Had a coffee and a cheese scone at Wild Sage Cafe which didn’t open until 10am. It was a good day to start late, as it was a cold overcast damp morning. Then it was a nice easy track along the Waitaki River and through the vineyard.
It was interesting crossing wide dried riverbeds that must be a sight to see in flood like in January. I wonder if they would be dry in autumn if there wasn’t so much water extracted for irrigation.
There were a couple of crossings of dry river beds.
This area of the trail is dominated by limestone escarpments, some of which are decorated with Maori drawings. The rock art site at Takiroa is a good spot for lunch, away from the road and the smell of cow shit and silage.
Heavily irrigated dairy farming is also more evident and the limestone and gravels drain into aquifers and rivers.
Heavily irrigated pasture
At least the local iwi are now working with farmers to riparian plant and improve the water. You can see results with more bird life on the last section. Though most of the banks of the river are still choked with willow.
Good to see planting of natives on the left to prevent run off from the pasture on the right
Rivers all over NZ are being sucked dry
Duntroon wetland is a definite highlight just before the end of the day’s pedalling. Amazing to see it thriving though surrounded by intensive dairying.
Duntroon has a campground with good facilities for only $20 for a tent.
And it’s a short walk to the pub.
Left at 11 am. Arrived at 3 o’clock. Two and a half hours in the saddle.