch to Hanmer Springs - Reserved space on the 09:30 shuttle and then found what I thought was a bend / bump in the rear wheel rim near the valve stem. I adjusted the brake pads to stop it from bumping while rotating. I noticed that the bump had expanded in length and was showing a crack in the rim. I arranged to take the 13:00 shuttle and looked for a replacement wheel. The third bike store I visited had a selection of suitable rims that they could re-spoke to my existing hub on - within a day or so. I left the bike with then and proceeded to Hanmer Springs. The Bicycle Trading company provided splendid service and carried the components that I needed. The Pines campground at Hanmer Springs is about 1 kilometer from the shuttle drop off / info center but the nearest card phone was back at the town site about 900 meters away. I now realize how much work it is to carry the loaded pannier mass. By attaching the sleeping bag-stowage-web-belt loops on the front side of the pannier bags I was able to make a shoulder harness that was effective but not comfortable.
07 April 2009 - Tuesday Hanmer Springs - obtained the walks brochure from the info center and took the Dog Stream Waterfall track to the junction of the Mount Isabel track and then proceeded to the Mount Isabel ridge. It was very windy at the ridge and I did not proceed to the summit.
Walk time approximately 4 hours.
08 April 2009 - Wednesday Hanmer Springs to Christchurch. Rain overnight and showers in the morning. I packed up the tent during a break while the showers were easing. Went to town site and met Shaun, a hiker drying out his tent and boots after a 10 day solo tramp around Stewart Island. I got the noon shuttle back to Christchurch and proceeded to the bike shop to pick up the bike with the newly installed rim - all OK. Picked up the bike bag and back pack from the 736 Colombo Street post office shop. Returned to the North South Holiday Park - a high of 13C today.
Time 2:03 Distance 33.07 Average 16.1 End Odo 11155
09 April 2009 - Thursday Christchurch - Cold overnight less than 4C with some rain. Rode into the city using the rain pants and raincoat. Visited the sporting goods stores - MacPac was supposed to have a good price on FairyDown 1.2 kg down -7C sleeping bag. None were in stock. The sale price on MacPac Cross Terrain pants was attractive - similarly nil stock in my size. Bought a budget digital alarm clock - made an AAA to AA battery adapter using a part of a coke can cut with my pocket knife - and plastic coating scraped from the metal. Reviewed my packing procedure and washed / wiped out the packs in preparation for a very early start Friday morning.
10 April 2009 - Friday Christchurch to Adelaide - 01:40 wake up, clean up and pack up within 2 hours. Ride 5.2 km to airport, found Bicycle Assembly area. Packed bike in the Tardis bag. Re packed the pannier bags and carry on back pack. 05:40 flight to Auckland was on time. Walked between the domestic and international terminals. Consumed some left over food before boarding the flight to Adelaide. Threw out the quarantine food in Adelaide and recalled that I had not thrown out the bags that I kept food in and might not have washed out. Quarantine commented that I did a good job at washing the tent pegs. The bike wheels had some road grime from the ride to the airport and the fender bracket was not clean because I didn't remove the fender before washing. There was grime on my shoes - so quarantine disinfected them. Otherwise OK. Met Lynn after she had parked - I missed her on her drive through because I was on the parking lot side of the lane way. Arrived home before noon.
Time 2:03 Distance 35.8 Average 17.2 End Odo 11191
Bike Odometer distance 1481 kilometers
NZ Inter Island 2013 - Trip Log
30 Nov 2013 Departed home around 07:00 for the ride to the airport and arrived by 0820. Bike packed and checked in by 09:40 and flight was about an hour late arriving and departing Adelaide. Got into Auckland an hour late and was transferred to a later flight to Wellington. Vouchers were provided for the food court since the later flight did not have snack services aboard. Managed the McDonalds meal before boarding. Took a shuttle to the Xbase Backpackers before 23:00 local time. German, South African and Indian shared the 4 bed dorm. Music and street noise until first light.
01 Dec 2013 Assembled the bicycle in the reception area. Showered etc before departing the hostel. Shopped at New World (Coles) near the water front on the way by. Arrived at the Inter Island ferry terminal around 08:40 and departed on the 09:00 ferry. A Bob Yak tourer and mountain bikers were in the bikes area. The Bob Yak tourer was also doing some of the Great Walks so had a variety of equipment. I stayed at the Picton caravan park, about 2 km from down town. The Christmas parade took place around 15:00. I shopped for food fuel, fixed the bike brakes and wheels. Garlic luncheon meat roll with mushrooms, tomato and couscous for tea. French bread with an Austrian beer. The tent site was at the base of the railway embankment. Rolling stock was loaded on the last ferry of the day and came off the first of the day.
End odometer 22427 Distance 26 Average speed Time
02 Dec 2013 – Picton to Pelorus Bridge. I was packed up and at the post office for the 08:30 opening and posted the bike bag to myself in Manners Street Wellington, Poste Restante. Bought 3 in 1 oil for chain lubricant. No problem with leaking oil since I placed a scrap of shopping bag plastic between the nozzle and the cap. Had a mussel pie for lunch at Havelock. Hilly and scenic then on to Highway 6 at Havelock. The DoC campground at Pelorus Bridge had unpowered campsites, nice kitchen, toilets and showers. Breakfast sausages, mushrooms, zucchini, canned tomatoes and bread for tea. Still one hard boiled egg left from the morning.
