Kiwi Bike Tour

Day 1 (Mt John: 15 kms, 2 hours)

My first bike day in New Zealand is a local ride out and back from the town of Tekapo.  The town is on the shores of Lake Tekapo, a giant turquoise glacial lake.  A few clicks west of town (which lies at 710m) is Mt. John.  In the span of 4 kms, the narrow and windy road switch-backs up through apline meadows and sheep herds to the summit at 1050m.  Views from the top are stunning, snow capped peaks in every direction.  Takes about 1 hr to ride up, 2 minutes to spin down...

Day 2 (Wanaka-Haast: 149kms 8 hours)

Started the day in Wanaka, the start of State Highway 6, which runs up the west side of the South Island.  The first 50 kms snaked along the shores of 2 giant mountain lakes, Lake Makea and Lake Wanaka.  The next 20 passed through sheep farms and mountain valleys, before ascending to Haast Pass.  The ecosystem changes significantly over the pass, going from arid mountains to tropical rainforests.  Hairpin turns on the descent through huge valleys with waterfalls on all sides.  The remainder of the day followed a river right out to the coast, and dinner in Haast.

Day 3 (Haast-Fox Glacier: 121kms 7.5 hours)

Riding along very remote and rugged coastal scenery today, mountains coming down to meet the Tasman Sea. Lots of tight turns and wind.  Great view from Knights Point.

Day 4 (Fox Glacier-Ross: 130kms 8 hours)

Mostly in Glacier country today, rode between Fox and Franz Josef glaciers with lots of hills in between. Crossed over the steep Fox and Omarau Saddles before a rainforest ride into gold-panning country.

Day 5 (Ross-Punakaki: 108kms 7 hrs)

Uneventful flat (and windy) farmland ride for the first 65kms, thought the highlight of my day was going to be the Big Mac in Greymouth.  But the last 44km along to coast were amazing - very rugged coastal scenery, could hear the waves crashing all afternoon. 

Day 6 (Punakaki-Murchison: 101kms 6 hrs)

Riding today along the Buller River in the Buller Gorge.  Uneventful day, excpet for a punch from a passing motorist...

Day 7 (Murchison-Richmond: 112kms 8.5 hrs)

One of the toughest days ive had on a bike.  After the first hour, it started pouring and just wouldnt let up. Fought tough headwinds the whole day, crossing 2 saddles in the process - Hope Saddle and then Spooner Saddle.  Happy to get a hot shower and beer after.

Day 8 (Richmond-Picton: 127kms 8 hrs)

Excellent day as my last riding day.  The rains stayed away and the ride wound along the coast before going up over 2 passes.  The final 40 kms were along Queen Charlotte Drive with incredible views of the Queen Charlotte Sound.  Rolled into Picton at 5:30pm, just in time for the ferry to Wellington.