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 …
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 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 …
The last two months of my ski season have most definitely not been boring (my feeble excuse for the lack of posts). The beginning of September was filled with birthday and ski celebrations. My birthday spreading nearly a week, firstly with a joint outdoor birthday party with one of my friends involving a fire bin, …
By Friday afternoon I had arrived at The Lodge or ‘Staffies’ as it is locally known. Staff accommodation is located in Whakapapa Village at the base of Mt Ruapehu. Over the next two weeks the number of residents increased from around twenty when I first arrived, to an impressive sixty. The atmosphere is similar to …