End odo 22488 Dist 60.7 Avg 17.2 Time 3:32
03 Dec 2013 Pelorus Bridge to Nelson. Two main climbs along highway 6. Sunny with some cloud. Stayed at the Trampers Rest hostel recommended in the NZ Trails guide book. There were eight younger folk in the guest house. A friendly home atmosphere. Coles shopping for sausages, cucumber, tomato, salad, yogurt and bananas. It had email access. I had the verandah room with a double bed – since it was otherwise unoccupied the first night.
End odo 22548 Dist 60.6 Avg 17.0 Time 3:35
04 Dec 2013 – Nelson Dun Mountain Circuit ride. 42 km circuit departed at 08:50. Elevation gain was constant along the old mining rail route. Kept up with a lady and daughter on mountain bikes, from Nevada. Followed the mine rail trail to the saddle then a new steep mountain bike track downhill for 8 km – which I walked. Cloudy and good cycling weather. Pate, salad, lasagna and yogurt for tea. Changed to a shared dorm room – a third French lady had booked the room I was previously in.
End odo 22594 dist 45 Avg 9.3 Time 4:52
05 Dec 2013 – Nelson to Keteriteri. Rain overnight and drizzle through the day. Followed some of the Great Taste Trail route along minor roads to Keteriteri. There was a temporary stop to the drizzle while I set up the tent. Chili beans, couscous and peaches for tea. Half liter can of German beer after tea.
End odo 22674 Dist 80.5 Avg 17.8 Time 4:32
06 Dec 2013 – Tekerikeri to Collingwood. Got the 09:15 sea shuttle to the north end of Able Tasman Park. Saw the split rock, New Zealand fur seals, shags and beaches. T... at the north end of the part is its largest campground. After 8 km of slippery wet sand and metal roads I got back to the bitumen. The hills continued upward before a steady descent and finally into Takaka. Shopped at Countdown (Woolies) then 25 hilly kms north to Collingwood and the quiet motor camp. Brazilian hiker from Brisbane on his way back to Brazil eventually.
End odo 22746 Dist 71.6 Avg 17.1 Time 4:12
07 Dec 2013 – Saturday – Collingwood to Farewell Spit. Wind and rain overnight seems to be the norm. Purchased minor food items in Collingwood before departing. Did a 4 km loop walk from the Farewell Spit car park, returning through the paddocks with sheep and cattle grazing. Camped in the holiday homes community. Rode out 6 km to see Wharariki Beach and Farewell cape. Salmon, baked beans, couscous and peaches for tea. Butter melted in the bag in the tent. Getting warmer.
End odo 22785 Dist 39.6 Avg 16.0 Time 2:29
08 Dec 2013 – Farewell Spit to Motueka. Departed around 08:00 and had favorable winds for most of the day. Some showers with sunny breaks. At Takaka before noon, shopped for groceries, just in case. Camped before Motueka. 780 meter pass in the last third of the day's distance. 10 km of low gear grind with 3 rest stops before the summit. 15 km of downhill at 30 to 45km/h on the descents. Nice campground, recommended by iSite. Did the laundry while showering and having teal.
End odo 22895 Dist 110 Avg 19.1 Time 5:47
09 Dec 2013 – Motueka to Nelson via Woodstock and Wakefield. Short cut to the Motueka River road then onto the West River Road. Generally uphill until 10 km before Wakefield. Missed the swing bridge – I was doing the loop in the reverse direction. Barbecued chicken with carrots, potato, onions and mushrooms for tea. Washed bike in preparation for 0800 bus tomorrow morning.
End Odo 22997 Dist 101.9 Avg 17.3 Time 5:55
10 Dec 2013 – Nelson to Wellington. Got the 0815 Intercity bus to Picton. The bus traveled the Highway 6 route that I cycled into Nelson and had substantial climb to Havelock. I arranged for a water shuttle to take me to Mistletoe Bay on the Queen Charlotte Track then took the minor back roads on the cycle back to Picton. Sunny afternoon, salad for tea before catching the 1900 Inter-island ferry to Wellington. Watched the engine shunting rail cars on and off the ferry before boarding. Took the wrong direction when exiting the ferry terminal and found my way back to the Xbase Backpackers and was in bed around 23:45.
End odo 26060 Dist 63 Avg 15.3 Time 4:06
11 Dec 2013 – Wellington to Featherston. Breakfast at the Xbase hostel. Found the Post shop and re-mailed my bike bag to Auckland Airport Post Shop. Visited the Te Papa museum then found my way northward on bike tracks. Purchased food from New World in Upper Hutt and then onto Highway 2 over another high pass and long descent. Got local advice on the location of the “Lake” campground about 6.6 km from Featherston. Long drop toilets, lake water. Trangia for cooking. One other pair of ladies in a camper van. Council crew installed the rubbish bins in the morning – preparing for the influx to the free camp.
End odo 23143 Dist 83 Avg 14.9 Time 5:33
12 Dec 2013 – Featherston to Masterton. Missed a turn about 10 km past Martinborough, this added about 26 km to the days total distance. Got directions and water from a renovations crew working on an house near my route. Walked and rode up several steep sections. Sunny and warm. Topped up my water supply when I could (still carrying only 1 bottle).
