An overnight ride to Haast, South Westland. 465km

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This week we responded to the call of Haast on the west coast of the South Island and set off on a planned ride with John and Cath.  

Dick's usual good planning brought us a wonderful ride in glorious weather.
A wonderful ride with friends, Cath and john.
Its the first time we have ridden with company for a long time.
Am thinking of rides with Radioman and Ken and Shirley.

While the rest of NZ seemed to be facing thunderstorms we enjoyed warm and dry conditions.
The recent lack of rain in southern Westland meant that the breeding patterns of sandflies and mosquitos  had been interrupted.  We encountered none.

Whitebait patties, salmon and venison for dinner at Haast.  Plenty of conversation.
Photos of the Haast road builders at work helped us appreciate the road we had just ridden along.  Bridges built, rocky bluffs blasted, and lives lost.

Next day we rode to Jackson Bay.
Whitebait stands have been raised at season's end.
Crayfish pots are stacked ready for next year.

A day of blue.
Turquoise rivers looked docile. They can unleash torrents in flood.
Tasman sea  gently lapping the beach fronts.
The sky an azure blue. More blue than the roof of the Cray Pot Cafe.

We shared the road on the ride home with lots of touring motorcyclists.
A great day for a ride.

 Lake Hayes,  Amisfield vineyard.
Along the shores of Lake Hawea
... and Lake Wanaka


Up the Makarora Valley
...to the gates of Haast
The Haast river relaxes at the foot of the valley
The sun sets at the end of a lovely day.  

A very good breakfast at the Prickly Gorse Cafe at Haast.
 Whitebaitseason is over... the stands have been raised.

 Jackson bay around the corner.
Photo: Cath Gilmour
While Dick and John are doing what all motorcycle riders do best Cath and I go exploring.

We muse on who might have lived here.
A 20 minute walk takes us all to Wharekai-Te Kou, the ocean beach
 Homeward Bound.



 The Clutha River near Hawea.

As we leave Wanaka we follow a group of 12 BMW riders up the Cardrona Valley.  
The brief light drizzle cools us down as we head over the Crown Range for home.


Comments

June S said…
What a great post, Diana. You are a wonderful ambassador
4 December 2017 at 06:31
Unknown said…
HI there Diana , Grant here ,back home now and just looked at your blog . Your pictures are amazing and should encourage even a rusty motorcyclist out onto the road . Was great to meet you and will keep an eye on your blog . Have fun and take care from Grant .🏍
8 January 2018 at 13:08
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