27/10/2014
Masterton – Featherston
We are not
seeing the best side of the Wairarapa region of NZ. It's supposed to
be a dry region popular with cyclists. Well, today it is not. The
weather is about as miserably wet as it can get so we decided to give
the scenic route (almost twice as far) a miss and just scoot down the
State Highway on the hard shoulder. The flat road got us to the motel
in Featherston in no time. Hoping for a bit of dry weather tomorrow
when we will be riding the Rimutaka trail to Wellington and our last
day riding in North Island. From what we have heard the Rimutaka
trail is really beautiful.
Some
observations
x We've seen
more calves then sheep
x We often
hear very tuneful bird song.
x So far we
have only spotted dead possums ( the only good possums according to
Kiwi's)
x Public loo's
in mostly excellent condition can be found in the most unlikely of
places and far more frequently then in the UK
x Far more
trees and exotic plants then I expected
x Lots of
underpasses for farm animals to pass safely under the road.
x Little
roadside stalls offer very good quality and cheap produce
x You can buy
very decent bread almost anywhere
x The weather
can change very quickly and drastically
x Southerly
winds bring cold air!
x I sites
(tourist information offices) offer excellent services and are well
worth a visit.
X Some amazing
mtb trails. NZ has invested hugely in these.
x NZ drivers
are no less courteous then there UK counterpart so far
x And most
importantly of all we have met soooo many helpful and kind NZ-ders.
If you look puzzled on a street corner they rush over to help. If a
motel is full they ring around until they find you another one. They
make you feel very welcome and often go beyond the 'call of duty' to
sort you out. Hopefully South Island will be no different!
sounds great
ReplyDelete