From Coast to Coast NZ, Greymouth to Christchurch by mtb Day 2
June 9th 2007 05:01
Coast to Coast, NZ Day 2
Now quite a few people have asked why I chose to ride from coast to coast and why this time of year? I guess because when I’m told you can’t or shouldn’t do something, then it makes me want to go and prove otherwise. As to the time of year? There was an article in The Christchurch Press in 2002 featuring someone who did it in summer in 3 days, whereas we did it at the start of winter in 4days.
Sunset the night before
Anyway, on with the trip, Greymouth to Otira.
I woke up at about 3.20am to the sound of heavy west coast rain, ‘Great, this will be just peachy on our first day’ I thought to myself before going back to sleep. Although by about 7ish, the rain had turned to light drizzle and over cast skies. We left Greymouth at about 9.20am and according to the motel owner, the damp sea mist should clear shortly.
The next morning
We were a little dubious about this but by the time we had cleared Karoro, the sun had started to break through the clouds, so it was a quick stop to take off our wet weather gear.
The roads were pretty good and very quiet due to the public holiday although I must note that motorcycles seemed to out number cars by 5 to1. There were quite a few photographic opportunities along the way, with myself seemingly stopping every five minutes to take a pic of something.
You do see some strange things on the side of the road lol
Then we came to a combined road and rail bridge, with a big warning sign for cyclists.
Well not even 10 seconds after that photo was taken, I fell off after my front wheel got caught in the tracks. Luckily I was up and back on the bike before Steveo could take a pic lol.
We made good progress and when we reached Kumara junction, we decided to head to Kumara beach and the start of the world famous Coast to Coast race.
Start point of the world famous Coast to Coast race
Looking towards Greymouth in the distance
After a snack stop, we headed along the inland road (state highway 73) towards Arthur’s Pass.
As we drew away from the coastal flatlands and nearer to the highlands, the West Coast bush grew thicker and more lush and it was amazing to see the massive tree ferns along the side of the road and as you cycled along, you could almost imagine a T-Rex bursting out of the trees.
Sign just past Kumara junction, 'I thought it was funny as Steveo was towing a trailer'
Looking to the left
Looking ahead
Looking to the right
Even though the clouds were threatening, the rain held off and as we continued on our way, I was amazed at just how many people, car drivers and motorcyclists who would give a wave or the beep of their horn. A welcome bit of encouragement when you are feeling a bit tired. We passed Jacksons which is a well known land mark and felt a bit deflated when the next road sign advised that it was still 19kms to Otira.
As by this time we were both feeling knackered, my knee and back was starting to feel just a little uncomfortable and I was really relived when the Otira Hotel came into view.
This is an older style of establishment but after a day’s cycling, it was most welcome and even though it was old, the rooms were basic, but clean and the beds were okay too. Food was basic but well presented and I had 2 pieces of fish and chips with side salad and bread for $13.50, so well deserved after a long day and the rooms at $30 were okay too.
Otira is a tiny hamlet, nestled in the Mountains of Arthurs Pass National Park, New Zealand. It has a population of 87 and it is set 375 metres above sea level. Originally built as a railway village in 1923, it gradually declined as the railways downsized but is now privately owned and beginning to revive due to the efforts of those who live there amongst the beautiful scenery of mountains and native bush with plentiful birdlife. The Transalpine railway brings many visitors to Otira as it is a major pick-up/drop-off point for those who wish to experience the second longest train tunnel in New Zealand. This tunnel was started in 1908 and not completed until 1923, much of it built with pick-axe and shovel. (net sourced)
Otira has had fluctuating fortunes since 1923 and now the Hennah family is injecting new life into the old.
An overview of the history
In the last eighty three years Otira has seen major changes in its role. After the tunnel opened it became a busy railways settlement with passenger trains, a station tearooms, a school, a heated swimming pool and a busy hotel. Since the 1980s most of the passenger trains no longer run, except for the TranzAlpine tourist train passing through twice daily. The station restaurant and the school have been closed. Many of the houses have been pulled down or vandalised. For a brief time more people came there during the construction of the Otira Viaduct. Then in 1997 the old hotel had a For Sale sign and the township started to look like a ghost town. More recently the town has sprung into new life since the arrival of Chris and Bill Hennah. (net sourced)
As this was becoming a long post, I will do another with just some more pics on there.
Hal
Now quite a few people have asked why I chose to ride from coast to coast and why this time of year? I guess because when I’m told you can’t or shouldn’t do something, then it makes me want to go and prove otherwise. As to the time of year? There was an article in The Christchurch Press in 2002 featuring someone who did it in summer in 3 days, whereas we did it at the start of winter in 4days.
Anyway, on with the trip, Greymouth to Otira.
I woke up at about 3.20am to the sound of heavy west coast rain, ‘Great, this will be just peachy on our first day’ I thought to myself before going back to sleep. Although by about 7ish, the rain had turned to light drizzle and over cast skies. We left Greymouth at about 9.20am and according to the motel owner, the damp sea mist should clear shortly.
The next morning
We were a little dubious about this but by the time we had cleared Karoro, the sun had started to break through the clouds, so it was a quick stop to take off our wet weather gear.
The roads were pretty good and very quiet due to the public holiday although I must note that motorcycles seemed to out number cars by 5 to1. There were quite a few photographic opportunities along the way, with myself seemingly stopping every five minutes to take a pic of something.
You do see some strange things on the side of the road lol
Then we came to a combined road and rail bridge, with a big warning sign for cyclists.
Well not even 10 seconds after that photo was taken, I fell off after my front wheel got caught in the tracks. Luckily I was up and back on the bike before Steveo could take a pic lol.
We made good progress and when we reached Kumara junction, we decided to head to Kumara beach and the start of the world famous Coast to Coast race.
Start point of the world famous Coast to Coast race
Looking towards Greymouth in the distance
After a snack stop, we headed along the inland road (state highway 73) towards Arthur’s Pass.
As we drew away from the coastal flatlands and nearer to the highlands, the West Coast bush grew thicker and more lush and it was amazing to see the massive tree ferns along the side of the road and as you cycled along, you could almost imagine a T-Rex bursting out of the trees.
Sign just past Kumara junction, 'I thought it was funny as Steveo was towing a trailer'
Looking to the left
Looking ahead
Looking to the right
Even though the clouds were threatening, the rain held off and as we continued on our way, I was amazed at just how many people, car drivers and motorcyclists who would give a wave or the beep of their horn. A welcome bit of encouragement when you are feeling a bit tired. We passed Jacksons which is a well known land mark and felt a bit deflated when the next road sign advised that it was still 19kms to Otira.
As by this time we were both feeling knackered, my knee and back was starting to feel just a little uncomfortable and I was really relived when the Otira Hotel came into view.
This is an older style of establishment but after a day’s cycling, it was most welcome and even though it was old, the rooms were basic, but clean and the beds were okay too. Food was basic but well presented and I had 2 pieces of fish and chips with side salad and bread for $13.50, so well deserved after a long day and the rooms at $30 were okay too.
Otira is a tiny hamlet, nestled in the Mountains of Arthurs Pass National Park, New Zealand. It has a population of 87 and it is set 375 metres above sea level. Originally built as a railway village in 1923, it gradually declined as the railways downsized but is now privately owned and beginning to revive due to the efforts of those who live there amongst the beautiful scenery of mountains and native bush with plentiful birdlife. The Transalpine railway brings many visitors to Otira as it is a major pick-up/drop-off point for those who wish to experience the second longest train tunnel in New Zealand. This tunnel was started in 1908 and not completed until 1923, much of it built with pick-axe and shovel. (net sourced)
Otira has had fluctuating fortunes since 1923 and now the Hennah family is injecting new life into the old.
An overview of the history
In the last eighty three years Otira has seen major changes in its role. After the tunnel opened it became a busy railways settlement with passenger trains, a station tearooms, a school, a heated swimming pool and a busy hotel. Since the 1980s most of the passenger trains no longer run, except for the TranzAlpine tourist train passing through twice daily. The station restaurant and the school have been closed. Many of the houses have been pulled down or vandalised. For a brief time more people came there during the construction of the Otira Viaduct. Then in 1997 the old hotel had a For Sale sign and the township started to look like a ghost town. More recently the town has sprung into new life since the arrival of Chris and Bill Hennah. (net sourced)
As this was becoming a long post, I will do another with just some more pics on there.
Hal
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Comment by charliesgirl_992000
Histeries, Mysteries and what not
Lifes little slices
Mystical Creativity
looks like a great time! they just put in a bike trail along our ceek line. i can't wait to explore it. not sure how long they have it yet. just put this part in a few days ago.
Tammy
Comment by kiwiauthor
Got to think up my next adventure now??
Hal
Comment by charliesgirl_992000
Histeries, Mysteries and what not
Lifes little slices
Mystical Creativity
Have fun!! Tammy