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...]
Accommodation on the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail
This summer I was the support vehicle for a group of friends doing the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. I took my electric bike along and joined in for some of the best parts of the trail - you can read about it here. This fantastic 300 km ride goes from Aoraki Mt Cook (or Lake Tekapo) in the South Island of New Zealand. It takes you through some amazing country - past beautiful … [Read more...]
Explore Devonport by Bicycle
Devonport Devonport is a short (15 minute) ferry ride from Downtown Auckland. It is a beautiful older established area of Auckland, cut off from development until the Harbour Bridge was build. Devonport forms a peninsula - on one side you see Auckland city and there are boats safely at anchor, on the other a string of beaches looking out on the more recent distinctive … [Read more...]
Blenheim – a great biking town
We are staying in a cabin at the Top 10 Holiday Park on the edge of Blenheim, central, clean and friendly. This is definitely a great biking town We have brought our bikes along, but we could have hired them here or several of the bike shops in town. We quickly discover the trails beside the river which go for miles on both sides, for some of the time alongside a small … [Read more...]
Kumara – A Warm Welcome at The Cyclist’s Rest
Our host Mandi used to live in Christchurch, but she is now a West Coaster through and through. They built their home here on the outskirts of Kumara 14 years ago, and the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail runs past their property. So they have renovated some of the buildings and made room for the strangers who cycle past - appropriately named "The Cyclists Rest" Kumara … [Read more...]