Time off the bikes

We spent 6 weeks off the bikes, mostly travelling by intercity bus, which we thought was great - cheap (check for eg YHA / BBH discount), friendly (including running commentary) and comfortable (lots of rest stops).

We overnighted in Christchurch (actually a pleasant spot for a couple of days) on our way to Queenstown, which we found to be far too touristy, although undeniably beautiful. We then took a tramping shuttle to Glenorchy for half a day and one night, before tackling the Greenstone-Caples loop (4 days, 61km) which we'd certainly recommend particularly if you're looking for a less crowded / cheaper alternative to the Routeburn. We then hopped over to Wanaka where we spent 5 nights at the wonderful Wanaka Bakpaka and tasted wine, cooked tons of food, did parkrun and generally soaked up the incredible mountain views.

Then it was back on the intercity bus again for a jaunt up the west coast. We were really on a mission to get to Nelson, but we did stop for a couple of nights at both Fox Glacier (underwhelming, go to Frank Josef) and Punakaiki. The scenery was utterly stunning.

Then to the very pleasant little city of Nelson. We hired a car for a couple of weeks to explore the northern reaches of Abel Tasman (in order to avoid the day trippers), Golden Bay and Nelson Lakes. Camping all on our own in Abel Tasman at Mutton Cove was an absolutely highlight, as was Nelson Lakes. We parked at Mt Robert carpark and hiked in to Coldwater hut on day 1, to Hopeless hut on day 2 (incredible) and then to Angelus hut up the Cascade track (extremely steep!) on day 3. The Angelus basin and the hike out along Roberts Ridge was some of the best scenery I've ever witnessed.

A few more days in Nelson and we were back on the bus.....to Tuamarina and the bikes!