April 20 - Winton

 A long day of driving today.  We drive through the centre of the South Island all the way south to Bluff, the southern tip.  A bit rainy today.  Our route took us is the Lindell Pass, through the snow capped hills, along a few lakes and rivers which meant twisty roads.  Would have been nice on the motorcycles!  The grass is yellow and only short bushes for most of the drive.  Near the tip the grass became grazing land, thick and lush green with lots of cattle and sheep.  

Bluff was windy and cool, but we braved the weather for a few photos!  After that we went north to Invercargill to a hardware store that not only sells hardware but also has several old motorcycles on display.  One of the displays is the world’s fastest Indian that Burt Munroe set the land speed record with.  It’s a great movie if you haven’t seen it.  It was amazing to wander through the store, and see so many motorcycles and cars, tools and even an engine.  All with plaques explaining about the item.  Very well done.  

Bluff

My fav cup of tea…cup and saucer, milk pot, tea pot with loose tea, extra pot of hot water and a strainer and holder.  Ted is enjoying a flat white coffee, which can be found everywhere….even in gas stations….a barista in a gas station!!!  Best idea ever! 

April 19 - Omarama

 We are in the centre of the South Island, south of mount cook and north of Queenstown.  We are going to do a bit of zigzagging for the next few days to try and see everything before we leave….and also there aren’t roads everywhere due to the mountains!!!  

Yesterday morning we went looking for penguins but didn’t see any.  They are on the East coast, and we will try to get back there before returning the car.  We headed inland with gorgeous scenery…so green hills, some treed hills, lots of sheep and some cattle.  Further inland it’s dryer.  Few trees, short shrubs and grass that’s yellow.  Stark contrast to the lush green of the west coast.  

We passed a few lakes and stopped to see them.  Many of the leaves are turning yellow, certainly the start of autumn here, and it has cooled off for now.  The upper hills have received a dusting of snow.  We had cloudy weather yesterday, and just a few sprinkles of rain.  I’m glad for the heat in the car!!!  

Tomorrow we are heading south.  

This is where we are located 

It’s autumn here

Stopped at this gorgeous beach to try to see the baby blue penguins…no luck.  

They certainly know how to serve tea here in New Zealand.  I’m always offered milk…not cream.  Tea in a pot, and here I was provided with a sand timer….5 minutes to steep my tea!

April 18 - somewhere on the East coast

 As we were heading to bed last night, the rain was thundering down like I’ve never seen before!!!  Scary.  Wouldn’t want to be riding when that’s happening.  The forecast is for rain the next 5 days….and snow over the pass to get us back to Christchurch.  Yikes!!!!  Ok….plan B.  Return the bikes early….but only if the rain settles.  Plan C is to rent a vehicle and trailer to get them back….Plan D is to take a bus back to Christchurch and let the shop deal with the bikes!!!  

When we got up this morning the rain had settled somewhat so we decided to ride.  Light drizzle as we loaded up, which turned into a heavy rain for about 45min, stopping as we got into Greymouth.  I love this town…but no time to explore….we wanted to get going to Christchurch….so fill up the bikes, and breakfast at the gas station and off we went.  

Arthur’s pass was gorgeous….just as I imagined ….but too much rain and cold to stop.  We headed towards clear skies…the rain stopped about 45 min out of Christchurch and by the time we arrived it was 21C!!!!  Nice and warm now.  We have a rental car now for the rest of the trip.  Heading south then up the west coast then back east to Christchurch.  😃😃😃.  

April 17 - Punakaiki

 We are on the West coast also know as the WET coast!!!!  We departed this morning in the sunshine…not particularly warm…but sunny.  The ride today was generally south west heading to the west coast.  Some farm land at the beginning which turned into hilly, twisty treed area either a gorge, and river and rocky outcrops.  Gorgeous!  Keeping our heads on a swivel to try and catch the views while staying on the road and aware of traffic.  About an hour into our 4 1/2 hr ride it started to rain…just a bit more than a drizzle….then stopped.  On and off raining for then next hour.  The last hour was heavy rain….just as we were getting to the west coast and the Tasman Sea.  The coast is amazing….tall black rocks with the sea waves crashing against the rocks. No pictures as we were soaked and it was raining hard.  This is an amazing place that we hope to return to someday to see the blowholes, the coastline and the pancake rocks.  

We are in a motel that has a tavern attached to it.  Good food to warm us up this afternoon and access to laundry, so we dried our clothes.  

