March 16, 2025
Havelock to Waikawa and Waikawa to Spring Creek Loop
Yesterday’s riding from Havelock to Waikewa was very nice. I’d seen a big section of this road already after completing the Queen Charlotte track but not all of it. From Havelock I rode a quick 2 kilometres to the scenic turnoff for Picton and it was very nice to get off of highway 6. The road was quiet with very little traffic and what traffic I encountered was very kind and either sat behind me or passed with a wide birth. The scenery was very nice as well and I finished the 40 odd kilometres by midday.
Today I decided to take the gravel roads from Waikawa to Spring Creek. From there I’d decide if I’d come back the same way or take highway 1 and the Whale Trail. This riding was really good and in my opinion this should be on the S2S as it gets you to Spring Creek and then you just follow the Whale Trail to Blenheim. It is difficult though so perhaps that’s why they left it out. It seems to fit perfectly with the theme of the S2S (quite sealed and gravel roads with epic scenery).
I started about 8:30 and the first sealed road climb was 400 m. It was a big one but I was fresh and only stopped once for about 30 seconds on the way to the top. I still feel the hardest road climb I did was coming back from French Pass. Today I also benefited from a light bike with zero gear.
At the top I snapped a few pictures and then raced down. I think I’ve nearly gone through the second set of pads on the rear as they squeak now. The quiet sealed roads here are unreal to ride with the tight corners and significant pitch. I’m all over the brakes just to keep myself in control so I can hug the blind corners.
All the elevation was lost as you descent into Hakahaka Bay and then Oyster Bay. The road then turns to gravel and you pass through and by 6 more bays. And then another huge climb on gravel of nearly 300 m and then right back down to sea level and another climb of nearly 300 again. This trail would be signed “must love climbing!”.
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3 weeks ago
I was loving it! There were multiple DOC spots both for recreation and camping along the way. I stopped to check out views and then kept plugging away.
Shortly before noon I was done all the climbing and descending and I hit pavement and vineyard views. I worked hard the last 8 km often into a headwind before stopping at the 4-Square for a break and food.
On the return I didn’t feel my legs could handle another 1700 m of climbing so I took the highway. It is busy but compared to the other highways there is actually a shoulder. I took advantage of the Whale Trail where possible and even rode a section excited that it was new to me to hit a dead end and have to go back. The sign talks about land agreements and it’s clear this is a big undertaking but it’s going to be such a game changer to be off that highway fully.
I made it back to Picton by 2:30 and another ride over 2000 m of climbing.
Highlights:
-sealed and gravel roads from Waikawa to Spring Creek were great
-great views
Distance: 44 km/631 m yesterday, 96 km/2038 m today
Today's ride: 140 km (87 miles)
Total: 4,872 km (3,026 miles)
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3 weeks ago
3 weeks ago