Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park

Mankind have been floating their boats for hundreds of years. Mainly to get from point A to point B. But when “modern man” put boat travel into the realm of recreation, it was important to look good. Boats are a thing of beauty.

We stumbled on the New Zealand Antique and Classic Boat Show at Nelson Lakes National Park (the original goal was a bike ride) but what an interesting diversion. My favorite find was this floating bicycle from the 1800’s and the ability to attract women when riding it by the seashore. I just want Dave to make one, I’ll follow him anywhere.

Pancake Rocks

The west of New Zealand contains one of the most spectacular coastal highways. The dramatic limestone forms what is known as “Pancake Rocks”. The Pancake Rocks that Punakaiki is famous for, are limestone formations that began forming 30 million years ago, when lime-rich fragments of dead marine creatures were deposited on the seabed, then overlaid by weaker layers of soft mud and clay. The heaving swells of the Tasman Sea then carved that coastline for millions of years. The power of the sea is mesmerizing as it surges into the sea caves and regularly blasts sea spray high over the top.

West Coast Cycle Trail

Near Greymouth we stopped for a quick 2 hour ride on the West Coast Cycle Trail. The west coast cycle trail, one of the New Zealand great cycle trails opened to the public in November 2013 – just 3 months ago. In its entirety it is 135 km; but the pleasure of their design is you can do as little or as much as you desire. For us, an afternoon. We bicycled on sea walls, beach tracks and some converted rail trail all in one afternoon. Imagine hearing the roar of the ocean and the turn of your pedal crank a fine combination.