I arrived in Queenstown and plan to zigzag a bit through the South and then North islands on my way to Auckland
This NZ trip, if I’m honest, is a place holder. I’ve seen a fair bit of both islands, but I have to say, that place holders don’t get better than here. Shortly after this trip, I’ll head to Europe for an extended stay.
The plan here is to head east from Queenstown, link up with a few rail trails, head over Dansey’s Pass and Mackenzie Pass before making my way to Christchurch for a few days.
I’ll then ride to Picton via Hanmer Springs and, probably the Molesworth Trail. The ferry to Wellington is next and then it will be a series of trails and quiet link roads to Auckland.
At least those are my current thoughts. I haven’t booked a return ticket so that I can change things and spend more time or less wherever I want.
Day one in Queenstown – I assembled the bike at the airport where they had a bike stand provided by the local bike shop. Then it was an interesting 8kms into town beside the lake, to a very busy hostel.
Having just assembled and packed the bike, I then had to unpack everything and put it in a locker near my bed. I met a couple from Sydney who have ridden a tandem on the Tour de Aotearoa route. That’s no mean feat, so I hope I meet some other cyclists on this trip.
I ventured out straight away. mmmm … Queenstown is absolutely full of tourists and seems expensive, but it’s oh so beautiful. It looks and feels like a backpacker / adventure sort of place, combined with a luxury / old-farts element. (I clearly straddle the lot).
I need to get used to these sorts of places. On my Asian trip, I saw few tourists so this place is completely different to me.
No doubt an early night tonight and tomorrow will be a shopping trip for a Sim card, insect repellent and food, followed by some organisation and planning where to go on Thursday.
