Marlborough\West Coast Cycle Day 3 – Moana to Punakaiki
More weather, more changes, and again, better!
Today’s ride was a repeat for me but the road from Moana to Punakaiki covers some nice country. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t great with light rain/mist but it was still warm so ok for riding.
Moana & Brunner Mine
After a ‘substantial’—I think they usually cater to massive rural appetites—set menu breakfast it was time to hit the road. From Moana it is across country then down the Grey River valley to the coast. You pass the Brunner Mine and a memorial of NZ’s worst mining disaster in 1896.
North to Punakaiki?
When we got to the coast the plan was to ride North to Punakaiki but the rain got worse and the sea breeze meant a head wind. Not much fun so it was on the bus to Punakaiki and an alternative plan for the afternoon (see what I mean about flexible!).
The lodge was literally on the beach, near Punakaiki’s pancake rocks. Although the photos look a bit bleak it was still warm and the rain was more thick mist. The alternative plan was a bush walk to complete the days exercise quota.
I was staying in the chalets behind, connected to the main lodge by a tunnel under the coastal highway.
Porarari River Walk
The Porarari River Walk follows the river valley past, and at times through, impressive limestone formations. The mist and typical West Coast bush give it a very primeval look. It then climbs up over a ridge to loop back towards Punakaiki.
Fine dining in the wilderness
Dinner at the lodge was lovely; high quality restaurant fare with a view of the surf crashing on the beach and (mist filtered) sunset. Another great day and one of the world’s best rides to look forward to tomorrow.
Robin Capper
