Day 44 Dunedin

Stayed in Dunedin for another day to arrange our accommodation for the next four days along the Otago Central Railtrack, didn't realise that people booked this month's in advance. Very limited accommodation to be had and we ended up spending 2 hours in the i site (information centre). Went across to the Dunedin Station and booked our tickets for the morning . . .enormous Victorian train station which hasn't been alterred. Went to the Saturday market and purchased some Lebanese food for tonight.

Day 45 Dunedin - Kokonga

The Taieri Gorge Railway train left at 9.30 am with quite a few cyclists on board. You can either undertake this railtrack (150k) by either a guided tour, trekking or take your own bike and it all begins from Middlemarch. The train takes your bikes on board and transports you up to Middlemarch . . . two and half hours in total but very interesting through the Gorge, over bridges and through tunnels built years ago. At Middlemarch you leave the train and begin the railtrack (disused railway lines) It's the same as in the UK where the tracks have been taken up and the trail used for off-road cyclists. Everyone is on mountain bikes, which is the tool for the job, but we have our road bikes, Keith is fine but I'm a different matter. Our night stop-over was at Kokanga a high-end lodge with evening meal and wonderful views of the Kakanui range. . . it was our most expensive stop-over but lovely. Spent the evening talking to the other English guests from Hertfordshire, she is a midwife and has been working out here for 3 months.

Day 46 Kokonga - Oturehua

Another hot start to the day accompanied with a good breakfast. Left about 9.30 and cycled through to Ranfurly where the firemen where putting out a large fire which had burnt out shops and premises above. The locals had put out a table + tablecloth with a tea-urn and cold drinks for the fire fighters (just the same in Shirley). Keith invested in a haircut and a beard-trim he was beginning to look like Grizzly Adams. We then cycled onto Oturehua to our backpackers for the night . . . great place with beans on toast and scrambled egg tonight. Julia & Ben (the dog) ran the place and absolutely made it. She was so interested in all her guests and wanted to know all the places you were going to visit in NZ.

Day 47 Oturehua - Chatto Creek

Good ride although I still prefer tarmac, some parts very easy on the gravel but others more difficult. The scenery is wonderful and we just pass other cyclists going in the other direction. Our stopover tonight is a Tavern in Chatto Creek. . . we ordered a meal in the evening and it was absolutely huge, even Keith couldn't finish it. It is the only tavern for miles and very popular.

Day 48 Chatto Creek - Alexandra

Short Day today just 40k into Alexandra (central Otago's business and political capital). Nice area with new developements around there and up the road to Clyde with good shops and amenities. Found a BBH early and then decided to take a lakeside track back into Alexandra (25k) to have some dinner, ended up in Clyde (whoops). Staying with the ex-Chief Fire Officer tonight well not literally!!!!

Day 49 Alexandra - Tarras

70k to cover today and it's cold and raining. We stayed with a couple last night who owned La Gite in Hamner Springs we stayed at several weeks ago. . . well would you believe it!!!! Headed towards Clyde, lovely town and then straight onto State Highway 8 along Lake Dunstan, stunning mountains rising out of the water. Went into Cromwell to get bookings for the next couple of nights. Met a young Scottish couple on honeymoon riding around NZ. Unfortunately they had mechanical problems and had to leave the bike to be fixed. On the positive side (for us), found a great Thai Restaurant for lunch. They have a novel way of moving houses here (see pic) when we send them. Back on the road to Ardgour to Ray and Irene's, they have a travel company for cycling and trekking around the world, they also had a wonderful house and location in the valley . . . big mountains and skies. Eggs and bacon in the morning.

Day 50 Ardgour to Omarama

With full bellies we left the B&B via Tarras 90k for today. Through the Lindis Valley and Pass. This whole area is called Otago Central between mountains and east NZ truly breath-taking place. . . this is a must see if any of you decide to visit. Came over Lindis Pass at 950 metres, rising for 11k to the peak. Then downhill for 32k through to Omarama. Strong cross-winds but when they get behind you, you can go into your largest gear. Pulled into Top 10 accommodation for the night, freezing cold and tired. Roads here are absolutely brilliant. Personal note: Love to you all.