This is where we are tonight, in Punakaiki.  Our original plan was to head south a few hundred km then across to Christchurch to return the bikes on Tuesday, then rent a car for the remainder of our time here.  With the rain we have decided to return the bikes a few days early.  So our plan for tomorrow is to get up early and make tracks towards Christchurch.  It’s about 3 1/2 hours from here, doable in light rain, but we have had quite heavy rain here this evening….so if it’s heavy rain we will have to stop for shelter.  Forecast for Christchurch tomorrow is cloudy….so fingers crossed we make it all the way, and will continue our holiday in a car.  

April 16 - Abel Tasman boat cruise

 We booked a 4 hour boat cruise to see Abel Tasman.  We ride to the park…about 60km away, but it took over an hour.  A nice sunny day.  We got onto the boat and cruised around seeing all the sights, and the beautiful bays that are there.  It was a bit cooler today, especially on the water when the wind picked up.  Such a great way to see the park.  Lots of walking today…some of it on sand…and Ted is doing really well.  We walked about 5km throughout the day and he managed it.  😃😃😃

April 15 - Nelson

 We had such a lovely riding day to Nelson.  About 275 km, which the mapping software said would take 4 hrs….yes slower roads for sure.  

After a simple breakfast we were off.  The first 40km were by the ocean ….right down where we could see the waves crashing onto the black rocks.  We had a hard time keeping our eyes on the road instead of on the water.  The roads are narrow….minimal if any shoulder, twisty with lots of campervans, big trucks and small cars.  

150 km later, we got to Picton, which is the ferry departure point for the South Island.  From there we went west along the same steep narrow road that I cycled on about 3 weeks ago.  Very twisty, and many of the corners we took at 25km/hr.  I had seen many oncoming cars and campers cross the centre when I was cycling, and we were very aware of that today….so we took it easy, ensuring we left a lot of space in case the oncoming traffic veered into our lane.  This was about 40km….then after that we got onto the highway, with more twisty roads, but here we could travel at 70-80km/hr.  Many of the corners did say 35km up to 45km/hr.  

9 km from our destination….there was a line of traffic stopped on the road.  The road was closed due to an accident ahead.  Thankfully we were off the twisters, and down at sea level.  There isn’t an alternative route into Nelson….just the one we had been on.  Thankfully it was only closed for just over 3 hours, and we waited about 2 1/2.  The sun was shining, we were comfortable ….someone was walking from vehicle to vehicle offering water and a place to use the facilities if anyone needed it.  He was just someone also stuck in traffic trying to make it a bit better for everyone!  

Once we checked in…a quick wash up and a visit with a cycling friend and his friends.  A lovely evening.  

Dinner tonight….Ted had his first try of NZ fish and chips….not his last I’m thinking!

Ted brought his mesh motorcycle jacket, but forgot his Morocco coat….the one he bought in Morocco because he forgot to bring a rain jacket when we were there.  Two days ago he went and bought a rain jacket to wear over his mesh jacket…now called his NZ coat.  Stylin’!!!!

Our bikes….with a long line of traffic behind us.  

April 14 - Kaikura

 Hello everyone!!!  Ted is now here….so the final part of my holiday can begin!!!  😊😊😊

The plan was for Ted to arrive on the afternoon of April 12, and we would celebrate our 40th anniversary together….but a delayed flight in Vancouver meant a 12 hour delay in Brisbane, and Ted only arrived at 0230 on April 13….but it was still the 12th at home….so all was good.  😊 

A few things to look after yesterday…storing our luggage after we repacked for the motorcycles.  Then we went out for a nice Thai meal right by our place.  

This morning we headed to the motorcycle rental to pick up the bikes.  My bike is still really tall despite it being lowered with a lowered seat and soft suspension.  I can put toes of both feet down at the same time, or one almost flat foot down, as long as the road is flat and there aren’t any holes or divots in the pavement.  So far so good!  We are here in Kaikoura safe and sound….only made one mistake turning right!  Quickly corrected and we are good.  No photos today….just too nervous on the bike.  

The first 130 km were fairly wide roads through farmland.  We saw lots of sheep and cattle today as well as some deer.   Fairly straight roads for that distance which gave me some time to get used to the bike.  Then a few curves for about 20km….unfortunately we were caught behind a semi only going about 25km hour through the really twisty hills.  And the last 25km were winding roads right by the South Pacific Ocean….waves crashing onto huge black rocks.  Stunning scenery, but no place to pull over to take photos….so you’ll all have to jump onto a plane and come here yourselves to see it!!!!  😊😊😊  They call it the money shot for a reason!!!  😂😂😂

Today was all about getting our ducks in a row

Too beautiful to eat!!!