End odo 23250 Dist 106.7
Avg 16.9 Time 6:20
13 Dec 2013 Masterton to Pongaroa. Hilly and rolling terrain. Lots of sheep and cattle. Green paddocks and plantation pine trees. I was passed by a herd of black cattle as I had morning tea. The herd was followed by a lady in a truck and a man on a quad bike with three dogs. At another break, about 30 jersey dairy cows lined the fence down wind from me, sniffing the air. Horses today also tended to stand down wind to pick up the additional sensory information. Camped in the domain / sports ground. Shower, toilet and wash up area. Plenty of grassed area. I was joined by a German gap year student (Constantine) on a Surly Long haul Trucker. There were were no grocery stores after Masterton. I got a take away large bottle beer from the pub.
End odo 23344 Dist 94.3 Avg 17.5 Time 5:23
14 Dec 2013 - Pongerau to Waipukurau. The rolling terrain continued up Route 52. Some walk up hills – where I enjoyed the scenery. Some drier areas with field crops. Very little road traffic in this remote and rural area. The publican at Wimbledon spent 7 years in Morgan and Snowtown S Aust and obviously followed the SANFL football. We needed to go the distance to make it to the shops. The last decent grocery store was in Masterton. Lunch at Porongahau – egg and bacon pie with left overs from the food bag. Salmon salad and a mince and cheese pie for tea.
End Odo 23458 Dist 113.7 Avg 16.6 Time 6:58
15 Dec 2013 – Waipukurau to Hastings. Noisy overnight. Bass and drum thumping from 21:30 to 03:00 from a not-so-nearby hall / venue. Probably end of school celebration. Route reviewed and on the road around 08:15. An ideal day for touring. We were advised that the grasses would cure and the hills turn brown in a couple of weeks. Rolling to gently rolling road. Some mid day and snack shopping in Havelock North then meeting the bus in Hastings. Con took the bus to Gisborne and I found a camping place at the Eco Lodge backpackers – with many agri-visa workers. Found a small pack of premium sausages for tea. The sausages that state beef-flavored or pork-flavored have mysterious “meat” content – generally to be avoided... + carrots and noodles for tea. Visited Pac'n'Save to shop for the first half of the Gentle Annie ride.
End odo 23521 Dist 63.4 Avg 17.5 Time 3:33
16 Dec 2013 – Hastings to Kuripapango camp. All workers at the backpackers were gone by 08:00. Sunny and warm to hot through the day. Got water top up from a forestry works depot. Some walk up hills. More than 800 meters of elevation gain before the descent to the camp area. The road often a newish two lane highway with little traffic. I did the 1 hour loop walk in the Blowhard Bush area. I will have consumed all of the food by the time I reach Taihape – 3 x Noodles plus other.
End odo 23589 Dist 68 Avg 14.9 Time 4:34
17 Dec 2013 – Kuripapango Camp to Taihappe. Hills with steep grades ascending and descending. Lunch with a UK cycle tourer and camped with Christchurch end to end tourer. Shopped in Taihape. Shearers used the campground. Warm and hot with local cloud forming.
End odo 23672 Dist 82.5 Avg 13.4 Time 6:08
18 Dec 2013 – Taihape to Hunterville. Morning shopping for breakfast, bread and sunscreen before returning to camp. Outbound onto valley road which turned to loose gravel for about 25 km. Hard going around the cambered corners – had to take the outside track or ride a tangent to avoid slipping to the low inside track / rut. Finally arrived at the turnoff to Hunterville – which had a Four Square store. Camped in Queens Park (free) no facilities but the public toilets nearby were open 08:00 to 19:00. Some overnight road noise was expected from Highway 1 and the trains on the other side.
End odo 23757 Dist 85 Avg 14.1 Time 6:00
19 Dec 2013 – Hunterville to Whanganui. Followed the track back to the valley and along back roads through the hills and valleys into Whanganui. Tool the lift by the war memorial. Had a goose chase to find no camp 5 km west of town. Found a small campground 5 km north of town – in the direction of my morning departure – near the railway bridge across the river and close to a 4 square store. Pork sausages with corn, potatoes and avocado for tea with two 0% alcohol beer for $1 per bottle. Will shop in the morning for dried foods for the next two days. Laundry done and phone charged.
End odo 23832 Dist 74.8 Avg 16.7 Time 4:28
20 Dec 2013 – Whanganui to Pipiriki. Followed the Whanganui river road northward. A quiet road with little traffic. I walked through 5 km section with coarse gravel on the surface. Met a Belgian touring cyclist who had toured in Australia and Canada. Kayaked the MacKenzie and Yukon rivers. Met 2 other NZ touring cyclists and passed a younger touring couple. Most tourers are 50+ years of age. No showers at the campground. I will try to get a bus train connection to reduce the ride time tomorrow.
End odo 23906 Dist 74.6 Avg 15.4 Time 4:50
21 Dec 2013 – Piporiki to Ohakune. Spoke with a mountain bike tourer after I went to bed. He had completed the Timber Trail recently and found it soggy and would not be pleasant with my bike and tyre combination. Cloudy morning, wiped off the tent before packing. It was uphill most of the bay to Reahiti. Bus connection was not likely with a bus today or the next. Checked with the Reahiti iSite and found I would have to go to Hamilton to transfer to Rotorua. I booked a Sunday 12:45 train from Ohakune to Hamilton confirmed with bike. It would arrive Hamilton around 16:30. I decided to do the Te Awa ride and connect to the Thermal by Bike route to get to Rotorua. Gravel roads have been poor for cycling with loose and large stones in some sections.
