Our biggest day yet. 70 miles, 4500ft of climbing.

We started along a beautiful undulating gravel path along the lakes. We then reached Lake Hawea, where we realized that we had left our cold food in a stuff sack in the fridge. Luckily this was also the last place where we could buy food, so we had a little detour to the convenience store (and then the supermarket I had initially missed) for the nights dinner.

We then followed the entire lake. It was beautiful. This also happened to be the first place where we were shouted at and dangerously passed by someone. A couple young men in a pickup truck towing a boat. The stereotypes write themselves.

After the lake, we followed the river to Lake Wanaka’s northern section and cycled that until it ended. We then followed a river for a little bit until our campsite. Throughout the entire time, we were surrounded by mountains. It was beautiful.

We ended the day by going over Haast Pass. The pass that separates the Otago region from the West Coast region. This was a nice 800ft climb. What a way to end a 70 mile day.

Our campsite was a little flat patch next to the river. We promptly got in and cleaned our clothes for tomorrow. We slept well.