Martinborough to Cape Palliser: (well, nearly)

Friday May 25, 2018, 38 miles (61 km) - Total so far: 4,715 miles (7,588

km)

(Nearly because, of course, the road turns to gravel before you quite get there, sigh.)

A great day on the bikes, aside from the roaring headwind for the last 15km!

The countryside you encounter on leaving Martinborough is pretty, and gets prettier the further you go. The road is also lovely and quiet - perfect cycle touring?! One you turn off onto Cape Palliser road, things gradually become more bleak and dramatic. (It was at this point we encountered the roaring southerly!). The views were stunning and we even saw some seals. Here's our route:
https://www.strava.com/activities/1596112721

We stayed at Waimeha camping village - a nice and fairly new spot, with bargain 'units' for $50. They also have cabins, and camp sites for the warmer months. There's a decent kitchen (although not huge) and a cool common room that feels more like a very laid back pub, and has a free pool table. The host, JP, is very friendly and, if you're of as reserved a persuasion as we Brits, may smother you with offers of kindness ;). The campsite has a small shop and bar, if you haven't brought enough provisions with you.

We noticed that there's another 'glamping' site a couple of Ks north of Waimeha, and you could also go for the DOC site at the putarangia pinnacles - it looks great, flush toilets for just $6 each. There's also a free camping spot further south in Ngawi which looks like it also takes tents.