End odo 23950 Dist 44 Avg 12.9 Time 3:24
22 Dec 2013 – Ohakune to Cambridge. Packed dry by 11:00. Cloudy with drizzle in the morning. Nice train ride to Hamilton. On board audio commentary on channel 4. Met Dutch traveler who had gone adventure MTB touring with friends and organised their own support vehicle, driver/guide (Highest road in the world, South Africa Garden Route, etc). Enjoyed the glass of wine and the conversation. He was surprised that I traveled so light and without a support vehicle.
End odo 23983 Dist 32 Avg 19.8 Time 1:38
23 Dec 2013 – Cambridge to Mangakino. On the road by 08:30 took the “main” back roads to the south and east – sometimes near dammed lakes. Good roads but with little or no shoulder. Some clouds and warm to hot. 4 Square store in Manga and informal (free) camping in the reserve / park used mainly by boaters. Corned beef and tomatoes for tea.
End odo 24065 Dist 82 Avg 13.7 Time 4:45
24 Dec 2013 – Mangakino to Waiotapu. About 5 km of gravel on the connector ride. Cloudy and cool. Good riding weather. Passed the Thermal bluffs with steam rising in places. Camped behind the tavern – on the grassed parking area. $10 with toilet, shower and access to table and dish wash up sink. There were three steam vents within 30 meters of the tent. A thermal creek runs out of a culvert across the road – no source for the outflow was evident. Mince and cheese pie from the Busy Bee honey and more place. Tinned groceries, still had bread, butter, honey, beans, etc. There should be something open in Rotorua tomorrow (Christmas Day).
End Odo 24147 Dist 81.5 Avg 16.4 Time 4:57
25 Dec 2013 – Waiotapu to Rotoma. Rain and showers until 08:00. Packed up during a cloudy break. Nice descents into Rororua. Followed the old road – cycle route on paved roads and Highway 30 outbound, Only corner deli type shops open. Camped at Rotoma, the area has a small school and a Christian family campground which didn't really open until 27 December. Cool weather. Wore the Baked Alaska jersey – sometimes with wind vest. The rest of the Rotoma Lake township was several kilometers farther down the road. Maximum speed 67.3 on a smooth road and nice descent.
End odoo 24222 Dist 74.9 Avg 17.5 Time 4:17
26 Dec 2013 – Rotoma to Opotiki. Dry overnight and mostly sunny during the day. Nice descent on the way out of Rotoma then gently rolling with level sections along the lake shores and Pacific beaches. People swimming and fishing, lots of holiday travelers moving boats, horses and recreational equipment. Pork cutlet with mushroom soup seasoning. Tomato and avocado salad for tea. Margarine near melting point. I was advised that the cheaper margarine has a higher melting point and do not separate into the component parts (which might include water). Laundry done and will shop in the morning on the way out of town.
End odo 24323 Dist 101 Avg 19.7 Time 5:10
27 Dec 2013 – Opotiki to Te Kaha. Officially fishing day according to the local signs. Fewer boats being transported on the road today. Plenty of tent spaces in the camp ground. Most of the serviced sites were filled by the longer term clients – high trimmed evergreen hedges provides shade and wind break. The road went to rolling terrain as it tried to follow the coast. Blue pacific ocean and beaches as the group campers set themselves up for several days of vacation. Bought 2 small beer at $5 each. Maybe I should have got a six pack and thrown half away. Nice weather.
End Odo 24400 Dist 76.6 Avg 17.1 Time 4:30
28 Dec 2013 – Te Kaha to Te Araroa. Coastal hills and river estuaries to cross. Departed around 08:00 and made rest breaks each 15 kms. Rolling terrain but nothing brutal today. The trail profile guide indicates more serious hills for tomorrow. Fewer sheep and cattle in this east cape area. Mostly Mauri villages and farms. Had a break at a Mauri church and another at a school. Hicks Bay was uninspiring so rode on to Te Araroa. Beef “flavoured” sausages for tea with Lion Red beer. Sabine – another cycle tourer with a trailer and abundant baggage was camped and headed in the same direction.
End odo 24486 Dist 86.3 Avg 17.1 Time 5:02
29 Dec 2013 – Te Ararou to Tokomaru Bay. Three sharp hills to climb in the first 30 km. Rode them in lowest gear. The fourth hill was longer and was a gradual sawtooth ascent – 3 up and 2 down. Rain and drizzle for the duration of the ride. I took a 20 minute break to stand in the rain. The merino fabric on the Baked Alaska continues to insulate even when it is wet. Shopped at the Tokomaru 4 Square shop before it closed. Sabine, Karl and Anita from the previous camp arrive after I had finished tea. Met the baker and his family from Alfredton (earth quake epicenter on 20 Jan 2014) where I had passed on Route 52 ride. Local information indicated that the Gisborne Rhythm and Vines music festival was on until 1 January and camping would be difficult for new arrivals anywhere within 30 km of Gisborne.
