From Te Araroa I had the first, and what turned out to be the only, windy day of my journey. After an initial ocean view the road once again turned inland and the next few hours were dedicated to green landscapes and winding roads. My battle with the wind, alongside my tiredness, meant I really …
The East Cape, without a doubt, was the most exciting, eventful and emotional part of my journey. Although it added 184km to my route, deciding to avoid the gorge and the 700m climb had resulted in my brain falling into relaxation mode. ‘There’s an easy road ahead’ it told my body, as I made my …
After the way I felt in Napier I really had half a mind to finish my cycle trip there. What used to be my good knee was in no small amount of agony, my eyes burned from the dust and sun having had no protection for three days, my bad wrist was starting to hurt, …
Going from my (reasonably) routine life in Wellington, the last few weeks have once again become more akin to that of a traveller. Jeff, Liz and I parted ways, as one by one we left the city we loved to begin new adventures. I finished my job in the office and finally began my Cycle …
The first day on my bike was without a doubt the hardest. Largely because it is not wise to set off at 3pm when you do not know how long a journey will take, but also because of the insistent headwind that accompanied me all afternoon. That said, I still (for the most part) thoroughly …
My week in Levin was spent with Radha and Charles, a retired couple living a vegan, largely organic and increasingly self-sufficient lifestyle. Meeting me at the bus stop, Radha drove me back to their house and began to explain the work they had been doing over the past two years. Their land had been nothing …
The end of my time with Adam took an unexpected turn, in the form of a yellow bicycle. Leading up to this moment were a series of events, making it seem very much like this was meant to be. So, let me backtrack a little… I was due to leave Adam’s place on Saturday and …
My first impression as I got off the bus, into Adam’s car and driving up the muddied track to his house, was just how in the middle of nowhere it was. I was met at the bus stop, or I should say, where the bus stopped at the side of the road, by Adam, my …
I recently signed up to be part of the New Zealand Wwoofing (willing workers on organic farms) community and within a few days had arranged my first stay. The idea behind wwoofing is that a volunteer will stay with a host on their organic farm, working in exchange for food and accommodation and providing a …
After my trip up to the Northland I found myself with a week to spare before I was due to be volunteering at the triathlon. Having ruled out options to travel anywhere else in that time due to cost, I settled in for a week at Fat Cats hostel. Still being used to the fast …
