Well Reefton sounds like a place to be avoided by a cruising yacht, especially as it is inland on the edge of a mountain range.
We decided after sailing around New Zealand that we missed something, the bit in the middle!
We looked at the puddle to the East and saw that we would spend at least 6 weeks, or likely more sailing to Chile and at least 6 weeks from there back to the Pacific islands. Our planned departure in November also didn't look good weather wise owing to the effects of the El Nino. So an alternative cunning plan was hatched.
We found a sturdy (4 ton) mooring to rent at Russell in the Bay of Islands and bought a Toyota Hiace. We spent a day fitting a bunk in the back and fitted the boat fridge and a second battery system.
Our new goal has been to drive between all the mountain bike trails in New Zealand. We have spent just over 70 days touring the North Island including some 60 days on the bikes. We have discovered so many awesome tracks that have been opened to attract tourists from around the world. The riding has been amazing and the scenery even more so.
The riding highlights have included a week at Rotorua, the Pakahi track, Te Waiti trail, the Timber Trail, the 42 Traverse, the Bridge to Nowhere track and some great rides near Wellington such as the Skyline Traverse and the Old Coast Road and many more.
The local enthusiasm to build tracks and restore many old historical pioneer routes to a standard for mountain bike riding as well as walking is incredible. We have found New Zealanders to be keen outdoor people with a great spirit of adventure.
A very special Christmas day was spent with two new and enthusiastic outdoor friends Beth and Boyd, climbing to the summit of snow covered Mount Ruapehu to look down into its cauldron lake. We left the bikes in the van for that one. It was a memorable adventure as we all took turns in front to plug steps into the steep snow slopes to gain altitude.
We are as the title says at Reefton in the South Island having a day off. We have ridden many amazing tracks since the ferry trip across Cook Strait on the 12th January. The highlights being the Rameka track and Canaan loop, the Kill Devil track, the Maungatapu track, the Wakamarina track, Cullen creek track and the Charming Creek walkway.
Yesterday we completed our second day of the Old Ghost Road which had been opened as a through ride on the 15th December. It has already been deservedly ranked one of the top 5 tracks in the world. Its popularity is rapidly growing so look it up and put it on the short term bucket list if you are a keen MTBr. We don't have the words to describe it. It was just outstanding single track for 85km. Google it!
We have until the end of March to explore more tracks on the South Island. Then we will head back to the boat to begin preparations to get under way on Ambler again.
We have GPS tracked all our rides so we have gpx files for anyone who would like to plan a trip to New Zealand with their bikes. We will also have a van for sale that fits 2 bikes (wheels off) down the side of the double bed.
All is well, strong and fighting fit,
Wayne and Kathy
PS Get well soon Steve.