End odo 24575 Dist 89.7 Avg 17.6 Time 5:06
30 Dec 2013 – Tokomaru Bay to Tolaga Bay. Showers through the night and then rain and showers until around 11:00. At around 11:30 packed up wet and took off the rain gear at the first hill. There were three hills or ranges to cross in the 34 km to Tolaga Bay. There were three minor grocery shops in town and none were as comprehensive as a 4 Square (corner grocery). Met Sabine at the campground reception an got the second last vacant camp site, followed by Carl and Anita who took the last available site. Beach walk in the afternoon, tea with S, C and A. Evening chat with the neighbors (family from Mt Manganui) and colorful characters. I thought that it might have been a rowdy evening but it turned quite quiet at 23:00.
End odo 24617 Dist 41 Avg 17.5 Time 2:24
31 Dec 2013 – Tolaga Bay. Some people at the camp ground were working at the Gisborne festival and advised that the camping congestion might start to clear no earlier than 1 Jan. Changed camp sites due to a reservation on the previous site. Got up at 05:05 to catch the sunrise. Walked to Cooks Cove – about 2.5 hours – in the afternoon with Carl and Anita. Did some local shopping in the late afternoon. Had a swim and body surf in the Pacific Ocean after sunset – last of the year. Stayed up to greet the new year with C, A and S. Volunteer fireworks from the beach during the evening. Not rowdy before or after midnight.
End Odo 24623 Dist 6 Avg 17.5 Time 0:20
01 Jan 2014 – Tolaga Bay to Gisborne. Short hill climbs – saw tooth decreasing. Coastal and beach views approaching Gisborne. Found the recommended Top 10 Tourist Park near the town center. Full, but Sabine negotiated with three German girls in a van, to share their site. No afternoon shade. Met Carl and Anita down town and arranged to attend the civic New Years celebration on the river front. Had a site across the river from the band van, watched the water rescue demonstrations, outrigger canoe and paddling demonstrations and competitions. A 4 man outrigger tried to tow a water skier – no success. Fireworks and music at 21:30 were very nice. Rode back to the camp and the girls from the van were still up and had finished re-organising the stuff from their van. Campground was reasonably quiet overnight.
End odo 24692 Dist 70 Avg 17.5 Time 4:00
02 Jan 2014 – Gisborne to Matawai. The camp kitchen was quiet before 08:00. Visited by Carl and Anita after breakfast and farewells all round before departing around 10:00. Constantly gaining elevation along highway 2. Lots of returning holiday traffic and a police car harvesting the speeders. At Matawai the campground, cafe and fuel station were closed. Scouted the town site for places to wild camp. The pub opened so I asked the manager about camping, she phoned the c/g manager and advised he would be back in a couple of hours, and I could enter and set up in the mean time. I had enough food for the evening and would shop at the dairy before departing in the morning. Vladko (Slovenian permanent resident in NZ) – from Napier joined me at the camp before the manager arrived. He just finished building a new touring bike based on Surly LHT with 26 inch wheels.
End odo 24765 Dist 73.5 Avg 14.7 Time 5:00
03 Jan 2014 – Matawai to Opotiki. Went to deli / dairy with Vladko for snack food once packed. Headed northward on Motu road and Motu Coach road. The surface became gravel after 13 km. I expected the gravel to last for about 12 km based on the guide book, but it remained gravel until 8km before highway 35 to Opotiki. I had my second rest break at the trail junction with the single track trail I decided to continue on the gravel road. Met more than a dozen mountain bikers coming up the Motu Road and probably a dozen that went down the single track while I waited at the junction. The road went through rolling terrain, while the single track was said to be down hill all the way to Opotiki. I stayed at the same campground as the previous time. Shopped at New World and will find out about bus transport when the iSite opens at 09:00 tomorrow.
End Odo 24847 Dist 82 Avg 14.0 Time 5:51
04 Jan 2014 – Opotiki to Whakatane. At iSite around 09:00 – buses fully booked for next 2 days – people returning home after extended Christmas break. In the future, I should be aware of these peak periods when trying to carry a bike on buses. Met a lady touring cyclist heading to the east cape who had been run off the road by a rental truck in the Gorge on highway 2 from Matawai, the previous day. I paid for a seat on the Monday bus which would get me to Rotorua for the 4 PM bus to Auckland (airport). The January cycling is warmer than I prefer. Hill climbing is often limited by the sweat running into my eyes. I called into the Whakatane iSite to see if the bus situation had changed – no – check again in the morning – more buses depart from Rotorua. The late Monday connection would not arrive before the Airport Post Shop closed – so I bought plastic, tape etc in case I had do my own bike packaging – using local cardboard from Auckland. The Whakatane bike was closed after noon. I set up camp, shopped for groceries, did the laundry and washed the bike in anticipation of bus transportation.
End odo 24900 Dist 52.5 Avg 17.5 Time 3:00
05 Jan 2014, Sunday – Whakatane to Rotorua. I used the iSite WiFi to check for bus seats – no vacancies. I decided to ride to Rotorua to try for an earlier bus departure. I wore the rain coat for the first half of the ride. I had favorable winds most of the way. . The isite in Rotorua exchanged my ticket for one on an 08:00 Monday departure. The Kiwi Paka hostel and campground was a couple of km from the town center. The ground was wet when I set up the tent but I could still smell dog poop. I identified more than one source and cleaned my shoes several times. The showers were grimy. I re-cleaned the bike before dark.
