Twizel - Mt Cook - Twizel

 We were up early for an action packed day. It did not disappoint. 

First though was a visit to the local bakery for lunch supplies and then we found a fantastic cafe for a splendid breakfast. 

Suitably replete we headed to the A2O headquarters where we loaded our bikes onto a trailer and we then jumped in the van along with two very nice Australian couples for our 45 minute trip to Mt Cook village. Our driver Sue was full of information about the area and also gave us tips for our bike journey ahead. 

We arrived in good time and the temperature was surprisingly warm. After unloading our bikes and taking the obligatory starting place photos we set off on a trailer for 6km to the Mt Cook airport. 

We then unloaded the gear off our bikes and they were whisked away to be loaded into a cage for their short helicopter flight over the Tasman river. 

We were then weighed and loaded into our helicopter for our 40 minute flight to check out the mountains and a landing at the head of the Tasman glacier. Out pilot was very friendly and was delighted to have a group of kiwis to show around. Apparently it is not common and most of the flights are for foreign tourists. (Come on kiwis you are missimg out big time). Anyway after a brief discussion with the pilot it was decided to forgo the landing on the glacier and instead we landed on a high peak with absolutely stunning views. This of course after flying up the Tasman glacier and over the Tasman saddle. 

Ah the memories just came flooding back, this area was a big part of my life for a few years and once agin it was privilege to show Robyn and the others some of the places we had been and to point out the mountains, huts and routes. Couldn’t help but think of my mate Kevin who I shared so much of this with. 

Then it was a quick decent over the Murchison and down the Jolly valley to be reunited with our bikes. 

With a nice breeze at our backs we headed off on the well formed trail for the 70km back to Twizel. The ride was uneventful and the trail was in excellent condition. Obviously a lot of work had been done to reopen it after the adverse weather events of the past few days. 

The temperature remained warm and the mountains maintained their presence for the whole day so we were very lucky to be able to see them for all of our journey. 

We were all a bit tired by the time we got back to our motel but found enough energy to get to the 4 square for chippies and beer. There was some housekeeping to do also and then we went out to an excellent Thai restaurant for dinner. 

No problem with sleep tonight.