With some reluctance we dragged ourselves (and the van of course) away from the beachfront paddock at Conway Flat. Before we upped sticks, Bruce, the owner, and approaching (I would guess) 80 years of age, regaled us with stories of his long involvement with the farm on which the campground sits. We took the scenic inland route through to Hanmer Springs stopping at Waiau for, unfortunately, a very bad coffee. The windy and twisty road was perfect for the relaxed mood we were in due, in large part, to the cloudless blue sky and high 20 degree temps. We spotted a couple of NZ Falcons standing over a fresh piece of roadkill, but although stopping 100 metres away so as not to disturb them, I was unable to get a good photo. Ah well, next time I hope. Hanmer Springs has been on our Bucket List since we stayed for 2 nights back in September 2022. We were e cited by the numerous MTB tracks in the forest here and the prospect of taking our eBike and non eBike out for spins. The trails did not disappoint as we spent 2 days exploring the tracks (again under blue skies) that crisscross the hills around the township. Of course we had to sample the hot pools again and although expensive (on our limited budget for this trip) it was magical to wash off the dust of the day's ride and luxuriate in our first hot showers for 4 days. Touristy, over crowded, full of holidaying families of course, but for MTB enthusiasts Hanmer Springs is a must-do