Day 11- Kumara to Hokitika 72 kms

Once again it was a 6.30 am wake up and I felt a bit tired this morning after a late night Alkira board meeting. I zoomed in from New Zealand to the 7.00 pm meeting in Melbourne!

The morning breakfast was in the hotel room where we have cereal and canned fruit.

Lunch today was sandwiches on the road which was organised by Rob Baker with the hotel 

The start for the ride was prompt at 7.30 am and the weather was coolish and a bit humid. The was virtually no wind and the temperature started at above 12 degrees warming to about 20 during the day .

The trail today was a combination of unmade roads and walking/ riding tracks. The surface was good although there were several spots where the track had tight turns with switchbacks. At one stage I had a fall on a tight corner but was ok apart from a small graze on my knee….. another bloody fall!

We had 2 climb’s which were quite easy really as it seems we are getting into the swing of the ride.

The country was a mixture of rainforest, scrub with very little farming along the trail.

During the ride we met several people riding the trail and spent some time with a couple from Canada who are doing rides in NZ .

We also saw quite a few hikers ( in NZ they are called Trampers!) towards the end of the day which is interesting 

The day finished early at Hokitika around 2.15 which meant we could enjoy the town at bit more.

Having a coffee with Rob Baker we reflected on the wonderful countryside we are seeing and the need to explore more.

Me outside the hotel ready to leave

Typical view of the trail today with rainforest style vegetation 

Another view along the trail going across swamps 

A view of one of the rivers we crossed 

…. The rock has been transplanted!

At the top of one of the climbs 

A view down the valley towards Hokitika 

Day 10 - Christchurch to Greymouth by Train then Ride from Greymouth to Hokitika 30 kms

Today was another early start at 6.00am to get ready for the train trip from Christchurch to Greymouth.

The train left at about 8.15 am and we had very comfortable carriages and seats for the journey.

The trip on the train was really quite special with the first part going through the Canterbury Plains with dairy country and a slight incline.

Then it was into the hills with spectacular views of rivers Ana the surrounding mountains. At the top of the train trip we stopped at Arthur’s Pass which is a Tula lovely area nestled in a valley. After boarding the train we then went through a 2 km tunnel and out the other side it was quite different country being on the west side of the mountain range. The vegetation was bright green and subtropical which is in sharp contrast to the brown low vegetation on the east side of the mountain range.

The train trip through to Greymouth was very pleasant and we met quite a few of the fellow travellers in our carriage.We arrived at Greymouth at about 1.20 pm where Phil and Ian met us having driven the van through from Christchurch.

We had lunch at lovely cafe recommended by Phil called Sevenpenny… then it was off to get changed and on to the bikes for the ride to Kumara. We are now on the Western Wilderness trail heading south from Greymouth. After a bit of a blip finding the start of the trail due to my Garmin playing up, it was on for the 30 km ride on a very nice trail with a good surface and a gentle gradient.We arrived at Kumara at around 5.30 pm and the accommodation is at the Royal Theatre Hotel which has a lovely old world charm. The hotel uses a couple of houses opposite the main hotel for accommodation which is delightful.

Dinner tonight was at the hotel and I had fish and chips which was great 

Today was another wonderful day of sightseeing and riding in NZ and it seems we all had a great day

Late picture at the end of the A2O with all of us at the Pacific Ocean!!!

Boarding the train at Christchurch 

Very comfortable train carriages 

Scene on the train journey through the window 

…. And another one!

At Arthur’s pass

Leaving Greymouth after getting off the train and changing in the car park to the surprise of the passing foot traffic!

The trail was very good!

We crossed this bridge 

All of us at Arthur’s Pass

Phil and Ian went in the van rather than on the train 

Our hotel room for the night….. very comfortable!

Day 9 - Rest Day Christchurch

Today was a well earned rest day in Christchurch as we all needed to get a bit of rest after 7 days of riding about 500 kms.

The day started with breakfast at one of Chris’s coffee shops and a full eggs breakfast was on the menu for most of us. I had a delicious omelette with coffee which was a great start for the day.

After breakfast we went to the bike shop where a few of the bikes needed running repairs. After this it was to the shops for a few of the boys to do shopping.

