New Zealand Rail Trails by Bike

Up at 4.30am to manage the logistics of getting 4 bikes to the airport for a 9.30am flight. Simon dropped me and all the gear off at Epping station whilst the kids walked up. Simon then went home, dropped off the car and walked back to the station....

January 9, 2016

Our little Bach by the lake felt the full brunt of the gale force winds overnight and we only really settled to sleep once we had closed most of the windows and doors....

January 10, 2016

Jonno was first up at 7.30 to go for a run. He was back, breakfasted and relaxing in the sunny courtyard before the rest of us got out of bed. With plans to cycle into Queenstown just 8 kms away, there was no need to rush....

January 11, 2016

Up at 7.30 to allow plenty of time for the Gibbston leg of our travels so we could enjoy wine and cheese tasting. Jonno decided that we would be cycling far enough not to need an early morning run so we were wheels rolling by 9.30....

January 12, 2016

We were up early to make sure we had everything packed in the panniers in time for the bus. As it turned out, it all packed easily, so we had half an hour to sit around and enjoy the glowering clouds and wind over the lake....

January 13, 2016

We enjoyed our comfortable beds and all slept well and with only 25km to cover over the day there was no need to rush off. A leisurely start meant that Jonno had time for breakfast....

January 14, 2016

But not for cyclists.

Howling winds woke us early and it was not an encouraging sound.

"Hmmm", I said, "I think I would prefer rain to these winds". Famous last words....

January 15, 2016

A few rounds of 500 meant that we went to bed later than planned, and then it seemed to take a while for our two teenagers to settle down; it was like they were having a sleepover....

January 16, 2016

We were early to bed after our cycle up the Roxburgh Gorge, not even time for a game of cards after dinner, dishes and maths homework....

January 17, 2016

Today was a complete rest day - as in no cycling at all. We all took advantage of this and slept in till at least 9am. Despite the noise from the building site next door, the kids didn't emerge until 9.30....

January 18, 2016

The day dawned very overcast and looked as if it could rain at any second. Jonno was up at 7am to go for a 30 minute run, just to be sure he got enough exercise for the day....

January 19, 2016

The day dawned fine, which was a relief after the rain the night before. Whilst Simon and I were up before 8am, the kids stayed in bed till we roused them round 9am....

January 20, 2016

Another glorious day, and another very leisurely start. With such beautiful views there really was no need to rush. The house itself is very well set up, and the beds super comfortable, another reason for taking our time. Except....

January 21, 2016

There was no wind when we woke round 8am and the sky was brilliant blue. By the time we had made lunches and packed, the wind had picked up and there were clouds rolling in from all directions....

January 22, 2016

Peter gave us a few options on how we could spend our day. Kayaking on the river, driving to Naseby or exploring the local area, Big Sky country.

With overcast skies, we decided to explore....

January 23, 2016

The final day of the rail trail. Fortunately, the weather forecast was wrong again and the day dawned fine though cloudy. We knew we had a long ride ahead to Middlemarch but.....

January 24, 2016

It was wet when we woke, and it was good to know that cycling today was optional.

We had coffee and breakfast once the kids woke, and headed to the Kissing Gate cafe.....

January 25, 2016