72 miles (1118 miles total)
After stocking up on supplies in Greymouth, I rode through the city to head off to Harihari. The ride was initially very flat, but I had to overcome a few hills after I passed the last large town before my remote ride, Hotitika. Hotitika, know for its Wildfoods festical, in which the gastronomically curious feast on huhu grubs, wasp larvae ice cream among other interesting insect treats. I explored the small city a bit, venturing into town and exploring the West Coast Historical museum. The west coast is very famous for its green stone. The museum discusses the historical significance among the Maori people. It also has an in depth focus on the immigration to New Zealand during the gold rush.
I passed through Ross, known for the largest gold nugget found in NZ. I ended my day by cycling through vast thick forest, ultimately ending at lake ianthe, just a few km outside Harihari. Although the night turned out to be a rainy one, I met a nice Chilean couple who are waiting for residency in Australia. As I ventured on the dock, I peered into the clear water to see my first wild freshwater eel! What a sight...apparently, since they are illegal to hunt, there are massive quantities in the lack. A food prized by maori, they have an interesting mating ritual in which they travel hundreds of miles out into the Pacific ocean to breed. If they do not breed, they live out to 60 years in the lakes!
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Right outside of greymouth
The booming city of greymouth
Hokitika, home of the wildfoods
Greenstone Maori pieces
Original caravan to the west coast...too bad they didn't have bikes
Through the forest
Dinosaur trees!
Lakeside camping
My fellow neighbors for the night!
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