Sheree Fitzi, a New Zealander of Swiss decent, and Andrea Price, all the way from Canada, decided the best way to see New Zealand was to cycle, and support a good cause at the same time. Andrea has traveled extensively and as a teacher has taught English in Korea for two years. Sheree has been an Au-Pair for six years. Their journey began on the 11th of February and 6 weeks later, they made a grand entrance into Palmerston North. They were taken under the wing of Lance Bickford, who put them up during their stay. They attended the lantern parade, and set up a stall at the cultural festival, managing to raise a few funds for World Vision. Their experience of Palmerston North was very positive – despite what they had heard! There was plenty to do, and the city radiated with energy. Even the library was an amazing experience! Comfortable couches, a friendly café and staff, and even were involved with the lantern parade, by displaying the lanterns afterwards.
At the Lantern Parade
Then from Palmerston North, their journey continued through the Pohangina Valley, accompanied by Lance and Juliet. It was a bit of a climb, up to 2000 feet, ending their cycling day at our place. They got to our place half way between Apiti and Rangiwahia, wet, tired, cold and walking their bikes, because they had a flat tire!
Heading north east to the Pohangina Valley with Lance & Juliet, who's taking the photo.
After they had warmed up with hot showers, a cuppa and muffins, our son Pete took them out a trip to the Limestone Caves, up the top end of Table Flat Road, where they saw the glowworms amongst the water falling through the caves. They then had a short hike out to the Alice Nash Heritage Lodge, where they saw the breathtaking views and marveled as they watched the sunset over the rolling hills in the west.
At The Limestone Caves
Their journey continued early the next morning bumping over four more kms of metal road. The day started cloudy, but eventually the sun came out giving them some great views. The girls had a bit of trouble with a tyre and a wrong-sized tube, made worse by the fact that they left the puncture kit on the bench. It all got sorted and we were so grateful to receive an E Mail from Andrea to say they finally reached Ohakune that evening. What a great effort!
You can follow their trip by going to www.bikingnz.blogspot.co.nz.
