Makarora to Lake Paringa.

March 3, 2025

Over Haast Pass.

Last night’s conversation in the kitchen was all about canyoning. There were about 8 guys from Australia who were making their way down the canyons. They showed me a video and it was quite impressive what they were doing. A guy holding onto a rope at the top of a giant rock slide right against a rock as well. The slide was probably 7 m with a 4-5 m drop at the bottom. Crazy!

We all looked at the weather for today. They were planning to pack raft and I decided the weather was acceptable to ride. Again.

It’s darker now in the morning so I didn’t get off until nearly 7:30 with all the lights going a light rain. The rain didn’t hold off for long but it was actually warm and I wasn’t even wearing gloves. I plugged away in a t-shirt with a rain jacket to make me sweat like crazy. This ride was a true rain forest experience with waterfalls everywhere. It seemed like all I could hear was water rushing down from everywhere. A few of the waterfalls were on my side and I literally rode through a cloud of mist.

Rain can be a bit like the wind for me where it puts me outside of my riding comfort zone. It results in more stops and the kilometres don’t roll by quite as fast. When I got to Haast Pass I had a major descent. It was fast and very long. I got to the bottom of it to find a one lane bridge and a raging river. I got across it and set my bike down to add a layer of merino.

About 5 minutes later there was a transport truck roll to the bridge with a pup trailer. I was happy I didn’t see him until this point. The turn onto the bridge was so tight off the downhill that he went on and backed off the bridge about 6 times. It was an impressive bit of driving to see him finally lined up and across it.

I rode the last 20 km as the rain slowed and the sun nearly came out, only to turn back to rain. I knew that once in Haast I could get a coffee and relax. I found a cafe and they gave generous portions that filled me up completely.

Drenched but not cold rolling into Haast.

Yes! Breakfast and a huge biker portion.

After Haast I had 50 km to Lake Paringa and there’s not too much exciting to report about this section. It follows the coast but with the fog and where the road goes there were very limited views. I just peddled up and down the hills the road follows and made it to Lake Paringa by 3:30. It’s earlier than I normally stop but the next place to camp feels too far. The sand flies here are outrageous! I’m wearing two layers on my legs and I’m everywhere except my face and hands. It has a really nice picnic table covered area so I’ll spend most most of the night here then retreat to the tent.

Oh! I nearly forgot the conversation I had in Wanaka. The lady said I need to name my bike. I agree. We decided that it’s definitely and she. She’s midnight sparkle blue and her character: