New Zealand post 5: PERFECTLY PERFECT

We re-join the bike path and pedal along merrily, free of traffic worries. Daily commuters in their neon green safety vests cruise past and greet jovially – ” Luvly day firit, innit?” , “Enjoy ya day”

Everything is orderly and well sign-posted with safety warnings at every juncture and instructions to give way to oncoming traffic at all narrow bridges. There is no litter anywhere. The people are friendly, courteous and compliant and there’s absolutely zero chance that you’ll get jumped for your cell phone. There are even bags of peaches and tubs of blueberries unattended on the side of the path for heavens sake – just help yourself and leave $5 in the jar!

By the by, I am alarmed to note that all this jolly hockey sticks is starting to freak me out! Is it just me, or are we South Africans, despite what we say we want, generally more inclined towards the ways of the Wild West?

Steve of course, fits right in. The flat, smooth path suits him to a Tee and he’s thrilled to jump in and join the friendly fray. In fact just cruising the path from coffee shop to coffee shop would really make his day!!

I am thrilled when we reach the Spooners Rail tunnel – 1.3km long and we definitely need our lights. This little trundle through the dark is by far the highlight of the day and after we emerge into the daylight, we find a perfect picnic spot, where someone ( clearly a cyclist) has thoughtfully carved a ledge and chairs out of fallen logs. There are even slots in the wood for parking your bike.

While we’re eating, Ella from South Hampston pulls up on her bike. She’s riding solo from North to South. If you’re a woman keen to give it a go on your own, this is truly the perfect route and the perfect country for it. It’s safe as houses, the navigation is dead simple and you’re unlikely to be harassed in any way, shape or form.

We reach Tapawera at 15h30 after just 50km, but the next possible camping is 45km on. We decide to call it quits.

Can’t find fault with the day. It really was perfect in every way…