DAY TWO HANMER SPRINGS TO HAVELOCK The morning greeted us with another absolute bluebird of a day , albeit a brisk start for the finger tips . We set off North and up Jollies Pass , then turning to the west and following through Clarence River and up into the Rainbow Station . Although the Rainbow Road had officially shut for the year , I managed to gain access for our ride . What a spectacular time of the year to ride through and into the Wairau Valley ! After transiting up the Wairau Valley , it was into the Waihope Valley and up to a breakout on Throne Station . Riders had a 15km excursion across some technical terrain that saw some huge elevation changes , with some real concentration needed to avoid rocks in the grass .
Lunch in Blenheim was a chance to recharge and then start the final leg for the day , from Blenheim around the eastern side of the coast through Port Underwood . This road has some stunning views of the coast , with some great spots to take a quick break and absorb the tranquillity . We then headed through Picton and across to Havelock to finish the second day with a beautiful meal at the Captain ’ s Daughter . Dinner provided a lot of anticipation for what lay ahead for day three , with the route going over to D ’ Urville Island .
DAY THREE HAVELOCK TO MOTUEKA As the day dawned , I could see it was a brilliant day to be a duck ! Riders covered up in wet weather gear and prepared
KIWI RIDER 37