Feb 24, 2019

We managed to have some breakfast and get rugged up before the rain started and thankfully got very little of it all day, but we discovered a dusting of snow was left on the surrounding peaks overnight which the locals tell us is unseasonal for this time of year here. In any case it was freezing cold and we were grateful for the multiple layers of clothing we had on. Having said that for the most part we managed to ride in front of, behind or beside the worst of the rain so encountered very little throughout the day and were treated to magnificent stormy and colourful skies in all directions as well as reflected views in water when beside it. Wow!

 

More stunning examples of limestone country.

 

Clifden Suspension bridge built in 1898 and had the longest single span of any bridge in NZ at the time (111.5m).

 

Looks like more good weather ahead!

 

A cute house as we seek out a view of Monkey Island.

 

And there’s Monkey Island.

 

A quirky bus stop in Colac Bay.

 

The Bluff Beacon. The Bluff was established in 1824 and is all things Port … still.

 

Quirky Art Deco Café at the Bluff where we had some lunch.

 

And coming back down from the Bluff Lookout. Saw lots of pushbike riders pushing their bikes up, I’m glad we didn’t meet any coming down as we were going up.

 Last 2 nights’ accommodation:

Lakeside Motel and Apartments

3 Lakefront Drive

Te Anau NZ

 

A lovely spot to drop for a couple of nights. A short few minutes’ walk to the rest of town and dining and shop options. We are in a 1 Bedroom Non-smoking kitchen unit with a lakefront view and it’s just lovely. Older than some we have had but clean and functional and beautifully presented. Guest laundry. Free and fast Wi-Fi so a big plus for me. Plenty of level parking on site without charge and cheerful staff to deal with. What more could a traveller want? Nothing I say!