Wanaka - West Coast of New Zealand (Haast)

2.2. - 5.2.

On the way to the West Coast, some people told us that the route was closed due to storm damage. Of course, we still went there because we are already 7 times slower on the bike than a car, and it takes us 3 days to get there anyway!

And that's exactly how it was - as soon as we arrived at 'Haast Pass', the road was open again. So it worked out well.

What was unfortunately not so great was the horror attack of the 'Sandflies' - the black plague of New Zealand. Tiny flying insects that are even worse than mosquitoes, gnats, and wasps combined! They don't give up until they have ripped your skin and drained you. And the 'bite' itches until you scratch everything and it gets infected. :-(

They really overwhelmed us - in swarms - and it was worst when we were near water!
That really scares you - especially when you know that they are spread throughout the whole West of New Zealand!

But... YAAAAYYYY!!! We have crossed New Zealand from coast to coast! What a milestone!!!!!
And even more exciting!!! We reached 1000 KM!! Truly incredible! Over 1000 kilometers on our bikes!