Smash, whose foot we patched in Comyns Hut, makes contact to let us know they have obtained our rafts and will deliver them to us in Tekapo. We offer dinner in gratitude and a loud hilarious night ensues with three boisterously happy Australian women.
I want to paddle the Tekapo River to Lake Benmore. Ian points out it doesn't have any water because the power company diverts it all into the canals. I reckon there will be enough some long miles down at Fork Stream. Ian is totally unconvinced so we hire bikes from the charming Annie at Bespoke. She gives us shiny mountain bikes in great condition. We cruise the engineeringly perfect gentle downhill beside the canal. An amused roll past the people fishing at the salmon farm and a stop at the Pukaki visitor centre where there are fascinating photos of the old Maori flax and raupo rafts that were used on these rivers and the tough skilful rafters who built and paddled them. We are grateful for vinyl and carbon fibre.
We roll at astonishing speeds compared to walking and in a few hours we are in Tekapo. Saddle sore and happy.
We quickly get about the serious business of eating and buying food. Shawtys Cafe still makes the best big breakfast on Te Araroa. And their coffee is way better than ordinary.
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