Cycling New Zealand North to South: Ōmarama Saddle to the Bottom of the World

I’ve been cycling from Alaska to Argentina for the past year, but ended up in a hospital in Central America with bedridden illness. After several weeks in stasis there, I eventually decided on a short detour across New Zealand to regain some strength and spirit.

Caught this sunset over a particularly challenging mountain pass towards the bottom of South Island. Steep grades over coarse track and primitive backroads meant lots of pushing, even on the descents. “No exit from Paradise.”

Hard riding but a definite easement of the heart and restorative break. Now heading back to that hospital where I left off to continue the big dream toward Tierra del Fuego as intended. Nos vemos en las calles!