End odo 24996 Dist 96.3 Avg 18.5 Time 5:13
06 Jan 2014 – Rotorua to Auckland. Packed and checked out by 07:36 – then to the iSite. 08:00 bus fully booked and driver declined to take the bike. Re-booked on the 16:00 bus (add $30) which had numerous unsold seats – compared to the early buses which were fully booked. I decided to improve my chances of getting the bike on – by packing it in a bike box. The fourth bike shop I visited had a suitable box tucked away - no cost. Most shops had disposed of their cardboard on the Friday or Saturday. I dragged / carried the box back to the iSite area. The box was designed to have the rear wheel on the frame, so there was still plenty of space in the box. I did the airline sort of equipment. I stayed in the iSite area for the rest of the morning and afternoon. Fellow campers from Whakatane recognised (me or the bike) and greeted me as did motorcycle campers from Tolaga Bay. The 13:00 bus appeared to have sufficient luggage space. The 15:30 bus was a twin level bus with limited luggage capacity. The 16:00 bus had plenty of luggage capacity and was less than half full at Rotorua. The bus did a splash and dash at Hamilton and I got the Orange airport connector bus from Manakau. A boxed bike will fit between the rows of seats opposite the middle door – where there is space to get the upended box in and out. Arrived at the International terminal AKL and did a thorough recce to identify a suitable indoor camping / sleeping location.
07 Jan 2013 – Auckland to Adelaide and Athelstone. I found an unused corner on the arrivals / ground floor close to toilets and away from through traffic. My bike box on the trolley provided a screen and I used my plastic packing sheet and self inflating mattress on the floor. The carry-on pannier worked well as a pillow. I woke up at 02:00, 03:00 and 04:30. I did the final sort and disposal before checking in around 05:30 – it weighed around 22 kg. I had a shower before going through to the departure area. The carry on scan showed a suspicious item in one bag – a spare inner tube coiled / rolled with the metal valve stem at the center. The flight to Adelaide was smooth and on schedule. The ePassport ticket printer was malfunctioning. At quarantine I had ready access to my clean tent pegs and the knife to open the taped bike box. Bike tires – clean. I emptied my tent onto the inspection table – several ants crawled actively. Paperwork to arrange the tent fumigation... I put my bike together in the area that was formerly used as taxi pick-up and drop off. Cardboard was cut to size and placed behind the nearby recycling bins. It was a nice ride home – lighter than usual with no tent and no food items and temperature in the low 20s. I shopped at Woolies before ascending the hill to 2 Sheoak Drive.
End odo 25000 Dist 4 + 23 in SA Avg 18 Time 0:20
I contacted the Auckland Airport Post Shop about my Post Restante bike bag and sent the postage cost to a staff member by Western Union. I received the bag a week later.
NZ North Island 2015 - Trip Log
22 Jan 2015 Athelstone – Adelaide Airport – Auckland Airport – Ambury Farm camp ground. Left home after 07:00 and arrived at airport just after 08:00 Packed bike by 09:30 and had Hungry jack lunch before going through international screening. Flight departed and arrived on time. Biosecurity for tent took about 25 minutes extra. Bike assembled OK and navigated to camp ground. Found the camp ground and used the phone provided for registration.
End Odo 30521 Dist Time Avg
23 Jan 15 Ambury Farm to Shekinab – some cloudy weather, temperature around 30C. Traveled through suburbs for the first half of the distance. Purchased chain lube, stove fuel, coffee, lighter and folding knife. Posted bike bag to airport post office. This might be inconvenient location for collection on the day before flying out. The backpacker / farm stay overlooked the Waikato River.
End odo 30600 Dist 78.9 Time 4:18 Avg 18.66
24 Jan 15 to Raglan. Rolling terrain along the highway for 22 km. Mostly sunny and 30C. No shoulder on the road, but little traffic. Had lunch at a pub next to a hot springs resort. Chatted with a former teacher and a Raglan shearer. Back tracked to a camp area with showers. Uphill and probably a "bait and switch" price for the long weekend.
End odo 30697 Dist 96.9 Time 5:49 Avg 16.6
25Jan15 Raglan to Kawhia. About 30 km of gravel roads with some clear patches of road. Clearing and 30C, humid, 29C forecast for next three days. Ground beef and tomatoes with salad for tea. Butter etc in freezer overnight. Had coffee with camping families from country west of Waitomo. Rinsed shirt and knicks, no problem drying. Too warm for sleeping bag overnight.
End odo 30726 Dist 48.9 Time 3:29 Avg 14.0
26 Jan 15 Warm overnight with no morning dew. On the road by 08:00 with overcast skies and humidity. Missed a turn to Harbour road and stayed on Highway 31 westward. Decided to go on Otorohanga. Waitome is about 12 km away and caves expensive and not of interest to me. I had frozen lasagna and a fish pie for tea. Beans for breakfast next morning. WiFi available at the last two camps so I read the emails. Max in the high 20s. Camp next to the Kiwi nature park – noisy overnight.
End odo 30808 Dist 61.0 Time 3:46 Avg 16.4
27 Jan 15 Otorohanga to Mata Mata. Not as hilly as previous days. Traffic OK on the minor roads. Passed the Hobbit town farm – movie set. Did a circuit of Mata Mata to find the grocery store. Tuna salad for tea, Chinese beer – lacked flavor. Car campers from Manitoba – Dominion City, also cycle tourists from Denmark. I soaked in the hot pools after arriving at the camp.
