Saturday, December 24, 2011

South Island Day 1

Auckland to Blenheim, 700kms.

Woke up to a gorgeous day an delft home at 7.  I would like to say I had a good night sleep, but not likely when you have the excitement of a  nine day road trip ahead of you.   It was going to be a long day, and because I wanted to stop and visit few folk on the way I had to stick to the main route.  It is pretty boring but the excitement starts once I hit the south Island, I just wanted to get there.

Travelling through Taupo it was looking stunning and the Mountains looked gorgeous.  The ride through the eastern side of the mountains is always good, but as expected the traffic was heavy.

Rest stop north of Taupo


Tongario


I got to Wellington just on five, checked in for the ferry crossing. It was a lovely and calm crossing, strangely there were only two their bikes on the boat.  I finally got to Blenheim at 10.00pm a very long 15 hour day.  But well worth it as I was now in the South Island and the great roads start right out side my motel door.

A nice ending to the day too...as I arrived I was met by the manger who offered to lock my bike in the garage, then handed me a cold beer and a wee glass of Baileys Liquor.  As well as a plate of Christmas goodies in the fridge.....you just got to love the people down under!

Here are a few more pics from the day...






I am having trouble blogging from my IPAD, some crap about not enough storage....Blah blah...what ever that means, so I am using my mates computer to post this one.  It is Christmas day here,so wishing everyone a great day and may santa bring you all new bikes! or at least bike stuff.

11 comments:

  1. Great pics Roger. I will be following your ride reports every day. Any good tips for future travelers down there will be welcome!

    Merry Christmas.

    Jules.

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  2. Jules@ that was only the start, will do my best to post each day for you....better still get on a plane and discover it yourself you won't be disappointed.

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  3. I would soooo love to be travelling with you... I am really jealous......
    Being here sucks. Will do something different next year.

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  4. Have a great ride! Enjoy and be safe. Merry Christmas. I will be following your adventure and dreaming of the day. :)

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  5. Beautiful day. A great way to start your adventure.

    Have fun and Merry Christmas.

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  6. Obviously I am not the only one who would want to ride with you ;-)

    I haven't been to the South Island yet and I am looking forward to your road trip. Ride safely, and I hope the weather plays along.

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  7. ooooh lovely ride, great pics! have a fabulous holiday!

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  8. Lori, knowing you are following my blog....is like having u beside me, hope you had a great Xmas.

    Trobaritz: agreed.

    Sonja: you need to add this to you bucket list, I am into day four now am am speechless most of the time....a rear occurrence I might add,

    mqo1 : I will and I am!

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  9. Roger: just catching up. Merry Christmas a wee bit late, but still within the twelve day statue of limitations.

    It is good to be reminded of what summer looks like.
    ~k

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  10. I too am catching up with your posts about your trip. I am looking forward to reading about what you are doing and where you are going. So far, the mountains look good.

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  11. Gorgeous pictures, I'm trying to catch on the blogs. I love the second picture, beautiful scenery.

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