The beginning...

After leaving Wellington I headed north up the Hutt Valley and into the Rimutaka mountain range and my first proper climb which peaked at 555m, where I stopped at a cafe for an apple and some cake! I then descended into Featherston on the Alpine-like twisty roads reaching mighty speeds up to 60kph - great fun. I rounded off the day by heading south to the coast, on the west side of Lake Wairarapa, through Pirinoa and down to Ngawi. Total distance was 155km and my legs were buggered! But it was worth it because the weather was stunning!
In Ngawi I free-camped near the beach, and considering I was on the south coast of NZ, I was truly surprised at the distinct lack of wind. I got talking to a couple in the local boozer about my travels and they offered me a shower and a bacon butty in the morning. Of course I accepted, and sure enough in the morning (which dawned still and bright) Ken and Venessa picked me up! To them I am very grateful.
Day 2, Sunday, proved to be another tough day in the saddle as I headed around Cape Palliser, where it's easier to get around if you're a fur seal, than a cyclist! It was rugged and at one point I was pushing the bike through 'the desert' (quote from a local) which was a wide patch of thick gravel and sand. I covered 75km this day over 6 hours after arriving in Martinborough, 30-40km was off-road or on 'metal roads' (gravel tracks), and there were a number of climbs to keep me busy. Weather was sweltering hot and with the wind behind me, it felt still and even hotter! I was very glad for the excellent shower at the camp site in Martinborough.
Day 3, and I'm still in Martinborough a chic wine-producing village. I've decided to have an easy day today and will make my first attempt at stealth camping tonight on the road to Greytown and the North!
I wish I was a smarter man; perhaps then I could do this country justice in words. I'll upload a photo or two to help me out when I get the chance, but for now my words will have to suffice.
-AC