Sadly, the weather forecast was quite correct and it has rained all day today (Tuesday). We learned today that this is the third rainiest place in New Zealand. That explains the number of activities that are advertised as being better in the rain–like the woodfired hot tubs in the rainforest, the kayak tour, and the activity we chose–the Off-Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour.

We suited up in full rain gear and took off through a very wet track–essentially a creek for much of it, although in some places it was pure mud and in others it was rocky. We went through the rainforest, which was very lush and green because of all of the rain, and rode alongside a raging river. (Side note: It is a braided river, which is something that only exists here, in Alaska, in Western Canada, and in the Himalayas.) We went up and down hills, through deep puddles, the whole bit. It was really fun, and while I won’t agree with the guide that the rain enhanced the experience, it at least didn’t ruin it.

Our guides took these pictures of us:

We’re off now for an early dinner at the Asian restaurant in town. Tomorrow we make our way south to the town of Wanaka, where it is also forecasted to rain the entire time we are there.