NZ Day 6 - Omakau to Oturehua

Day 2 of the ride was a slow uphill climb from Omakau to Oturehua. The trail passed through more cool tunnels.

And over more cool bridges.

Even though it didn't feel like we had climbed very high, the valleys began to get more impressive too.

Remains of the tunnel construction workers' huts. Most of the rock cuttings, tunnels & bridges along the trail were constructed or cut by hand. Impressive.

A fast flowing river.

The remains of the chimneys from the tunnel workers camp.

The landscape around the workers huts was possibly the most beautiful on the trail.

This is one of the Poolburn Gorge tunnels - about 150m long I think & completely pitch black in the middle.

There really is light at the end... :-)

Poolburn Gorge.

It's a long & lonely road.

Entrance to the 2nd Poolburn Gorge tunnel.

Soon after the tunnels the trail reaches the Poolburn Viaduct - an impressive 37m high bridge across the gorge.

One of the many 'red sheds' along the trails - old gangers huts. Some had information boards - which, incidentally, is another thing I loved about the trail. There was loads of historical information along the way, which meant that the scenery took on a more personal meaning.

The rain closing in towards the end of the day.

From here we gunned it to the pub we were staying at in Oturehua - unfortunately we didn't beat the rain and all got pretty drenched. But the hospitality of the publican more than made up for any discomfort.