Takaka 2 Nights. Takaka to Riwaka.

Daniel our host in Riwaka had spoke about Takaka hill and the amazing downhill ride that awaited us once we reached the summit. He wasn’t lying. The now 3 of us, myself, Richard and Hatchi were at the base about to start our climb at 9am. Hatchi had a really good go at keeping up but she was better suited at her own pace so the two of us pushed on. It was after a few kilometres that Richard started to move away from me which is usually the case on a steep climb. He reached the top about 15 minutes before me and waited so we could do the downhill at the same time. I have rode some great downhills in the USA, Australia and New Zealand but this one was the best so far. 2700ft of downward winding road with amazing views to enjoy for the split second when you can look up from watching the road.

972228_10153199198121184_549040276145502

12729036_10153199198181184_4093417039052

1916844_10153199198441184_75236075483256

10399361_10153199198226184_8662035359850

There were 3 cars behind us all the way down and because of the speed we were hitting they were unable to pass us. 38 mph was the maximum we got to and with a shear drop only metres away it makes for an unreal rush. We had a couple of hours in the town getting supplies and visiting the information centre when we were joined by Hatchi who had made it down the hill as well. She was going to go to a caravan park but we told her to join us at the hosts house. She had been using warmshowers but hadn’t sent a request to the host we were going to but when we got there and met Owen and Peggy they said it was find for her to stay as well. We had a brilliant evening chatting, eating and playing with the cat before we all called it a night. I was spending the night in the garden sleeping in Owen and Pegs caravan. It was a really retrospective feeling being in a caravan for the first time in years and I had a great nights sleep.

12745954_10153199253841184_2457082061182

637_10153199253926184_960189539473312749

12745792_10153199253966184_2723661343196

For our day in Takaka the three of us cycled to Pupu Springs to see the 62 metre deep crystal clear natural spring. It used to be a swimming hole but in 1966 the government put it on the natural heritage list and made it viewing only. The water is apparently 11 degrees so any swimming would have been just a quick in and out. In the afternoon we made it out to Tata Beach for a swim and picnic.

12745736_10153200653896184_1433472978093

12744333_10153200651996184_7525308521753

12743899_10153200651911184_2094703065158

12741871_10153200654111184_1040753733094

12733385_10153200653556184_1362416558874

12141659_10153200653606184_5204434497925

10394546_10153200651866184_3754242689397

10370972_10153200654391184_3312308640468

3612_10153200653931184_51811773845425937

10358123_10153200652266184_2104132448209

1975168_10153200651726184_47616604992803

1011121_10153200653826184_42746992565822

Tomorrow we head back over the big Takaka Hill and start to make our way towards the west coast trail.