The Ride is Complete

The end of the bike tour of the South Island has arrived. While at times it felt like boot camp (Guide: "You want lunch? Fine, you'll have to cycle uphill for the next 35km. I'll see you there." Me: "Great. Sounds like fun. Are any of the plants on the side of the road edible?"), it was still a great trip and I don't think that there is a better way to experience the this part of the world. The last few days were spent cycling through the fiordlands, kayaking with penguins and dolphins and spending a night on a boat anchored in Milford Sound. The highlight was the downhill to Milford Sound, which was steep and fast and lasted for at least 20 minutes. Control during this descent was only an illusion and the adrenaline rush incredible. Seeing the penguins, dolphins and seals on the sound was also incredible.

I will be heading to Auckland and the North Island on Friday. That will bring me to the last week of my initial trip, but I still have a lot planned. Sand boarding on Cape Reinga, sailing through the Bay of Islands, abseiling 100m into a cave in Waitomo and white water rafting near Rotorua will make the last week in New Zealand one to remember.