TA day 27: Haast to Hawea
Distance 128km, Elevation Gain 1656m
Any potential complacency about the prospect of successful completion of our 30 day TA challenge we’re given a harsh reality check with Andy waking to a flat front tyre, and - eventually fixed and on our way - a brutal headwind slowing progress significantly. Once into the relative shelter of bush and forest, the 50km ride up the Haast river valley became much more pleasurable. Rest stop at Pleasant Flat, before the big climb of the day…450m over 10km to Haast Pass. Towering peaks on all sides made for impressive visual distraction from the arduous nature of the riding!
A fast but sadly brief descent led to a long undulating ride out towards Makarora, again labouring against the headwind wherever the road was exposed. Makarora Country Cafe provided a splendid muffin, scone and coffee break! Thus fortified we ploughed on, eventually sidling along Lake Wanaka , before crossing ‘the Neck’ over to Lake Hawea - jaw dropping, gob smacking, eye popping scenery all around! The last 20km into Hawea was particularly wearisome, with hill after hill, but finally we reached our lodgings at The Camp - Lake Hawea Holiday Park. Outstanding oven baked pizzas and Wanaka craft beers prepared us for a most comfortable and restorative sleep, to ready ourselves for the long leg over the Crown Ranges to Queenstown!
