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New Zealand Trip Update #3 |
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Team Bikeman -
Race Reports
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Written by Tom Lambert
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Monday, 07 May 2007 |
New Zealand Trip Update #3
 | | Wanaka |
Whoa. It's been a while. Sorry about that. Actually, I've been quite busy, and although email is easy to get to here, computers capable of emailing large photo's aren't. I think the last time I update was from Geraldine. So much has happened since it is ridiculous. Just jump into it.
A synopsis of the cycle route portion: From Wanaka I headed up the west coast all the way to Hokitika where I hopped a bus (bike included) all the way back to Christchurch to pick up my wonderful girlfriend Sandy.
 | | Haast Pass |
The road from Wanaka to the coast goes over Haast Pass which is one of the nicest sections of road I've ridden on. I got stuck in Haast for a day because of severe rain (but I didn't get rained on seriously while riding). I met Dante from Vermont there who came in slightly later than I did to the hostel. He was on an 11 day or so bike trip around the island and was doing big miles each day.
 | | West Coast Road |
Anyways. Haast pass is the lowest elevation pass from the east to west coast (640 meters). The west coast road (there's only one road) doesn't have a big shoulder, but there is so little traffic (a car a minute to 2 cars per minute when busy). Not bad for a major route. Even though it's called the 'west coast road', it actually isn't in view of the west coast very often. Maybe for about 10 km in 300. Anyways, the ride is fairly uneventful, mostly flat (except a few distinct hilly sections), but is just beautiful winding through the temperate rainforests. I rode through the glacier areas of Fox Glacier and Franz Joseph Glacier (which we returned to later). After that I went to the little beach community of Okarito before going to Hokitika and catching a bus over to Christchurch to pick up Sandy (wonderful girlfriend) and the rental car.
 | | Okarito Beach |
Driving the car on the left is somewhat confusing and I almost killed us and others once (seriously). I drove on the wrong side of the road and after the screeching tires and smoke cleared there were no casualties on the oceanside road. much smoother driving after that. It's actually easier in cities because there are so many cars around to follow.
Sandy and I drove in a clockwise fashion from Christchurch (heading south on the east coast). We went all over the place, but the highlights were definitely the 2-day kayak on the very remote Doubtful Sound and a 2-day walk up to a hut near some hot springs. We also walked on the glaciers and saw glow worms (which were more impressive than we thought).
 | | Milford Sound |
Right now I sit in christchurch (again) after dropping Sandy off at the airport. Tomorrow I'll hang out and revamp some stuff on my bike. Specifically, I'm going to get a big fat waterproof handlebar bag (probably one made by Ortlieb). I think that would be a perfect addition to the bob trailer. it's big enough for a full size camera and some lunch/maps/guides which is perfect.
Next i'm going to head north for a few weeks and go hiking in Abel Tasman park on some nice beaches or something. I'm also thinking of extending my trip (likely, as I haven't even been to the north island yet).
Best,
Tom |
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; "Wanaka")
; "Haast Pass")
; "West Coast Road")
; "Okarito Beach")
; "Milford Sound")
