Well, OK, actually Makarora. I stayed here last year and the view remains just as fantastic. The southern alps serve to separate the wet west coast from the sunny interior and, sure enough, having cut through the alps using Haast Pass they say it hasn't rained here for over 2 weeks. It better not rain tonight because a) I am camping and b) this is the BEST place for star gazing so I am hoping for clear skies.

Tonight the riders are staying in 'cabins' which, as noted before, means sheds. But, cleverly, these are 'A' Frame cabins which gives them a bit of a Swiss chalet look and nobody seems to mind. In any case the views make up for a bit of discomfort.

While writing this my last two riders have arrived so it is erection time.