Homeward bound: Picton to Queenstown, New Zealand. 875km, 11.5°C-22°C

We saved the best for last.

The longest distance we have ever ridden two up in one day.

From Marlborough's Wairau Valley vineyards...

To lake Rotoiti

And the forest-clad hills 

That accompany us south and to the west coast.

Coffee stop at the Beeches in Murchison

Awesome pies for lunch in Hokitika

Whitebait fritters at the Paringa Salmon Farm.

So good to be on familiar roads,

So close to home

We decide to make a run for Queenstown while the sun is still shining.

Through the Gates of Haast

Over the Haast Pass

To the warmth of Central Otago at Makarora

Along the shorelines of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea

Through the early evening golden light 

Etching patterns on slopes of the Crown Range.

Home to Te Komata 

Our house on the hill

Which welcomes us with open arms.

We are truly blessed to live in this part  of the world.

Vineyards spread across the Wairau Valley. Home of Marlborough wines.

 

Lake Rotoiti - high water this summer.

Beyond lake Rotoiti

Dual single lane rail and road bridge.

Carving pounamu at Hokitika

Thank you for the awesome pies, Marilyn and Jo.

Forest at Paringa, southern Westland.

Haast River

Gates of Haast

The Cardrona Valley.

The Crown Range road.

Home at last.

In 13 ¾ hours and  riding 875km today we broke our own record for a daily ride.

 

 Orlanda and Mella reunited. 

Each has many stories of faraway places to share.