I have often wondered how many km I have cycled overseas – I have guessed in the past. Today I went through all my Strava data files and did a nice little spreadsheet. I have ridden 27, 762 km internationally in 20 countries.

France is sitting in first place with 6,565 km, followed by Italy on 4,757 km and New Zealand 4,750 km

I cannot believe that we are only 13 sleeps away from returning to New Zealand, our first trip there since 2019. It certainly rates highly for us as a cycling destination.

We will fly into Wellington, arriving late at night. The next morning we will have to move with haste to put the two bikes together, store our travel luggage and head off to the ferry.

We will be on a four-hour ferry trip across Cook Strait to Picton – and hopefully the weather is nice as I think the closer we get to South Island, the better the scenery will be. Queen Charlotte Sound looks spectacular (photo courtesy http://www.newzealandtrails.com)

Then off we head the following morning with a 111 km ride, and around 1100 metres climbing. We will spend two nights in Nelson and complete a circuit ride on the second day heading out through Stoke, Richmond to Norris Gully and Kohatu via Spooners Tunnel following the Great Taste Trail.

I have borrowed this map from a cycling company promotion. We are not involved with this company as we are independent riders – I map all of our rides, upload them to our bike computer, and make all necessary accommodation and ferry transfers. For riders new to cycle touring, I do initially recommend using a company – as we did ourselves in the earlier years.

Then we have another tougher day – 108 km and 1078 metres ascent to climb over Takaka Hill to Motupipi, riding along the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park.

There is a degree of trepidation as this road features on a website highlighting dangerous roads. The Pass is described as “very steep and a winding road with 257 corners and some almost 320-degree hairpins”. There is no other route over though and we will leave Nelson as early as we can (there is no breakfast where we are staying so we will likely eat a little before we leave and pick up food along the way).

This day will also be Christmas Eve and I expect traffic will increase exponentially.

We will be in Motupipi for Christmas, a small village in the middle of nowhere staying in a renovated train carriage. We will aim to buy some food from Takaka so we can eat on Christmas Day!

A few things planned include a river swim at a local river spot, visiting Tata Beach and Te Waikoropupu Springs – a beautiful sacred site – no swimming allowed. Maybe a bath?

Collingwood is next – yes New Zealand also has a Collingwood – and we have three nights there as we have two-day trips planned including heading towards Cape Farewell and the West Coast.

I have mapped a ride to head in and around the Whanganui Inlet and possibly up towards Puponga. What we end up doing will depend on the weather, how we feel as we may also head to the famous and historic Langford Store at Banhaim – in a totally different direction.

Leaving Collingwood, we weave back and over Takaka Hill (we love climbing hills with a loaded bike – said noone ever).

We are going to St Arnaud for two nights, overlooking Lake Rotoiti. We will cycle around to Lake Rotoroa the following day.

Then we have our easiest day riding out to Blenheim following the Wairau River and valley.

Finally we head back to Picton the following day to return to Wellington on the ferry and a possible short ride before cleaning and packing our bikes up.

We are hoping for nice weather, fair winds, minimal rain, no spills or illness.

New Zealand will then move up to number two on my all-time km list, overtaking Italy!

I will blog each day, assuming wifi is strong enough – with Tony’s photos and my words.

Thankyou for reading, and I look forward to sharing our journey vicariously.

Ooroo.