A slower start to the day planned as active recovery….spin the legs a bit faster but easier gears.

This is our fourth Christmas in New Zealand and with nothing open, very quiet. We did not even hear peep from our hosts.

Heading out of Motupipi we skirted around Takaka heading to the local springs.

Te Waikoropupu Springs are the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand and the the largest coldwater springs in the Southern Hemisphere.

The colour and clarity of the springs is extraordinary.

Water is discharged at around 14,000 litres per second (40 bathtubs).

The Springs are regarded by the Maori’s as a place held in high cultural and spiritual legend. In Maori tradition the springs are waiora, the purest form of water and provide water for healing. It was a place of ceremonial blessings at time of birth and death and the leaving and returning of travellers.

It is a short walk to the springs. The track was very rideable but out of respect we pushed our bikes.

The water looked amazing. With no direct sun the photographs do not show that depth but with our naked eye it was apparent. Ona sunny day I imagine it would be magical.

Heading back through Takaka township, everything was closed and very quiet so we decided to head to the Labyrinth Rock Park.

Labyrinth Rock Park features natural maze like pathways weaving through limestone canyons and outcrops. Certain features have been named including the Witches Cauldron, The Kissing Pigs, The Glacier and The Alligator!

Dave Whittaker, an English geologist and mining engineer arrived in the area in 1994. He soon discovered this area of karst limestone rock and leased the area from Council.

He cleared weeds and soil, creating tracks to attract locals and tourists.

The site is free to visit and we were able to wheel our bikes through most sections, leaving them briefly to check out various smaller tracks. With no one around we felt fairly safe within the Labyrinth.

We then rode up to Pohara beach arriving just as it started to drizzle. A few quick photos and we headed back to our little caboose to contemplate our navels.

Today’s out and back route was fairly flat.

Merry Christmas to all. I hope you’ve have been able to share it with your loved ones. It is not an easy day for many accentuating issues many can experience. I hope that 2025 is happy and healthy and full of positive new memories. 😊❣️