South Island here we come

Wednesday 28.2. (30 km)

We take the ferry in the afternoon and meet Marion from Schwabenländle and a Frenchman who are also traveling by bike.
We cycle the first few km together until everyone reaches their designated campsite.
There we meet Jan and Daniel who offer us a cool beer.

Thursday 1.3. (100 km/ 1000 hm)
Nelson, 1 night at Andy's
Vegan, crazy about biking and very funny

Friday 2.3. ( 70 km)

When we arrive at Takaka Hill, we are told that we are not allowed to cycle up.
(due to the cyclone, the road is heavily damaged and can only be driven in convoys twice a day.

So we wait for Rudi and Jürgen, our friends from Erlangen, who are here for a climbing vacation, and ride with them to the summit.
Our bikes are transported by a pick-up truck.
Afterward, the guys cycle the last 30 km to Takaka, while Rudi and I chat comfortably in the car...
On the way, Patrick is recognized by Jan and Daniel again and the two will spend the evening with us.

Saturday 3.3 - Thursday 6.3.

Climbing, cooking, drinking & observing quirky people in our accommodation
'River in'...
Despite drizzling rain at night, we can climb every day.
In the evening, we can prepare delicious food in the communal kitchen.
The owners of River in, Paula and Richie, are super nice and we feel very comfortable.

It was great, thank you for bringing our climbing gear!!

Wednesday 6.3. - Friday 9.3.

We stay in Takaka and stay with Paul, a FKK warm shower (he runs a 'clothing optional' hostel in his house, which we somehow overlooked, hihi)
On the first day, it rains all day, so we watched one movie after another...
Also nice
The next 2 days, we drive all the way to Whahariki beach in the north. Dreamy
On the way back we visit Christine and Erhard who are also at Warmshower.
We have coffee with them and talk about possible bike routes.
In the evening, we go to 'River in' again as there is a country festival happening there.

Saturday 10.3. (60 km / 980 Hm)

Now we have to cross the mountain again.
Unfortunately, the convoy on this side only starts up after reaching the summit.
That means we have to climb up 800 meters...
Once we reach the top, a nice woman gives us a ride. She has been retired since she was 37!!!
That can make you jealous...
Today we sleep at Toby and Kate's, a very nice warm shower couple with a cute dog.
They make pizza for us and we have a lovely evening.

Saturday 11.3. (90 km / 950 km)

We ride a small section of the ongoing North to South Races, which is beautiful.
On almost deserted roads and forest paths.
We camp at Rotoroa Lake.
Beautiful view but unfortunately lots of sandflies!!!
They are especially prevalent on the West Coast. Annoying little bastards that bite.

Monday 12.3. (66 km /630 Hm)

In Muchison we meet Ryan, a cyclist from the USA...
A funny guy with whom we spend the evening at the campsite in Lyell.