The beach tonight

I have no idea what day it is!!!!

I have no idea what day it is….or what time it is but the sun is shining and I’m so happy!   

I’m back in Nelson after 4 days in Abel Tasman National Park - otherwise known as Paradise!!!!  It was amazing.  Check out the photos that were posted on the previous blog post.  This park is so well set up….and seems that they have thought of everything so that everyone can come and enjoy the park their way.  

To get to the start, you can drive and park, or as I did, I took a bus that picked me up at my hostel then an hour drive to the start of the track.  I started from the south end headed north, but it’s also possible to drive to the north end and head south.  There are several huts and lots of campgrounds.  Water taxis go to most of the beaches so they can move your bags from camp to camp if you wish,  a great option for parents with children who want to camp.  If you only have a day they can drop you off at one beach and pick you up at a different one.   Or you can run the length!  So many options hiking options….then you can rent kayaks, paddle boards etc….go for a swim, unlimited options!  

I was dropped off at the start and hiked to the first hut - approx 11km.  I was so lucky to snag the last bed in the hut.  It was a cool drizzly day….but that night it poured, and all the campers got wet ☹️.  The next morning the sun came out, and the rest of my time in there was warm and sunny.  Amazing views and spectacular beaches.  I would just sit for hours enjoying the feel of warm golden sand on my feet, listening to the rhythm of the waves.  Everyone is so friendly….and I would usually find someone to have a conversation with.  I took so many photos during my hike, every time it would turn the corner the view would change!  So glad for digital pictures or I would have run out of film on the first day!!!!  😂😂😂

I’m headed back to Christchurch for the last part of the holiday….sharing it with Ted!  So happy that he decided to join me….and looking forward to seeing the sights from the motorcycles.  

Thanks for following along and all the comments 

Day 40 - Nelson

 I’m back in Nelson tonight.   It’s such a pretty town, right on the coast of the Tasmania sea.  The bus ride here had such amazing views…..unfortunately I didn’t take any photos through the glass.  Twisty roads with great views….will be amazing on the motorcycles. 

I’m in a hostel tonight, as the bus will pick me up right here in the morning to take me into Abel Tasman National Park.  Once I’m on the bus in the morning I will not have service until I get out on Friday.  There’s only one day of rain forecasted, and fingers crossed it’s only the one day.  Stay tuned for some great photos in a few days.  😊😊😊

Day 37&38 - Christchurch

 I had one rest day where I was planning where to go hiking, or tramping as they say in NZ.  I figured out that I would go to Abel Tasman national park and go for a walk on the coast….similar to West Coast Trail, except shorter, less concerns about the tides….and no ladders!!!!  I had to book a bus from Christchurch to Nelson, that’s a 10 hour ride.  Then the next morning a bus to get to the park.  I have a hut booked for the first night which is good as it will be raining that day.  The next two nights I’ll be tenting….so hopefully it won’t be raining.  Then I’ll take the water taxi back to the start….a bus back to Nelson in the afternoon.  The following morning a bus back to Christchurch.  Sounds like a lot of logistics….but it’s not so bad.  

Yesterday it was threatening to rain all day, but it held off.  We went for a little hike in the hills behind their house.  Many people were out….it was a nice cool day.  Beautiful views…and I had the opportunity to finally try out a cheese roll!!!  Great two days.  

Day 36 - short hike

 Today we had a leisurely morning planning what we were going to do today.  There are hills close by where my friends live and many activities can be done here.  Hills behind walking, coastal walking, swimming, paragliding, off road motorcycles and mountain biking.  Imagination is your only limitation here!

Over breakfast Sheralee and I decided to do a coastal walk with pup Caz, David planned a mountain bike route with a swim and Jean had planned on paragliding, but when the winds weren’t favourable he pulled out his KTM motorcycle and went for a ride!  

As we were on our coastal walk, so many gorgeous sights!  I kept stopping to take photos.  There are several small buildings right by the water that are owned and occupied during the summers.  Many are small wooden structures, but at the end of our walk there were two stone houses, built in the early 1900’s that are maintained and occupied.  

Such a fun day when we finally got back together in the evening to share our experiences over a lovely Thai dinner.