Day: February 14, 2025

Riding Stats

Accommodations

Route Tracker

We in the US think of the PCH as “west”, or I do anyway.

Here down under we have now crossed the North Island latitudinally and are enjoying views on the east side of the country along the Pacific Coast Highway. I put a pin where we stop every night to plot our progress on the Route Tracker at night.

Today was kind of an easier day, well except for getting out of Auckland at rush hour. Woof. It just takes time. We had such a nice variety of riding though – through parks, rural areas and some of the coast. And the sun was behind the clouds for a good part of the day which made it easier on the skin.

As we were cycling out of Auckland we stopped in a family owned Filipino bakery for a muffin and coffee.

Best muffin ever I thought and when I let the young lady know that, she said her mother makes them everyday. So, well, we just had to meet her. And her son is the chef!

Tomorrow we head toward the Firth of Thames. If you don’t know what a “firth” is, and no I’m not lisping, it’s a long narrow inlet off of the sea. I only know because I had to look it up. 😂 Ya never know when that one will pop up in Wordle.

Since New Zealand is one of the countries at the lead of the International Date Line, we were first to wish each other and our family and friends at home a Happy Valentine’s Day. Hope yours is extra special too. Thanks for the follow!

Click on the link below to view today’s video.

Riding Stats

Accommodations

Route Tracker

We had just two goals today: 1) Be sure to be at the wharf at 7:45am to board the ferry and 2) ride to Auckland. ✅ and ✅

So take down tent, pack bags, make coffee and get to the wharf.

Us and about 25 other cyclists.

This was not the ferryman’s first rodeo shuttling cyclists. He had a plan for each man and it worked. Bikes boarded first, then bodies and bags.

The Māori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa or “Land of the Long White Cloud”. Appropriate I’d say.

Kinda nice to be sitting on a boat bench rather than a bike saddle.

Zach is FundRiding for Pancreatic Cancer which took his mom’s life two years ago. He and his mom, Wendy used to bike tour together.

Though Wellington is the capital, Auckland is more populated with almost 1.7 people, and it’s a bit tricky to navigate when on bikes (kilometers and driving on the opposite side of the road throw in a couple ringers as well). We scored a beautiful Marriot properly using our friends and family discount, thanks Anne!

Once there we walked around the city and as always, found food. Wow! Is this city multicultural!

Auckland you a really are awesome but we’ll have to say goodbye to you tomorrow.

Click on the image below to view today’s video: