I didn't know yet that the "way" down there was coming to a definite end.
Had to hike back up again and almost all the way back to the summit of the hill, then search a way down for the next 2 hours (without any water left) and ride all way back to Wellington Centre (~30km).
Would never have expected that it's possible to get lost in the hills round Welly!!!!

...but getting up there all the way will take some effort... Already quite done for today!
All the walking over the sandy beach with the bike along, was really exhausting, as I realize now...

And still some more to come :)

what a great trail!!!!! :)

Bikepark on the next hill.
So near, but still not reachable without a great amount of work, sweat and some serious hiking with backpack and bike....

Looks like somwhere in the Alps...
Just 30mins ago I was feelin like in the middle of Prevence in summer, and again 30mins before nice sand beach with blue water.
And nobody around...
Just amazing!! :)

beautiful scenery all around and by now it's not that hot anymore.
looks like there's a nice bikepark on the other hill, but no way to get over there...

the motocross course on the opposite hill was quite busy

1st real ascent of the tour so far (every "hill" - small or bigger - inside town doesn't really count).
The landowners weren't so happy about me cycling on THEIR ground...
Felt like 35degrees. Only little water reserves left. No clue where this loose gravel road is about to end.
I could at least see a lot of hills like that one on the way back to Welly...
I'll know what I've done today when I'm back at the hostel, that's for sure!

Complete solitude out there :)
If only the underground would not be that loose and deep...
Absolutely no way of riding a bike here.
Was actualy easier to carry the bike on top of my backpack from time to time.

1st wildlife encounter :)
Distance between us two ~4m