Takaka 2 Nights. Takaka to Riwaka.


February 24, 2016


Daniel our host in Riwaka had spoke about Takaka hill and the amazing downhill ride that awaited us once we reached the summit. He wasn’t lying. The now 3 of us, myself, Richard and Hatchi were at the base about to start our climb at 9am. Hatchi had a really good go at keeping up but she was better suited at her own pace so the two of us pushed on. It was after a few kilometres that Richard started to move away from me which is usually the case on a steep climb. He reached the top about 15 minutes before me and waited so we could do the downhill at the same time. I have rode some great downhills in the USA, Australia and New Zealand but this one was the best so far. 2700ft of downward winding road with amazing views to enjoy for the split second when you can look up from watching the road.





There were 3 cars behind us all the way down and because of the speed we were hitting they were unable to pass us. 38 mph was the maximum we got to and with a shear drop only metres away it makes for an unreal rush. We had a couple of hours in the town getting supplies and visiting the information centre when we were joined by Hatchi who had made it down the hill as well. She was going to go to a caravan park but we told her to join us at the hosts house. She had been using warmshowers but hadn’t sent a request to the host we were going to but when we got there and met Owen and Peggy they said it was find for her to stay as well. We had a brilliant evening chatting, eating and playing with the cat before we all called it a night. I was spending the night in the garden sleeping in Owen and Pegs caravan. It was a really retrospective feeling being in a caravan for the first time in years and I had a great nights sleep.




For our day in Takaka the three of us cycled to Pupu Springs to see the 62 metre deep crystal clear natural spring. It used to be a swimming hole but in 1966 the government put it on the natural heritage list and made it viewing only. The water is apparently 11 degrees so any swimming would have been just a quick in and out. In the afternoon we made it out to Tata Beach for a swim and picnic.











Tomorrow we head back over the big Takaka Hill and start to make our way towards the west coast trail.



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