Skeptical Cycling in Queenstown?
NZ Sketpics Conference 2016: Science and gravity
East Cape by HGT, next time GTC?
The Fiat Bravo HGT was great fun on my recent East Cape road trip but there’s another Italian three door hatch which would be even better. In fact a V12 4WD Ferrari GTC4 Lusso would be just about perfect! In a way they are even distantly related*, can you
East Cape 2016 Escape!
Unplanned, unforgettable, now—2025—unrepeatable
Mahia, marvellous!
After a night at Ahi Kaa Motel, a lovely breakfast at the “Flagship Café” it was time for a quick look around Gisborne then home via Taupo. Having been to the US Space port (Cape Kennedy) I think Rocket Labs new one on the Mahia Peninsular has much more attractive
Bravo, East Cape!
I had hoped to have a look around the Hicks Bay Motel grounds before I left but the weather was still lousy. It is on a point overlooking the bay, has a bush walk down to a small beach, apparently! I headed for the East Cape Lighthouse, about a 22km
JED'S, freedom from Motel coffee
Whilst you can get a decent café coffee just about anywhere in NZ these days the ‘free’ stuff they put in motel rooms is hardly encouraging. Grabbed a packet of JED’S coffee bags at the supermarket in Whakatane. Great real coffee anywhere you can boil water without the hassle
Lazy drive to Hicks Bay
After a wet night I was quite glad I'd got the cycling done and dusted. Had a self catered breakfast (an Up n Go and a JED'S coffee bag) then hit the road heading for Hicks Bay. For the first time this trip I emailed ahead
Riding The Motu & Pakihi Trail
I rode (most of) the Motu Rd and the Pakihi Trail today. Awesome riding, fairly flat to start with a climb into the hills before a long descent back to Opotiki. You can ride the dunes trail to the start of the Motu Road Trail but, having ridden it the
Opotiki Dunes Cycle Trail–Motu Trails
Thanks to my unplanned White Island adventure I arrived in Opotiki late afternoon. After sorting out my accommodation, with Glenis at Ranui Motel, I assembled Rapid Rob for some exploration. I had already decided to stay an extra day, to ride the Motu, and Opotiki has a perfect place to
White Island Adventure
Update 2020-12-04: On 9 December 2019 White Island erupted. Forty-seven people were visiting the island at the time, mostly tourists, and the eruption led to twenty-two deaths either on the island or after due to injuries sustained. This week ten organisations, including Mark Law (KAHU NZ)
Bonjour Whakatane?
L'Epicerie breakfast, berry crepe a lovely start to the day and unexpected find in Whakatane. I justified the cream option as had just finished 4.5km walk. On reflection, probably not far enough but it was delicious. I also grabbed a ham roll (sandwich au jambon?) and apricot
Driving Creek Railway and beyond
Awoke to a nice day in Coromandel and after a cheapskate breakfast (Up & Go, coffee and an apple) headed for Driving Creek Railway for the 10:15 departure. This was short drive from the Anchor Inn Motel (nice) where I stayed. I thought I had been here as a