Then we went on a guided tour of Christchurch which was interesting. The trip up the mountains near the town were spectacular with views of the city and harbour. We had lunch at a cafe in New Brighton then had a tour of the area that was devastated by the earthquake. The area where houses were ruined by the earthquake is huge and now only vacant land can be seen. The CBD has building blocks that are vacant next to new or renovated buildings. Makes you really appreciate the power of Mother Nature.

After the tour it was back to Chris’s place where Ellio prepared spaghetti bolognaise for dinner which was combined with ice cream and berries for dessert. A great way to finish the day!

We have another early day tomorrow do it is off to bed early in anticipation of another great day.

Day 8 - Duntroon to Oamaru - 54 kms

I have got to start this blog with an apology as I called the end point yesterday at Cromwell when in fact it was Duntroon 

The day started with a perfect sunrise with cool conditions at around 6 degrees but during the day it warmed up nicely to be in the mid 20’s … perfect for riding 

After a short van ride from Kurow to Duntroon we were off on the ride. It was a short ride today to the end of the A2O at Oamaru then a 250 km van ride to Christchurch.

The ride had 2 designated climbs the second of which was a bit of a brute with a vertical climb of 400 meters over about 2 kms. We all managed this quite well as we seemed to be getting into the rhythm of riding longer distances with climbing.

The country for this ride moved to more of coastal rolling hills with dairy farms with big irrigation sprinklers on most paddocks.

At about 11.30 we found a small pub at Enfield which had delicious food and very pleasant outdoor seating.

After lunch we had the final 20 km ride into Oamaru which was a lovely finish to the A2O where we finally hopped of our bikes near the Pacific Ocean 

Oamaru is a lovely town with interesting wharehouses near the port which have been turned into eateries and tourist shops 

We celebrated our finish of the ride by a lovely ice cream near the waterfront 

The A2O was a great ride over a variety of places and settings and remarkable scenery 

On consumption of the ice cream it was on the the van for the 250 km ride up to Christchurch which was an ideal time for me to enjoy a shut eye!

We arrived at Chris’ s home at around 7 ish and unpacked the bikes and Ian took all but Chris and I to the hotel. I am staying at Chris’s home which is a delightful house in the suburbs of Christchurch. After having a shower we were off the meet the others at the hotel for dinner where I had a seniors roast beef which was great

Now back at Chris’s home doing the blog I can reflect upon the over 500 kms of riding we have had over the past 7 days and the wonderful countryside we have seen. Also we have all enjoyed some wonderful experiences as a group and new friendships have been made

Chris should be proud of the way the rides have worked so smoothly for us all to enjoy 

At the start of the ride outside the Duntroon Gaol

Ian in the racks outside the Gaol

The trail and typical country 

Signage along the trail was very good and there was no way you could get lost!

Me at a sign 

Lunch at the Enfield Hotel 

The ride in through the Oamaru botanical gardens 

The final street through to the end of the ride at the wharf 

Me asleep on the van ride to Christchurch!!!!

Day 7 - Omarama to Cromwell 96.5 kms

Today we were up and about at 6.30 am with the aim to leave Omarama at 7.40 am after having breakfast and ordering lunch and having a coffee. Yes we did it even though it was a last minute rush for Ellio.

Chris was taking tail end Charlie for the day.

The track started off with a really good surface and the going was great…. Then we did the first of four climbs which were a bit challenging but the views were spectacular!

At the top of the climbs we had climbed about 450 meters and we had great views of the surrounding mountains and country 

The descent to the lake Benmore dam was really enjoyable but even better we were able to enjoy the sandwich lunch ordered earlier in day.

After this it was on made roads for about 20 kms where we enjoyed lovely downhill riding until picking up the trail again at the Aviemore dam and hydro power station. It should be noted that at every dam we saw there was hydro power station which is interesting as NZ relies almost exclusively upon this as their power source.

The trail into Kurow was again a steady downhill with great surfaces for riding.

Kurow is where we are staying this evening and Rob and Phil decided not to take the extra 28 kms to Duntroon which was our end point. We all had a great “ coffee stop” at Kurow and 5 of us then went on Duntroon. Once again it was downhill riding with 2 fairly deep river crossings which we all navigated successfully.

