Travelled: 197 kms

On the road again and off to Greymouth.

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Before heading out the next day, the wonderful Greymouth library provided ample use of one of their free notebook computers to do some work while our bikes were carefully watched over outside by Ray the honey-seller. Fantastic West Coast kindness (and most excellent honeydew honey).

The library was clearly well run and equally clearly there for the community; a a warm and welcoming place ensuring important resources are within reach of all of us. A proper democracy quietly at work and us all at our best maybe?

A mid afternoon start, and we were off on the Great Wilderness Trail through the bushes and over wide bridges to Kumara.

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The serene Greenstone Retreat was our campsite for the night at Kumara. With the tent pitched and us showered we walked back into town to read the wonderful history boards dotted through the township.

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The trail provided some trying moments with some step inclines and loose stones to ride over but the ride through the bush was gorgeous.

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Our lunch stop turned out to be a the Trappers Rest along the trail. Paul who has a long history with the area decided a few years back to provide a rest stop/camping area on his property alongside the trail. The cuppa and Paul’s stories were a welcome stop.

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Up over the hill and down to Lake Kaniere and DOC’s Han’s Bay campground, it was a big day at the office for us – nearly 50 kms.

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We were refreshed by a beer and a glass of wine by some campground neighbours who we had met on their bikes along at Cowboy Paradise during the day. Kereru flying between the trees around our tent, a lake swim and then a late dinner & bed before the rain set in for the night.

We shared the dinner shelter with a family of 6 riding through on their annual biking holiday. A very well organised machine they were, with everyone doing what was needed and thoroughly enjoying themselves. It was delight to be with them.

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We stayed two nights in a cabin in Hokitika as the rain came through.

And again enjoying the comfort of the local library.

An early start from the campground in Hokitika, up by 7am and away by 9:30. Today was our first experience of riding in heavy rain and winds and thankfully it was a northwestly wind.

Scenery was again spectacular. Strong northwestly winds meant we had the “hand of god” pushing at our backs and onto Ross.

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The end of the West Coast Wilderness Trail and we were wet warm and happy.

Small cabin at the Empire Hotel and spending the afternoon by the fire drinking beers, playing pool, and chatting with the locals. The local advise is not to read in the bar, talk with the locals first!!

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We stayed on a Ross for another day as the rainy showers came through giving us a chance to explore Ross. We visited the museum and historic cottages before returning to the hotel for a drink and hot chips.

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And now the glaciers await…