Slight rain overnight, but we woke to a fine morning of high clouds and little wind. Up before the powerboats, we were able to enjoy coffee amongst the birdsong. Anticipating less aggressive hills for the return ride today, I lingered for a second cup, as my mind told my legs to be quiet and enjoy the anticipation. Leaving camp I entered the bush and for the next 10km, the bike path followed alongside the Kaniere Water Race Walkway heading east. The walkway follows a historic power station water race as it twists and turns along the edge of a scenic reserve. The pathway is narrow with a drop off to the left of a steep bank and the right into the quick flow of water in the race. It is a gorgeous ride, mostly downhill and perhaps my favourite stretch of the 132km Wilderness Trail. Shaded and cool, it makes for relaxing biking. Two sections of road riding show that there is still more work to do to obtain permission for private land use, but these do not spoil the overall experience of this section. By the time I reached Hokitika township, the clouds had burnt away and the stinging New Zealand sun was beating down. I lingered out at Sunset Point, admired the driftwood beach art and then chose one of the many cafes in the town centre for lunch. As always, even though riding the same path on the return leg, a different perspective is given, and of course, those tough uphill rises become fast downhills. Arriving back at the lake, hot and dusty I gathered the courage, took a deep breath and jumped off the end of the jetty into the cool waters of the lake. 53km, 320 metres up and 320 meters down and 1245 calories burnt - time for a cold beer.