RobiNZ Personal Blog

The wrap up: 10 Months Cycling New Zealand | Time Out 2021-22

So, it ends: 10 months, 2 weeks (317 days) cycling or drive/cycling across most of New Zealand. Highlights? So many... there are 95+ blog posts... but a few highlights: Expected, but unexpected In many cases I knew what I was getting into, but sometimes it was the unexpected which added delight: Farewell Spit: I'd long wanted to visit but the combination of a small group, fantastic guide, and unusually calm, for the West Coast, weather made for an exceptional day in an incredibly special place. Loved my Takaka Rocks home too. Lake Dunstan: A fantastic trail, keep an eye on... Read more →

Auckland to Wellington | Time Out 2021-22 Drive

Today is just a drive back to Auckland. Normally I'd go back over Remutaka Hill (SH2), for the scenery and find State Highway 1 a drag, but not today. Seashore Cabaret Café Before going anywhere, it was back across the road to Seashore Cabaret Café for breakfast. I like their quirky décor, this machine in the entry reminds me of 'Zoltar Speaks' in the movie 'Big'. Today breakfast was Buttermilk Pancakes with fresh strawberries and mascarpone... and coffee... and more coffee... The cloudy weather was back, but I'd soon leave it behind. Heading South to go North The long awaited... Read more →

Picton to Wellington | Time Out 2021-22 Drive Ferry

Time to say farewell to Te Waipounamu, South Island... Had a mid-afternoon ferry, after checking out from the motel had a leisurely breakfast at Seabreeze Café on the Picton waterfront. I initially choose it for the view, but the food and coffee were great too. Add to that listening to a wonderful podcast–Alan Alda chatting with astronaut Chris Hadfield about his life and more–for a nice start to the day. Chris Hadfield: Song of an Astronaut | Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda His descriptions of living in space make you feel you’re on the ship with him. His performance of the... Read more →

Hanmer Springs to Picton | Time Out 2021-22 Drive

Another relocation day, driving from Hanmer Springs to Picton. The route up Inland Rd (SH70) is a lovely drive which emerges on the coast near Kaikoura then I just follow SH1 up the coast, via Blenheim, to Picton. Hanmer Springs to Picton The first part of the drive, to Waiau, retraced yesterday's ride. North of there, near Mt. Lyford, Inland Rd passes by the impressive Rodin Cars complex. The earthworks (below) looked to be the latest extension of their manufacturing, workshop, and test track facility. If passing have a look in case they are testing something (very) exotic as some... Read more →

Westport (twice) to Hanmer Springs | Time Out 2021-22 West Coast Drive

Last night found out yesterday's downpour killed my rear Cyclic camera. The lens surround was cracked after, about a year ago, it tumbled down a gravel road at over 50km/h securely attached to an old saddle bag which fell off when its snap-lock quick release broke after being rattled by corrugations. Can't really complain as the bag was over a decade old, the lock tab plastic had gone brittle. At one point, when trying to revive the camera, I took out the micro-SD card and put it somewhere safe... Packing for Hanmer Springs Did a bit of a bag re-org... Read more →

Punakaiki to Westport | Time Out 2021-22 West Coast Drive

A lazy day, only agenda item was a short relocation drive from Punakaiki to Westport. The sea was a bit rougher today so stopped, again, at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks to see the blowholes in action for the first time this visit. One last look back to my home for the past week, the cottage on the left of the photo below The Great Coast Road lives up to its name! Truman Beach... Just North of Punakaiki the short Truman Track leads down to what's left of Truman Beach... On a group cycle in 2006 we sheltered from torrential rain under... Read more →

Hokitika, Ross Walk & drive to Punakaiki | Time Out 2021-22 Drive West Coast

Not much of a challenge in terms of timing today, just had to relocate to Punakaiki (~80km away) and had until after 2pm (check-in time) to do it. Because I was alone at the B&B the day started with breakfast at Kitchen Hokitika, next door. It was a lovely morning so I grabbed an outdoor table, was already warm in the morning sun. Their French Toast, and a coffee, was a great start to the day. Across the road, and a long way from his home, the Carnegie Library was one of 2,500 around the world funded by US Steel... Read more →

Oamaru to Christchurch, Auckland | Time Out 2021-22 Drive Fly

Packed up and headed into Oamaru before rush hour, but only just! I met writer/broadcaster Allan Dick, & partner Helen, for breakfast. Have been reading his writing for decades and used to listen when he was on Auckland Radio. He founded several local magazines: DRIVER, CLASSIC DRIVER and NZ Today. Now semi-retired he still writes for CLASSIC DRIVER and NZ Today, now known as 'NZToday RV Lifestyle' after it merged with another title, about his travels around NZ. Having 'known' Allan via media, more recently Facebook, for years it was great to meet person. Christchurch repair logistics I was staying... Read more →

Otematata to Oamaru | Time Out 2021-22 Otematata Oamaru Drive

Time to farewell Lake Escape Apartment, that last, last, last, look to check you haven't left anything behind... Another lovely Benmore morning. I drove the road ridden yesterday, along Lake Aviemore, heading for an Oamaru overnight stop. Scars of the incredible geological forces that shape this land are evident. Back to Kurow I hadn't had any breakfast, for a good reason as driving past Waitaki Braids. Parked the Bravo next to a younger (supposedly a class smaller, but is it?) sibling, a Fiat Punto! This cute customer dog was eagerly greeting every arrival. Waitaki Braids take French Toast and Coffee... Read more →

Roxburgh to Otematata | Time Out 2021-22 Drive

Today's mission was a simple relocation from Roxburgh to Otematata. It would be my base for a long weekend, Friday - Tuesday, of Alps to Ocean A2O Trail riding. It is only a couple of hours drive but I had no need to rush. (All the 'Closed' warnings in the passes are because I made this map in winter!) Farewell Roxburgh Another perfect day... Alexandra Bike Pick-up Stopped in Alexandra to pick up En-Trance, my dual suspension mountain bike, which I left behind with a stuck through axle. Sadly the news wasn't good, they had not been able to release... Read more →