Scenic ride to Haast and West Coast waiting

17 april

I wake up at seven and feel that it is chilly outside, definitely below freezing. I pack quickly, I wait until later to eat breakfast, when the sun has started to warm up. My tent is covered in white ice and the ropes are stiff for the same reason.

Around eight I roll south towards Haast. Today’s route is quite simple – starting with a downhill, then I cycle flat all the way to Haast.

The first 10 kilometers are a bit chilly, my gloves are too thin but I continue because I see the sun shining up between the mountain sides.

The fog rolls down from the mountain and lies low over the road. The surface can be quite slippery, especially on left-hand bends where the asphalt is darker. On the right-hand bends, the small rays of sunlight that have broken through have dried up most of the wet spots.

The road that winds between the mountains and the Haast River has followed me all the way and will continue to do so until Haast. After an hour and a half of cycling I reach the valley, and now the sun has warmed the air so that it feels very pleasant.

Around half past ten I arrive at a parking lot and a lookout point for the Roaring Billy Falls waterfall.

There are already a few cars, campers and a bunch of BMW cyclists in the parking lot.

A triangular green area with a large table attracts me especially, perfect for fixing breakfast. Sandwiches, muesli with fruit yoghurt, avocado and coffee are on the menu.

While I enjoy my breakfast in the sunshine, the parking lot fills up with more and more cars. Everyone seems to be heading towards the waterfall. Just before I leave the parking lot a touring cyclist cycling into the area.

He stops by me and introduces himself as Daniel from Germany. He has left Haast and now on his way up through the pass.

We share some information end experience with each others. He’s plan is going south to Invercargil and the follow the east coast up to Christchurch.
It’s always fun to meet like-minded people and nerds on touring bikes.

He left me some very interesting tips about places after the road when I told him my route up after West Coast , The Gold Coast to Picton.

From here to my hotel in Hasst I had to cycle 27 km. Mostly flat to slightly winding. Right after I left the parking area I cycle through dense and temperate rainforest which is quite typical for West Coast.

The vegetation often grows close to the road edge,  silverbeech forest, tree ferns grows on both side of the road forming a tunnel-like feeling.

Moss and vines together with tall trees create a very green jungle-like atmosphere. In some parts the vegetation forms a tunnel-like feel

Not many roads can offer more beautiful scenery than this. When I get closer to Haast the forest open slightly, passing farmland, small houses and lodges and Haast river is visible.

Haast is a small town with around 100 residents, and most people make their living from tourism. Agriculture and fishing are also important sources of income.

Just before two in full sunshine I cycle into the entrance car park of Wilderness Accommodation where I previously booked two nights.

I get a four-bed room that I later share with a New Zealand cyclist.

My bicycle can I park under a roof storage room at the entrance.

Next to the hotel, there’s a grocery store, a café, a bar, and an adventure center for those who want to fly up to the glaciers.

Wilderness Accommodation features a spacious rectangular covered courtyard, complete with tables, sofas, and chairs, surrounded by flowers and trees… mini rainforest

The kitchen has two gas stoves, a fridge and a freezer. Clean and tidy and the kitchen utensils are in order. Feels comfortable.

WiFi costs 5 NZD and is enough for a day.

There are hot showers in two places along the corridors, and you can also use the washing and drying facilities there.

I ask the male owner if I can put my sleeping bag in during the ongoing drying process, and he replies….

– Yes, of course he says and continues…

– I’ll let you know when it’s ready.

Then into my room which feels cozy with white sheets and a yellow duvet. I have some instant coffee in my bag and make myself coffee and some sandwiches before the shower.

It feels good, and I—who have been longing for New Zealand—have gotten more fuel for the fire.

Morning rest and some washing of clothes

See Yeah Later
P-G
//The Global Cycling