Paora > Rapahoe (23km, 1h20)

This morning is quite cold and wet. The proof : those clouds slowly descending the hills. There is fog all around. For the first time, somebody knocked my tent to tell me I was in a private property. Yesterday evening, I was riding on a cycling way between houses and the sea. Then I’ve stopped where there was a piece of grass. This area was connected to a garden and front of a path going to the beach. Both sides was surrounded by fence. I thought it was perfect and it was! Until this morning… A woman came just when I started to pack my stuff, asking me to leave. 20 minutes later I was on my way and let the area as clean as before, like every time. Sorry!

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Somewhere after Jacksons > Arthur’s pass village > Paroa (110km, 6h15)

Today, I’m going to visit Arthur’s pass, then come back to Jacksons and finally take another road to go next to the lake called Brunner. That’s the third day without any cloud and certainly the best one the reach the higher saddle of southern Alps. I’ve hidden my trailer and I will come back to pick it up. That way, I will be much lighter to climb the 16% steep slope! Here we go!

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Lake Mahinapua > Hokitika (12km, 40min)

This morning I woke up without alarm. I took my time but it was still early the morning. I hesitated between staying or leaving but finally I’m on my bike. I have to get a letter from the posts office. The dentist from Invercargill sent me the paper I need for my insurance. I would like to reach Greymouth today and spend part of the day tomorrow in the city. I will go to the library as well.

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