Day 2, Accomplished: South Pacific Motorcycle Tours base to Lake Tekapo – 261kms

I stopped at a lookout just near the Farm Barn cafe on the way to Lake Tekapo, because it looked like this:

Just… hnnngh!

I arrived in Tekapo around 16:30. I checked in, opened the curtains and was shocked to discover a distinct lack of Jucy vans or other cars in view. Instead, I saw some blue stuff, some green stuff and some white stuff.

Put it all together and it looks a lot like this:

Yep. That’s quite a view.

Truth be told, the trip here was hairy. The wind is blowing so fiercely that I was on a tilt when riding perpendicular to the gusts.

It’s such beautiful weather that I want to head up to Mt Cook, but I’m going to pass on that, due to the wind. If it’s fine in the morning, I’ll give it a go.

For now, I’m going to grab the panniers off the bike and haul them inside, along with all my camera gear.

I’ve got a stargazing experience booked for around 10pm tonight, so before that goes down, I’ll saunter down to the lakeside for some photos.

I will probably hit Tekapo Ramen 🍜 for dinner 👌 😉

6:30pm – I’m going to get sick of saying ‘beautiful’ all the time.

The lupins by Lake Tekapo


8:45pm

The ramen was okay, but I’ve got a far bigger issue to sort out. This deserves its own post.

9:30pm – Nature turns.

Unfortunately, it seems as though the overcast conditions earlier seen creeping over Lake Tekapo have set in.

Gusts are expected up to 100kph tonight in some mountain areas and along with it, will come rain.

Sadly, this means that tonight’s stargazing experience may be hamstrung, but let’s see what they put on instead…

10pm – Booooo~!

Unfortunately, the Dark Sky experience was cancelled due to the overcast conditions.

I opted for a refund, with the idea of coming back through this way in a few days to experience the two hour long session instead.

Day 1 – Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

7am: Good morning!

The clock says 7am, but the body says 4am.

Time to set up for the day, saunter out to find a quick bite to eat and grab some road snacks from Woolw- sorry, “Countdown” 🤨

It’s currently fine and 20°C!

W is for Countdown, where they have trundlers instead of trolleys 😍

They’ve also replaced single use plastic bags with brown paper ones 👍

8:40am: The time for pickup draws near!

I was debating whether to leave my thermal and waterproof liners in my riding gear until I looked ahead at the temps along today’s route:

Christchurch – currently 24°

Immediately out of Christchurch (NW, closer to Mt Hutt – Oonta Goota Solo?!) – currently 17°

Destination (Lake Tekapo) – currently 11°.

12:00pm – Lunch

After signing paperwork, repacking my things and scooting up the road and back to prove my competence on the bike, I was away.

Many thanks to the South Pacific Motorcycle crew for such a smooth process – check them out, friends.

I stopped in Oxford for a pie and an iced latte. Let’s just say I’m sampling them all as I travel around the South Island 😉

12:30pm – On the road again.

I’m heading out again. The destination is Lake Tekapo via Geraldine and Fairlie.

Accomplished: Arrival

Goodbye, Australia…

Hello, New Zealand!


As the plane cut through the clouds, my mouth fell open in wonderment.

My first sight of New Zealand was of the jagged, snow capped tips of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana; the Southern Alps.

After checking in to my luxuriously appointed dwelling, I dined on the region’s finest example of an Italian sandwich, with vegetables and dressing – A footlong herb and cheese vege patty sub from Subway, because everything else was closed.

The view is second to none.


It’s currently a very welcoming 19.8°C.

Time to get some sleep. Pickup arrives at 9am and then it’s on, thick and heavy… like the ranch dressing on my footlong sub.

And now we wait

Two hours prior to boarding.

I’m at the airport, watching countless people go by.

Where are they going? What are they doing here?

Why is the international departures gate closed?

Formally dressed woman.

Is the heavily sighing elderly lady next to me going to be okay?

Asian gent wearing cowboy boots.

Two police officers doing police officer things.

A bar.

I’d much prefer to be moving, rather than sitting still. Seems like a great moment to practice mindfulness…


One hour prior to boarding.

I lost my toothpaste to customs. It was mostly empty. Damn that 100g rule!

At least the coffee by the departure gate is decent. Iced latte – just like a regular work day 👌😉

Just a -tiny- bit hYPeR

The day of departure.

I’m nervous and excited! I’ve got stiff shoulders and a mild headache, but I’m keen to get this trip started.

I can’t wait to be on the plane and heading over. There’s a certain relief in knowing that whatever is forgotten will simply be unavailable to me while I’m away… and will be right where I left it when I get back.

Incidentally, I’ve been informed that the correct underwear:socks ratio is 3:1. I may have gotten it all sorts of wrong.

Passport? Check. Payment options? Check. Nunchaku? Check.

Let’s GOOOOO~!