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the best way to attack it. It’ s a comfortable ride that leads into the hills and one that is used by both two-wheel drive vehicles as well as trucks.
Our first stop is the James Mackenzie memorial, a cairn of sorts that marks the spot where Mackenzie was caught after stealing over one thousand sheep. Mackenzie always denied that he had stolen the sheep and had been hired to drive them to Otago. The legal system of 1855 saw things every differently and although he at first escaped, walking over one hundred and sixty kilometres, upon recaptured he was sentenced to five years of hard labour.
With the appointment of a new magistrate, another investigation found serious flaws in the prosecutions case and Mackenzie was eventually pardon, probably returning to Australia. His story made him a folk hero, a Robin Hood, Ned Kelly, of sorts. The region still bares his name to this day.
The pass that takes the Mackenzie name is a remote, narrow gravel road that runs over the hills at around 780 metres, here the tussock takes over from pastureland. We followed the path that is said to have the best views, west to east. From the top the track heads down to Lockhart’ s Stream, another of New Zealand’ s many river crossings.
As we rode into Fairlie, all giggling at the riding that was coming to an end, it seemed a little odd that these high passes were anything but yet were some of the most scenic and enjoyable rides anywhere in the world. New Zealand hadn’ t disappointed and when asked whether I’ d ride this island nation again, I could only comment“ thanks, I’ ll pass” … of course I’ ll be back. LW
Traverse was invited to New Zealand by Rumbling Adventures for their Five Days Of Dirt ride through the South Island. Rumbling Adventures and their New Zealand riding calendar can be found at rumblingadv. com or contact Tim and his team at info @ rumblingadv. com or WhatsApp + 64 22 301 2392
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