After reaching Duntroon we loaded the bikes on the van and made the short trip back to Kurow for the night 

Dinner tonight was rather special with Chris suggesting a bbq and Rob doing the honours as chef. The motel owner kindly supplied some salads and we had a wonderful first course. For dessert Chris made us each a plate of ice cream topped with berries which was a delightful way to finish the day

It was somewhat challenging to start with but became easier as the day went on. The weather too was kind with a cool start at around 6 degrees but warming to around 21 by the end of the ride 

Early morning across the valley 

One of the climbs on the trail….apologies for my shadow!

Lunch at Benmore Dam

A view of the valley going towards Kurow

Two blokes contemplating the world!

The are Phil and Rob

Chris and Stephen with a km to go!


The end of the trail at Duntroon!!!!

Day 6 -Twizel to Omarama 82 kms

The day started for is at 6.30 am with the wake up alarm and it looked like being a bright sunny start with very few clouds.

After breakfast we were on our way at 8.00am with a prompt on time getaway thanks to John and Rob

The first few kms were on good roads out of Twizel some of it beside water canals used for hydro power.

Then it was on to the A2O track which goes alongside the lake which was interesting in terms of the views but did require some concentration to ensure the bike took the right path given the pebbles on the track on some places

At around 11.30 am we reached the Lake Oahu Lodge which an old world hotel alongside Lake Oahu and adjacent to the Lake Oahu ski field. No skiing at this time of the year though!

Here we had coffees and teas and toasted sandwiches which become our lunch. It was quite a restful place with beautiful views and the staff were very welcoming to a bunch of old people like us!

The fire was very restful and provided some comfort to those who might have been a little cool as the temperatures were below 10 degrees despite the sun .

After lunch it was on to the big 10 km climb for the day. This was on a track which was rocky in parts and involved a climb of about 420 meters 

During the climb we were passed by some folk in electric bikes which meant pulling obeying the trail to let them pass. Bit of a bummer really as it destroyed momentum!

Any way I reached the top where it was quite cool and we were ahead of the main group so rather than wait we went on. The ride down from the top point was more difficult in many ways than the climb as the track was rocky and narrow in places. It meant for a slow descent. I did enjoy the bottom of the descent where there was long grass and the track was very easy!

After this Phil, Rob and I pressed on the finish the ride in Omarama at about 3.50 pm . It was a great day of riding with good weather and lovely countryside.

A view across one of the canals we rode alongside 

Salmon fishing in the canal 

At the Lake Oahu lodge enjoying the hospitality and the fire!

Rob enjoying the rest…. He was keen to stay have a few reds and put the bike on the trailer to our motel 

Interesting view of the trail and note the sign!

Rob Phil and myself at the top of the climb!


A view of the country as we mage for Omarama 

Day 5 - Mt Cook to Twizel 75 kms

The day started at about 6.30 am with the new group organised structure working as follows:

Rob Baker in charge of breakfasts 

Phil Eager in charge of the van including loading the van

Ellio Stocco in charge of loading and unloading the trailer with bikes

Peter Harrison in charge of laundry 

John Aldis in charge of weather and start times each day

Steve Seymour in charge of finances

Ian Hollebon in charge of driving the van

Chris Jones the tour leader and in charge of accomodation 

This all worked well for the day today which meant we had a great on time start for the van trip to Mt Cook

The weather was a lot better today with high cloud and sunny breaks although we had some rain showers and towards the end of the day we even had some hail.

After arriving at Mt Cook we had a short 7 km ride to the Mt Cook airport where we had helicopter transfers to the next leg of the Alps to Ocean ride. From now on I will abbreviate this to A2O …. 

The helicopter ride was about 10 minutes but gave us all a wonderful view of the mountains near Mt Cook… Mt Cook was not able to be SEN due to cloud cover unfortunately.

The first section of the trail after the helicopter transfer was quite difficult and slow due to the rough terrain with loose rocks on the trail. After this we were on a gravel road which again was slow going due to the road surface 

At one stage we had a 5 km of paved road which was a godsend!

Lunch was by the side of the road with sandwiches purchased before we left Omarama. This was timed almost perfectly to coincide with some heavy rain.

The ride in to Twizel was great with the wind behind us

Tonight we are at a backpackers hotel which is housed in renovated accommodation housing originally used by workers on the hydro power projects on the area. It is quite comfortable for us all,

The day’s highlight for me was the wonderful scenery of the mountains and torquise lakes and the significant investment NZ has made in hydro power 

The dinner this evening was a roast pork meal at the local pub which was lovely 

Another great day for me riding . I enjoyed being the nominated whip or tail end Charlie for the day and talking to those at the back of the pack 

All of us at Mt Cook at the start of the A2O ride

Sample of the early part of the trail 

Me with the mountains behind me!

