And so the final leg of my cycling journey began. With it, the most unenjoyable day on the road. I couldn’t tell you much about the scenery I passed that day as my entire being was focused on getting to my destination and off the busy highway as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, in true New …
Australasia
Along the Northern Shore
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 …
Let’s go round the East Cape
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 …
Napier to Gisborne
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, …
Wellington to Napier
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 …
A Wellingtonian Way of Life
At first glance an interesting and diverse city, a longer acquaintance with Wellington really allows you to appreciate its full character. Enjoying life as a resident, rather than a tourist, has really given me time to explore what the capital has to offer. Far from feeling like your average big city, I live within twenty …
A Calendar Year Away
The end of 2015 marked my first calendar year not having set foot on English soil. Now back in Wellington I spent my time with Liz, Luca and Adam, all of whom I previously met either in Wanaka or working at Mt Ruapehu. Something I haven’t really experienced within my sixteen months of travel is …
A Trial Tour
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 …
Farewell For Now
The final leg of our journey took my dad and I up the east coast. First stop was Akaroa, a peninsula to the south east of Christchurch, visiting my friend Cece who I originally met during my first wwoofing experience last April. A town with a strong French influence, Akaroa is reached by a long …
Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo
Our first view of Mount Cook National Park came as we rounded a corner in the road. A large turquoise blue lake emerged on our right, mirroring the small mountain range beside it. Up ahead, a brilliantly white jagged outline marked our destination. What we had first assumed to be Mount Cook, actually turned out …