RobiNZ Personal Blog

Just a drive to Alexandra | Time Out 2021-22 Queenstown Alexandra

Friday was a good day to move, weather cool (for time of year) and wet so wouldn't have been riding. After the past few days the legs needed a break anyway. Because I had to fill time between motel check out/in took the long road to Alexandra, via Wanaka. It's saying something about the day when I drive from Queenstown to Wanaka and don't even bother taking a photo! Listened to podcasts while driving, including a brand new one from NZ Skeptics: NZ Skeptics Bronwyn, Mark & Craig have launched a new Kiwi Skeptic podcast: Yeah... Nah! Another from the... Read more →

Cardrona climb, Peak to Pub descent | Time Out 2021-22 Queenstown

Today was time to try the Cardrona Ski Field climb. Plan was to ride the road up and then take the 'Peak to Pub' mountain bike trail descent. The Crown Range Getting there requires a drive over the Crown Range; a road I've driven and cycled before and spectacular itself. Back in 2003 we cycled it heading towards Queenstown. In 2004 I climbed it heading West; memorable for being the first ride after a couple of weeks holiday and then having to pedal just as hard down the other side thanks to a stiff westerly headwind! In 2016, down for... Read more →

Moke Lake 'rest day' | Time Out 2021-22 Queenstown

After yesterday's efforts I had a lazy morning and leisurely breakfast at the motel. Decided on more of a rest day with a ride out to Moke Lake, just 15km from Queenstown. it's about 8km along the lakeside Queenstown-Glenorchy Road, then 7km into the mountains on Moke Lake Rd, which climbs the 'Seven Mile Creek' valley. Still means ~400m climbing but not much distance, and I had not been there before. It's a mix of tarmac/gravel road, but with the bonus of a Farm/MTB trail (red on map) back to the Queenstown-Glenorchy Road to add variety. That's why I rode... Read more →

Skippers Canyon | Time Out 2021-22 Queenstown

Got a text, late yesterday afternoon, that Torpedo7 had finished servicing En-Trance so first activity was a walk to collect it. On the way I passed this awesome Tahuna Mural being painted on a construction site hoarding around the carpark in Stanley St. Fresh from its first full service at 1,520km. All OK, apart from gear tuning and rear suspension arm bolt torquing, and ready to explore Skippers Canyon. Been there before, but not on my bike Years ago (2003!), after finishing my first Adventure South Tour in Queenstown, a few of us did a part-day Skippers Mountain Bike Tour.... Read more →

Queenstown, Arrowtown, Jacks Point Trails | Time Out 2021-22 Queenstown

Before I could go anywhere today I had to get rid of one bike. En-trance, my Giant Trance, was due for its first service and had booked it at Torpedo7 Queenstown. It's just a short roll down the hill and ten-minute walk back. It was a stunning day, and still quiet around the Queenstown waterfront. Going to ride the Queenstown Trails today, the gravel bike is fine for them. Strava missed a bit, total was 86km from the bike trip meter Across the road from the motel, down the hill and I was on the Frankton Walkway (shared path). Sunblock... Read more →

Auckland flight to Christchurch, on to Queenstown | Time Out 2021-22 Fly Drive

After about a week at home it was time to fly South again. Was easier, and cheaper, to leave AHBART in long term parking at Auckland Airport than other options to get there. I always take a few car photos before leaving (proof OK in case of damage) and, much later, this would prove to be useful. The small bag was just some extra 'cold and wet' gear for the more alpine and autumnal aspects of the Otago/Queenstown leg. The airport was COVID quiet again, and not much open airside apart from one coffee/newsagent outlet. Still lots of COVID retired... Read more →

Hanmer Springs to Christchurch, COVID?, to Auckland | Time Out 2021-22 Drive Fly

The plan for today was drive to Christchurch for an afternoon flight home. The Bravo would be staying with a friend until I returned for the next leg. The problem was I woke up with a scratchy throat. Was listening to National Radio while I drove, and they said if vaccinated and boosted (as I was) with Omicron it could be the only symptom. One of my problems with COVID is, thanks to sinus and allergies, have had half the symptoms most of my life! As would be around some immune compromised people, both in Christchurch and at home, decided... Read more →

Hanmer Springs Walks | Time Out 2021-22 Hanmer Springs

I had to change motels today, but only had to pack a small overnight backpack so not a big deal to move. Found it good for overnight stays when driving; just the basics so could leave my main gear bag in the car. The day wasn't great; not worth getting a bike out, dirty, cleaning again for a short ride. There are plenty of other things to do around Hanmer Springs, even though had decided to avoid the hot spring pools. They were operating but, due to COVID, you had to pre-book a timeslot so they could manage numbers, separation... Read more →

Tākaka to Hanmer Springs | Time Out 2021-22 Drive

I was sad to be leaving Golden Bay, but glad I was able to get out. The forecast storm wasn't full on yet, but the weather certainly was deteriorating. By the end of the day 200-300mm of rain had fallen (with another 250-380mm expected) and roads I had been riding around Golden Bay and Nelson were closed by the storm. On top of that, ten days later Cyclone Dovi struck NZ causing widespread damage. I was heading to Christchurch, to fly home for a week, but had a night in Hanmer Springs enroute. Back over Tākaka Hill, not a day... Read more →

Exploring Aorere Valley | Time Out 2021-22 Golden Bay Drive

The forecast was right, wet weather arrived but just a hint of the 'significant rain event' due tomorrow onwards. Source: Twitter.com/MetService/status My private rock garden was wet, but not enough for the little natural waterfall (light strip above the table) to flow. Fair weather thoughts for today were either a ride up Aorere Valley or drive/ride to Wharariki Beach. With the bikes already packed it would be a drive/walk day. Bravo'ing the wet weather on the road towards Collingwood. I hadn't visited Parapara Beach on my 'exploration ride', view from the lookout in the intermittent rain. Didn't need sunblock today!... Read more →