The ferry returned us to Wellington to see the sprawl of houses among the hills basked in orange light cast down from above. That night we were to stay on the outskirts of the city, ready to set out on the northern road the following morning. Our ‘campsite’ was a beach side car park, with …
Our final few moments on the North Island were much more eventful than planned. Miscommunication meant we were a man down for a short spell when we should have been heading toward the ferry terminal. Then, with all three now on board, Team Cockpit shared a dual sinking feeling as the motorhome thunked along with …
A year and a half ago I’d been overjoyed to share my travelling ways with my dad. Now I was lucky enough to be welcoming a second lot of visitors. My mum and step-dad (Ian) were joining me on the open road, the three of us embarking on a four week motorhome tour of New …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
