At Naseby New Zealand | I Craig and I set off with some friends last week, what a wonderful journey. Even though the forecast was for rain, snow a...nd southerlies we only had two hours rain the whole time, the rest was magic. always thought NZ had no history to speak of. Then we cycled the Otago Rail Trail and I had to change my thinking. |
We set off from Clyde in glorious sunshine with no wind. First night in a quaint little town off the trail, Ophir and Blacks Hotel, an art decco style building, great hosts and food, great price. Next day first stop 'coffee' at Lauder. The Station Cafe was closed, but she could see we were desperate so opened up for us. The official trail opening was the next day, so she was home baking, yummy smells and great coffee. Huge day of beautiful scenery, tunnels, viaducts (amazing history of how they were built) and the rain! But we pushed on to Naseby and had our first go at Curling, what fun, 4 very competitive people, but ended in a draw. Naseby was such a quaint little town and the Royal Hotel where we stayed had some very colourful locals, wonderful food. Next night we stayed in a converted barn, great rooms. The local, Waipiata Hotel was just down the road, (up for sale if you are interested, right on the trail). Our final day started at Hyde to middlemarch. A great day and a great ride. Finished with lunch at the Kissing Gate Cafe in Middlemarch 'perfect'.