had stopped raining, and my ferry was only one of two that crossed the strait that day, so was a better result than getting stuck in the North. That was just day one of 14. Our riding group grew in number as we headed South, until we formed an eclectic posse of ten in Queenstown, including a few Aussies and one gentleman from Andorra. My ride down to QT included fun gravel and splashy bits like the Hakataramea, Dansey’ s Pass, and Thomson Gorge Road. We explored interesting places while in QT over several days, including Paradise, plus my first explore of the upper Rees Valley( stunning in every way) further on beyond Glenorchy.
EPIC DAYS DOWN SOUTH One epic day had us up early and loading our bikes on a small barge, which then headed across Lake Wakatipu to deliver us to Walter Peak Station for an unbelievablly picturesque gravel run South( this trip is a highlight of NZ adventure riding- Ed). Morning tea was scoffed at the popular Mavora Lakes then on to a pie-stop lunch at Mossburn. Turning nor-east from there, just after Garston we zig-zagged our way up the southern end of the Nevis Road, then up and over and into the famous and spectacular Nevis Valley. I have done this road( for want of a better word) a few times and it never fails to impress me. Gravel, rocks, and more water crossings than a trip across Venice! It is a track to respect, and, if you’ re off to do it, my advice is don’ t rush it, and explore the gnarlier crossings before dashing in as often there is an easier way across either up or downstream for bikes- rather than where the 4x4s dig their deep trenches. After a quick photo stop at Duffers Saddle( NZ’ s highest section of public road), it was down for the compulsory hydration relief at the Bannockburn Pub. A full day of South Island adventure riding nirvana, in very good company. When finally leaving Queenstown, we headed back via Bannockburn to the lovely Hawksburn Road, which follows the pylons across the tops and pops out at Clyde, just by the dam( another spectacular ride- Ed). We managed to somehow gain entry to a private motorcycle collection too, only managing to shut our wide-open mouths as we left by tightening our helmet straps tightly
40 KIWI RIDER