Once again, an internet related issue delayed posting. Note to self: the only mobile carrier to use if travelling in NZ is NZ Telecom.
Hokitika to Blenheim is about 480 K's, so an early start was the go. The road north follows the beautiful coastline and is a really fun and interesting ride with lots of scenic photo op's. Once you've ridden this road, you will laugh very time someone mentions "The Great Ocean Road". They obviously have never been here.
Pulling into a roadside scenic lookout point I discovered 3 cars worth of youngsters emerging from their tents, all bleary eyed, in their pyjamas, oblivious to car after car pulling in to look at the view. A big fry-up was taking place on a gas cooker , the smell of bacon and eggs hitting me as I opened my visor. Can't blame them, it was a magnificent spot on a cliff, surrounded by flowers, with the waves crashing below. Besides, there was no "no camping" sign.
You follow the Buller river from Westport to Nelson. It's big, green and slow flowing, different to most of the other rivers on the South Island. It's a great, scenic ride, 4 stars in my book. In places the road narrows to a single lane and there's a spot where they had to carve the road into the cliff.
I hooked up with a couple of bikers going my way at the cafe in Murchison. I had to leave them behind 30k's later as they got themselves caught behind a line of traffic - slow riders anyway! I just twisted my right hand and squirted past the whole lot. Love it!
The Marlborough region of the South Island is apparently the sunniest in the country. This is where most of NZ's fruit comes from. The Blenheim area is major wine growing country; mile after mile after mile.
Nice crowd of people at the Grapevine backpackers in Blenheim, stood around chatting for a couple of hours before turning in.
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