End odo 30910 Dist 102.5 Time 5:14 Avg 19.6
28 Jan 15 Opal Hot Springs Resort to Dickson Motor Camp. The way to Thames was 35 km of quiet roads. Some periods of light drizzle but not enough to keep the raincoat on. The rail trail was reasonably smooth with one good track to ride on. Grid and stock block gates were numerous, several newly constructed. Some sunny breaks up to 29C in the late afternoon. Groceries from Pack n' Save. Chicken sausage, creamed corn and potato for tea.
End odo 31009 Dist 98.8 Time 5:26 Avg 18.2
29 Jan 15 to Coromandel town – Long bay motor camp. Two main hills of more than 10% grade. Rest / recovery breaks were taken on the way up. Most of the way was gently rolling. Some drizzle through the mid afternoon – it became cooler with the sun obscured by clouds. I did a 45 minute walk to see the giant kauri tree amongst others. I did a beach walk after tea. The peninsula is a very scenic area and somewhat rugged inland, rocky coasts and headlands, islands across the bay... Ham, corn, noodles and peaches for tea.
End odo 31065 Dist 56.1 Time 3:02 Avg 18.5
30 Jan 14 to Hot Water Beach Holiday Park. Two steep hills, walked up one. Slope more than 10%. I walked up most of one. Met two bike tourers again, one NZ from Coromandel the other Dutch – with a below the knee prosthesis. Met another yesterday – Jeff on a Thorn touring bike with 14 speed hub gears. Temp around 30C with sunny breaks and humidity with more than 60% cloud cover. For tea – chicken wrapped in bacon with flavored butter; onion, cucumber and avocado salad – with half the spice packet from noodles.
End odo 31142 Dist 76.7 Time 4:59 Avg 15.3
31 Jan 15 to Whangamata. Back to the highway then followed highway 25 to Whangamata. Again, two serious hills with only a couple of resting sections. Overcast with a few sunny breaks. Still in the high 20sC. Probably 20C in the morning. Bus tours at the previous camp ground. Dept of Conservation camp ground tonight. Drop (not long) toilets. Plenty of space, surrounded by forest. Typical lunch – onion & garlic, cucumber and a can of chopped tomatoes.
End odo 31218 Dist 75.6 Time 4:22 Avg 17.2
01 Feb 15 to Auckland. Rode southward to Waihi and got onto the rail trail to Paerua – nice scenery through the gorge. One long tunnel. Found the iSite and the bus stop and got a 2:15 pm bus to Auckland. The bus to Keri Keri is northbound tomorrow afternoon. Rain in the evening. Used GPS to find my way through the city and suburbs to Ambury Park farm, camp ground. Bread, cheese, beer and chips for tea. I need a sunny day to dry things out.
End odo 31293 Dist 75.7 Time 4:33 Average 16.6
02 Feb 15 Bus to Keri Keri. Breakfast and packed up damp before 09:00. Did a laundry at Onehunga 4 km north of the camp and on the way back into Auckland. Cruise ships were at the down town wharf. I had sub-of-the-day and was ready for the 1pm departure. It was a 4 hr 50 minute journey. The large bus powered up the hills. I went into a Countdown store an hour before closing. Camping was about 1.0 km from the shopping area.
End odo 31315 Dist 22 Time 1:58 Avg 11.2
03 Feb 15 to Awanui near Kaitaia. Hilly roads but none too steep. Camped 7 km north of Kaitaia (my intended destination). Camp ground with a small superette in the village. Holandia beer with fish and chips take away. Two UK cycle tourers stayed at the camp ground, they were on a NZ end to end route. Neil and Steve who runs a bike touring business, had a titanium frame bike with Ultegra electric shifters. I had a swim in the pool before tea.
End odo 31411 Dist 95.3 Time 5:34 Avg 17.1
04 Feb 15 in the Northland. Packed up damp for the 09:15 bus tour pick up to Cape Raenga. Had Ice cream at one outbound stop. Tour leader described the swamp kauri wood. At the lighthouse there was light breeze and rain. I proceeded south along the highway back to the creek access to the beach. The tour buses stopped by a large dune – 20 km south of the cape) where sand surfing (sliding of body boards). I arrived at ocean beach about 3 hours after high tide. The sand was firm but not hard – stand in one place and sink. A German couple led and after 20 km of beach riding turned off to find a DoC camp before it rained again. I found a site in the lee of shrubs and there was wind buffeting through the night. Salmon salad for tea.
End odo 31477 Dist 66.8 Time 4:46 Avg 14.0
05 Feb 15 to Ahipara. Packed up dry-ish and was on the road around 09:20. Wind was generally unfavorable through the day. Rolling terrain with no major hills. I went grocery shopping and had a pie at the Far North Four Square and also in Kaitaia. There were numerous loaded logging trucks heading south and the empties returning northward. It was a mostly sunny day, breezy. No showers or drizzle. Camp ground was off the beaten track – so few car campers.
End odo 31560 Dist 82.1 Time 4:48 Avg 17.0
06 Feb 15 to Rawene. Typically hilly with wind sometimes favorable. Through the sandy parts and into the rocky hills. Beef cattle in the area, I saw some wild/feral turkeys. Severe showers but sunny break once I camped so I washed 2 shirts, knicks, 3 pr socks. 4 Square store had poor selection of meat. Fish and chips for tea.
