Tag 40 - Alps2Ocean Trail (Part IV)

The 55 kilometers to Duntroon were really good to ride, but quite exhausting with a very warm 25 degrees. On a cliff, I recognized another cyclist that I saw about 2.5 weeks ago on the bus in Nelson with his girlfriend. So, I approached him and asked where he was going and where he came from. Markus, who was born and lives in Vienna, is cycling from Greymouth via Arthurs Pass to Christchurch, where his girlfriend flew back to Austria. From Christchurch, Markus cycled to Tekapo and then to the Alps2Ocean Trail. Since I had to take a detour on the highway and he could ride the trail on gravel, our paths diverged. Now I passed by cliffs that were formed by a strong earthquake thousands of years ago. The special thing is that you can see the different rock formations. It was evident how, after these cliffs, you gradually transitioned from the Alpine region to the coast. It became greener and flatter. That was excellent!

In Oamaru, I took a short break at the harbor next to the sign that points to the end of the longest bike trail in New Zealand. Then I rode to the campground, which was only about 100 meters away. It was almost fully occupied by 4 p.m., which is unusual for the off-season. All the spots were taken, except if I shared a spot with a backpacker from Belgium, which would be cheaper. I gladly agreed!

I read in some blogs that this campground is particularly popular because it is right by the harbor and has two special visitors every evening. A few years ago, two penguins built a nest under the kitchen of the campground. Around 9:30 p.m., the two of them come ashore for their overnight stay. I'm excited and hope to see the penguins during the two evenings I will spend here.