Today's mission was simple, drive to Tākaka, Golden Bay. It was a rest day, after several days riding, and would check out Kaiteriteri & Mārahau before heading 'over the hill'. I've been to both before, several times, but they're so nice was keen to go back. Thought about a ride at Kaiteriteri's MTB trails, not a huge 'park ride' fan but had heard good things about them.
It is not far but Tākaka Hill's elevation (~1,000m) and twisty road takes time to drive, even without the scenery stops.
I drove into Little Kaiteriteri, quieter than the main beach, and even at low tide it is beautiful.
There's no store here and I needed lunch; walked around the small bluff to the main Kaiteriteri Beach.
Looking back to Little Kaiteriteri.
It was Friday, but the main beach was still quite busy. All the usual kayak rentals and boat trips were still operating. As I passed a kayaking group preparing to depart, heard one of the clients grumpy about having to do the (short) tutorial because 'they knew how to kayak'. Tourist guides certainly earn their (often minimal) pay...
I took lunch, a nice beef roll from 'Kaiteriteri Store - On The Spot', back to Little Kaiteriteri Beach. No sooner unwrapped it and a local arrived for his share...
There's a new development on Talisman Heights, nice views over Kaiteriteri and/or Mapua depending which way you look or buy...
Back to two bikes!
While checking out Sandy Bay & Mārahau I got a call from Village Cycles Richmond who'd squeezed my breakdown repair into their busy workshop schedule. My gravel bike was fixed!
Brilliant timing as was about to head over Tākaka Hill. It's only about 45 minutes back to Richmond, so went back to collect it. They said the rear hub bearing surfaces looked a bit worn (which I suspected) but had rebuilt the wheel with new bearings and grease:
"Should be OK but can't guarantee, keep an eye on it, and see how it goes".
With the shortage of parts and COVID timelines replacement wasn't an option anyway. I'm writing this six months later (in July) and just checked; ~4,600km further down the road/trail it's still fine.
While packing there, I finally remembered to take a snap of how two bikes fit in a medium size hatchback!
Stopped at the nearby Repco to get some oil for the car. In the predeparture check I thought it may have used some and was unlikely to find the matching type in Golden Bay if needed more. However, less than 100ml topped it up and I never needed to add any more. Not bad for a 21-year-old 'unreliable' Italian car, with 267,000km on the clock, and a couple of thousand kilometres open road touring in the past few months.
It was another sweltering day and I stopped at Riwaka for a fresh berry ice-cream and 'fresh from the gate' orchard fruit. Peaches, nectarines, and apples: breakfast fruit and snacks sorted for a while.
Over Tākaka Hill
Tākaka Hill divides Golden Bay / Mohua from the Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere (Motueka-Nelson region). North of the road the hills are part of Abel Tasman National Park, South connects to the vast Kahurangi National Park.
Stopped at the Tākaka Hill viewpoint looking towards Marahau & Fisherman/Adele Islands. In 2011 I'd cycled up here (Elev. 791m) from Motueka (I'm still using the 'miracle shoes' purchased then!) but never cycled on the Golden Bay side. Time to remedy that!
Heading down Tākaka Hill towards Golden Bay.
The Rocks, my Tākaka home
I had found The Rocks Chalets on Google Maps and booked well ahead, back in September. Although later in the summer season COVID had changed holiday patterns and I was concerned about availability. As the reviews indicated it proved to be a superb choice.
The Rocks is about 1km before you get to Tākaka village. There are five private motel style open plan self-contained ensuite Chalets—Pukeko, Fantail, Kiwi, Kereru, Tui (mine)—and Morepork, a three bedroom fully furnished house. These are set in a peaceful location amongst scenic natural karst rock formations, thus the name.
My private chalet garden had outside bath (there was an inside bathroom too!), outdoor table and small BBQ. In addition to this there's a communal entertainment area, with large BBQ, and guest laundry in a separate building.
Nice to have both bikes again!
The chalet interior, so nice, so quiet! Quieter than usual as due to COVID all motels were operating in low/no contact mode. The chalet was pre-loaded with all I needed for the five-night stay (extra milk/coffee, linen etc). Apart from daily refuse collection unless requested it would not be serviced until I left, fine for me.
But not entirely private, someone was checking out who'd invaded their patch and inspected regularly! :)
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