Our bikes going by helicopter transfer 

The first group loads up!

More of me and the views

Couldn’t miss putting this in the blog!

Day 4 Naseby to Omarama

Last night the rain came down all night and as I heard it I made a decision that given my injury to my leg I would take a day off on the ride… good decision as it turned out for me as the rain kept up for most of the day and especially for those completing the Central Otago trail.

We were off in the van to the start point at 7.30 am and after unpacking the bikes the guys except Ellio and myself plus Ian, the van driver, were off for the 42 km ride.

Conditions were wet and cold and after about 15 kms, we met with the riders at a stop point on the trail where some got additional wet weather gear and all pumped their tyres up as the low pressure in the tyres made riding very difficult.

After this we drove to Middlemarch where the 3 of us had a coffee and muffin ahead of the riding group and then made our way to the end of the trail to meet the sogging wet riders!!!

After a quick change in the public toilets into dry gear, we all assembled at the Kissing Gate coffee shop for coffee and muffins to allow the riders to thaw out!!

Then after packing the bikes we were off to Omarama where we are staying tonight of the Alps to Ocean ride.

To say some parts of the ride were scary would be an understatement…. We went on an unmade road through the Dansey Pass which was at best a single lane road through hills where the road had no barriers the drop over the edge was enormous!

John Aldis, one of the Kiwis drove during this time and his driving skills homed on many hours of 4WD driving were put to good use.At one stage we were slowed down to a stop by a mob of sheep being herded along the road and the van started slipping with no traction!

We all got out of the van and helped by pushing it to get moving again. Thankfully it worked and we were able to get going again after a short walk to the top of the hill.

All a bit scary as the plan B would have involved towing I guess!! 

At the top of pass at 870 metres we met a German fellow who was on a ride…. He was backpacking and riding without a helmet!

After this it was incident free travel to Omarama where we were able to check in to our motel for the night.

Dinner tonight was at the local pub which was very busy and as a consequence the meals were slow in coming to us but my meal was good

In summary the day was a good one despite not riding 

No pictures today as the link is not working 

Day 3 - Alexandra to Kokonga

After a good night of sleep we were up and about, breakfasted and ready to go on our bikes shortly after 7.30 am for the ride.

The day was scheduled to have a ride of about 80 kms along the Central Otago rail trail. The weather started quite cool but warmed up to high 20’ s during the day then later in the afternoon as we completed the last 20 kms it turned cooler with some showers 

The first half of the trail was a steady climb of about 400 metres with smallish gradients in keeping with the needs of railway engineers specifications.

The country was very dry and the trail surface was good but dusty 

We stopped for coffee at Omakou where we had good coffee and enjoyed the delightful muffins or pastries.

There were several other groups of riders at the coffee shop and we noticed most were using electric bikes for the ride.

After coffee we continued the climb to a couple of tunnels which were dug out of very solid rock.

During this time we saw several other riders making their way in the opposite direction and I noted most we’re enjoying the downhill run whilst we continued the uphill!

Finally we had a break for lunch at Oturhua where we enjoyed sandwiches provided by Ian who got them from Subway! Good to have a lunch of ham, cheese and salad washed down by ginger beer provided by the local general store.

After resuming the ride we reached the highest point in the ride and then…. It was all downhill with the wind behind us!!!! Yea…. Speeds of over 35 kph and the kms just went !

After reaching the proposed turning point for the turnoff to Naseby we decided to continue on the Ranfurly…. Then reaching Ranfurly we decided to continue on to Kokonga railway station. By this time we had completed over 100 kms but the weather was closing in with rain and a headwind! 

After stopping we loaded the bikes on the trailer and made our way to Naseby where we were greeted with great accommodation for the night

After cleaning up we made our way to the pub for dinner where the food was excellent.

All of us commented on the great day of riding but noted we might have a bit of wet weather for the ride tomorrow 

The start of the ride !

Some indication of the conditions of the ride 

View of a river we crossed 

Here is the bridge which crossed the river 

The tunnel we went through