I am told Central Otago has weathered the Covid storm well, with strong support from kiwis who are thriving on exploring their own backyard. Campervans and caravans have been flying out the door. Out of school holidays, it is often the ‘Grey Nomads’ who are out and about, with electric bikes and the cycleways of Central Otago are a great attraction. As part of our … [Read more...]
10 Must dos in Te Anau – first stay longer
As the gateway to the New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, Te Anau is somewhere people usually pass through on their way to Milford Sound, or to do the Milford or Kepler Track. As part of our Covid driven local explorations, we have decided to stay four nights and explore. As we have started to find out – these ‘gateway’ places are magical in themselves, and well worth the … [Read more...]
Peel Forest – Ancient and Accessible Legacy
Peel Forest is somewhere we had talked about staying some time, now we have a caravan to aid our exploring of New Zealand. We have finally carved out some time for a visit. Peel Forest is at the foot of the Southern Alps - 23 kms north of Geraldine in South Canterbury, 140 kms from Christchurch. It is part of the Mt Peel/Waikari Hills Conservation Area, situated by the … [Read more...]
Cycling in Oamaru
We carry our Moustache electric bikes upfront on our caravan and we are keen to use them as much as possible. We decided to do do the last day of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail – Duntroon to Oamaru. We drove to Duntroon and left the car there to be picked up tomorrow. Rail Journeys service this trail with accommodation, bag transport and bike hire if you do … [Read more...]
Secrets of North Canterbury – Camping at Gore Bay
In the end it was the Bellbirds that called us – they were cavorting noisily in the pohutukawa trees out to the corner of the flat paddock which was the Buxton campground at Gore Bay. Easy choice for our first night in our new caravan. The second campground was nearer the swimming end of the beach, has slightly more facilities, and looked out more on the beach, but … [Read more...]
Ruby Bay, Mapua and Cycling the Spooner Tunnel
Mapua and nearby Ruby Bay are favourite spots for us, and so after our stay at Elaine Bay in the Marlborough Sounds, we head drove to the Nelson area for a few days. I am sure Nelson city is a nice place, but getting through it and out the other side is not straightforward, and we were glad to eventually get past the traffic and out the other side. Driving along the … [Read more...]
Elaine Bay in the Marlborough Sounds
Perhaps as the crow flys it is not a long way, but once we turned off after Pelorus Bridge (great coffee, food and walks there) in the Rai Valley the road narrowed and snaked out along the ridge lines, we slowed down and were very grateful that we were not towing our new caravan – this would definitely be a challenging first tow, not a straight line in sight. The road … [Read more...]
Kimi Ora – an Eco Resort
Just before the Abel Tasman National Park at the top of the South Island of New Zealand is a popular beach - Kaiteretere. And nestled into the bush above the beach is a hidden Gem - The Kimi Ora Eco Resort. We have the rare treat of staying in the Yurt at this Resort - something you can not book into, but is occasionally available - and we are here for 4 magical days. … [Read more...]
Riding the Clutha Gold Trail
It is Easter and we have decided to set up for Otago to cycle the Clutha Gold Trail - one of New Zealand's Great Rides. This is one of 22 Great Rides in NZ - download the App - Search for Great Rides. First Night Lawrence - It's Easter - Let's Stay in a Church! It is Good Friday - and we are staying in a church - how cool is that! It has been moved 20 kms … [Read more...]
Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail – Diary of a Support Driver
The Alps to Ocean Cycle trail is a 4-6 day ride from Mt Cook (necessitating ahelicopter ride) or Tekapo. Six of us are heading off to start it, and I have volunteered to be the support vehicle, with my electric bike on the back, I plan to do a bit of the trail along the way. Cycle Journeys – local A2O specialists You do not need a support vehicle – Cycle Journeys were … [Read more...]