Day 21 Haast to Wanaka slightly longer version

Yesterday started with a fairly flat 50km ride up to the start of the Haast Pass climb.This was going to be a bigger day at approx 150km to Wanaka.

It's now noticeably darker in the mornings with sunrise after 7.30am vs 7am st Cape Reinga. It's also noticeably colder in the mornings. After a misty start the weather was spectacularly good and the scenery remains outstanding.
I saw a couple of other TA riders for the first time in a few days. I had last seen this couple at the start of the Timber Trail in the middle of the North Island where we had shared accommodation.

The Haast Pass is a fantasticly scenic ride and a decent climb. However I was soon wheeling it down the other side to Makarora for coffee.
From Makarora I rode alongside Lakes Wanaka and Hawea.

I finished the day off with 30kms along the Hawea River and Wanaka Outlet trails to Wanaka arriving about 7pm.
Wanaka was buzzing with life, prob boosted by the A&P show. Wanaka continues to have further developed each time I visit.

I was staying again with a couple of friends who spend their days fishing while I've biked. Dad was also in town and it was good to have a drink with him and Julia.



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