South Island Trip: Nov 15-Nov19
Three of us left Auckland in the rain on Wed 15th Nov at 4.15am on our flying visit to the Sth Island. After refuelling at Putaruru it was off down the western access road to Turangi and across the desert road onto taihape for breakfast.Next stop was wellington at 12.30 to catch the 2.00pm sailing and pick up the fourth member of the group. A very pleasant crossing and into Picton for the night.
Thursday saw us off around the Queen Charlotte Sounds road (watch those camper vans) thru havelock onto Nelson then down to St Arnauds (GREAT road) then onto Murchison and then down highway 65 to Springs Junction for lunch.After some food and petrol it was thru the Lewis pass (another great road) onto Hanmer Springs for a look and then up Highway 70 to Kaikoura for the night.
Friday was overcast but not raining yet as we headed back thru Waiau, Weka Pass, ashley gorge and arriving at Springfield for Lunch. More food and petrol and then the RAIN started just as we were leaving on our run thru to Otira and Arthurs Pass.It rained and had low mist all the way to the coast and the motel at Hokitika was a welcome sight.
Saturday saw us leaving Hokitika in strong wind and misty rain as we headed to Westport for a refuel before heading up the Buller Gorge to Murchison for lunch and then onto nelson. Just after Nelson , one of the group got a punture ,which slowed us a bit but we still managed to get to Picton and the Ferry with 30 minutes to spare.Another calm crossing and at 9.30pm we left Wellington in the rain for Levin.
Sunday saw us return to Auckland, very happy riders after having travelled 2900km on some very enjoyable roads the country has to offer.
To be old & wise , you must survive being young and stupid.
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