End odo 31631 Dist 71.8 Time 4:11 Avg 17.1
07 Feb 15 to Waipoua DoC camp ground. Several long hills and downhill runs. Views of Hokianga harbour and large kauri trees. Rain coat worn several times during the day. Otherwise it was a short sleeve shirt throughout the day. Shopping at Opononi but there were two 4 Square stores farther on, before camp. The DoC camp ground is down 88 km of gravel road – with a paved road back to Highway 12. Did not do the Twin Coast Trail. - too far to get to the start – and no loop road for the return.
End odo 31703 Dist 72.0 Time 5:04 Avg 14.1
08 Feb 15 to Dargaville. Generally downhill today. Did grocery shopping for two days at Countdown store. I met a senior cycle touring lady from Auckland on a 3 day cycle tour. At the camp met Dan from Northern California – his 7th week in NZ. Hoki for tea with courgettes and potatoes. Chatted with a couple from Perth WA who were car camping. WiFi at the library so checked emails.
End odo 31748 Dist 44.9 Time 2:24 Avg 18.7
09 Feb 15 to Pouto Point. Booked the boat ride at Dargaville iSite. I purchased most of the food the previous day from Countdown store. Gravel road for the last 23 km of the ride southward. There were some paved sections in the hilly sections. It was rough at first but improved southbound. Stayed at the Pouto Point Marine hall camping area. Had an evening walk about 11 km return to a lighthouse – getting back after sunset. Chatted with fellow tourers (walkers) till around 11:30. Isobel – Belgian teacher, Gerald – Illinois ApTrail Hiker. Tuna salad for tea, noodles and tomatoes for breakfast.
End odo 31820 Dist 71.3 Time 4:40 Avg 15.3
10 Feb 15 to Helensville. Had breakfast and was packed by 09:00. The fishing charter boat – Lady Francis arrived around 10:30. We loaded on the beach and watched as the others fished their way back south. About 12 Vietnamese were fishing – snapper was the choice catch although they kept one 1.5 metre shark. Isobel, Gerald and I accept Rod's invitation to tea and camp at his home with wife Cheryl. Dropped off the fishing folk and continued southbound down the river to near Helensville. Rod & Cheryl's son and daughter in law visited in the evening.
End odo 31822 Dist 2 Time Avg 17.0
11 Feb 15 to Muriwai Beach with Isobel and Gerald. Rode with Gerald from the Helensville Countdown Store to Muriwai Beach camp ground. Isobel took smaller roads and arrived at Muriwai about the same time. Swimming in the surf after lunch, tea in the camp kitchen, went over to the gannet colony around sunset and got some nice (post) sunset photos. Gerald had hike the Appellation trail end to end.
End odo 31847 Dist 27.8 Time 1:51 Avg 15.0
12 Feb 15 Muriwai Beach camp ground. Bike cleaning and maintenance in the morning. Isobel left of Auckland in the afternoon. I went to small shops about 2 km away for eggs, bread and tomatoes. Did the Hillary walk in the afternoon and was back by 5 pm. Noodles, cheese and eggs for tea. Went to the upper gannet viewing area sunset and got nice photos again.
End odo 31853 Dist 5.6 Time 0:23 Avg 14.5
13 Feb 15 to Piha Beach domain camp ground. Packed by 09:00 and navigated to Massey with Gerald. Shopping at Henderson near the Railway station. Talked with a NZ tourer who said the Rhine river would be repetitive and recommended Rhur or Moselle rivers. The road climbed for about 10 km and then continued through steep hills. The last 4 km into Piha was steep descent – I expect some uphill walking on the return – even with the decreased food load Granola, coffee, chocolate and frozen vegetables purchased on the way in.
End odo 31918 Dist 65.3 Time 4:12 Avg 15.5
14 Feb 15 Piha Beach. I did a 3 hour walk from north Piha returning by 13:00. I passed two beaches and several view points. I climbed to Lion Head view point. I went swimming and body surfing in the afternoon. Good weather – I did a small hand laundry. There were more weekend campers. But no other cycle tourists.
End Odo 31925 Dist 7 Time 0:25 Avg 15
15 Feb 15 to Ambury Farm Rec Park. Ride / rest cycle up the first three km of the hills. I tried to avoid blocking outbound traffic. Some rests were required as I ascended other hills before I found West Coast road. I then followed my map markers to the foot bridge and familiar area near Ambury Pk. I got groceries at the Bridge shopping center before going to the camp site. I had a shower in the amenities block at the picnic area. The pressure to instant hot water heater was effected by the cold water used by the shower – quite a trick to get the right temperature. I washed the bike and the pannier bags.
End Odo 31971 Dist 45.9 Time 3:16 Avg 14.0
16 Feb 15 Ambury farm Rec Park. I picked up my bike bag and packing materials from the Airport Postshop and got minor groceries on the way back I did other bike cleaning in the afternoon. I did several short walks in the park. In the afternoon. I had omelette for tea and made cheese sandwiches for breakfast and lunch tomorrow, plus apples for carry on lunch. The early morning route to the airport should be OK about 10 km. I will set the alarm for 03:30.
End Odo 31991 Dist 19.8 Time 1:08 Avg 17.4
17 Feb 15 – Auckland – Adelaide Athelstone