Taking it up the Haast. Haast to Queenstown
The time to take on the Haast Pass unfortunately for myself and Richard came during 2 days of torrential rain. It was easier and more comfortable to ride in flip flops, shorts and a T-shirt than in multiple layers of heavy wet clothing. The night before we stayed at a good site called Pine Grove where there was a kitchen and showers which not only provided areas for cooking and washing but also a place to escape the sand fly onslaught. We thought the rain may keep the flies away but they were out in force and looking for blood. It came time to set off and even though it was raining heavily we knew that time wise we had to get started. The first 20 miles were quite flat then we reached the base of the pass and pulled into a shelter for some food. It seemed we were not the only ones looking to get out of the rain as it was standing room only. Once fed we pushed on and started the climb. I thought it was going to be really tough riding but as it turned out it was not to difficult. The pass itself is quite high but because we had slowly climbed for the first 20 miles the actual summit was easier to reach than anticipated. It was still a good challenge and had a brute of a short steep final section. Our views from the top were hindered by the low clouds and mist but the descent back down to sea level was pretty awesome. We arrived into Makarora camp ground we found Claudia already there, washed, fed and chilling. When asked how she found the days ride she replied in her laid back French Canadian accent, “not to difficult, I have done better”.
From Makarora we rode to Wanaka helped by an amazing tailwind. The mountain views alongside Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea were mind blowing. In my opinion this stretch has had the best views of my West coast trip. Our final 2 days were spent in Queenstown once we had rode over the highest sealed road in New Zealand at Crown Range. The ride to the range was into an unreal headwind. So strong in fact that I ground to a halt going up to the top of the range. The peak has a monument at the top giving details on its height of 1037 metres and the story behind the road being built.
Once in Queenstown we settled into 12 mile delta campsite with its stunning back drop of mountains and lake. The next morning I headed back into the town to stay at a site near the airport as my flight to Auckland is an early one. This was after saying goodbye and good luck to Richard my riding partner of 3 weeks. We met in Rotorua and have covered some fantastic roads and trails together. It has been awesome riding with someone who also enjoys the great feeling you get from sitting in a saddle, camping under the stars and enjoying the pace of a bike tour. He heads to the USA in May to cycle across it, I quite fancy doing that myself. I did border to border and would love to do ocean to ocean.
