Through my eyes

living my life without regrets

Thursday, August 01, 2019

Winter 2019 - NZ16 Hanmer Springs


NZ16   Hanmer Springs

I was prepared this morning, I had the hotel added into my GPS, and so what could go wrong.

Well, we are not going to this hotel, Fred said after breakfast. We are going to a hotel ‘near' there. Bummer!

Ah, well, I need to adapt. 

Today’s ride is over the famous ‘Lewis Pass’, supposed to be ‘the' route to take. And indeed it was a lovely area we rode through today. We had 365 km of riding today; through desolate mountains but beautiful vistas. Watch your gas, eat when you can, because there is not much you can do once you miss a gas station and you are out of gas. 
Gas Stop In Murchison

We were warned not to speed, the police have a long view on those mountain passes and radar works great from far away. In general, NZlanders do not speed. Their traffic behavior is to obey the law. Sure, once in a while, outside of town, far away from civilization instead of going 100 k/hour you will go something like 110 k, but in towns, for sure, obey the speed limits and traffic rules. 

I had no problem with that, I was not in NZ to race, I was here to see what landscape NZ has and I must tell you, it’s stunning; Simply amazing.
Beechwoods Cafe - Lunch Stop

In Murchison you need to get gas, and it’s your last chance for food for while. This stop is a famous biker stop (Beechwoods Cafe).

We soon entered Route 65, riding towards Springs Junction, towards the Lewis Pass. 

No, I cannot say it’s like the European Alps, it’s not. Those are different venues. NZ has its own, totally different charm. 
Recommended Stop, The Bushman's Center But No Pictures Allowed Inside

Yes, because of the narrow roads the sweepers and hairpin turns might give you a similar feeling when you ride a bike in NZ, but it’s not the Alps. Let’s call this ride an Alpine Ride without comparing the two. Great Riding!

The Lewis pass is named after a surveyor, Henry Lewis, who discovered this route after speaking with the Ngai Tahu Maoriwho used a walking trail here for centuries. The Ngai Tahu transported Pounamu (Green Stone) and traded or sold it to others.
Green Stone

Ah, yes, Green Stone, a NZ specialty. In China it’s called Jade, but here in NZ, it has its own name because it is not the same Jade as you will find in China. China’s most famous Jade is milky, but in NZ it’s best if the stone is dark green. 

In NZ, in the traditions of the Maori, Pounamu is a sacred stone. It’s rare to find a really dark, pure green stone, and today, it’s a must have memory of NZ. Yes, Carol now has Green Stone earrings, but not the dark kind; hers is special in other ways.

So we arrived in Hanmer (NOT Hamner) but I cannot really say why we rode to this spot. We slept in the ‘other’ hotel, and then rode back. Why did we ride to Hanmer, Carol? Fred? Anybody?
Dreaded Construction Holdup

Oh, I know! The name in Maori is:  Te Whakatakaka O Te Ngarehu O Ahi Tamatea
(The falling of embers of the fire of Tamatea.)    

Or… it’s not the destination, it’s the ride.  Or Hanmer is a known spa town.  I really don’t know.

Strange place, end of the road and then it all stops.  Yes, there are some hot springs here I was told when we arrived, but we never rode to see them. But then, we did not ride to Hanmer as a group, we all dribbled in to the Hotel one or two at a time.
Waiting Patiently For the Holdup to Clear





















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