December 5th Apihara to Rawene

We left the comfort of our cabin and hit the road.

The Apihara Holiday park was the nicest park we stayed in (so far). Maybe because we had an all self contained cabin but generally speaking it was clean with excellent kitchen facilities and there seemed to always a young couple of travelers trying their best at the ping pong table.

We started out around 9am and headed south.

The morning was Misty. So Misty in fact that I had to take my glasses of because of the water droplets on my lens.

How can it be 20 degrees out and we can see our breath?

The morning was constant up and down. This is difficult on a bike because you are constantly changing gears or in my case, getting off the bicycle and pushing! The Hills were very steep and reminded me of the program American Ninja Warriors when people are shouting "climb that wall". They tease you at first with a gentle 1,2, or even 3 percent. Then it gradually climbs like a ramp to a roller coaster. 

The down part is just as tricky. What took you thirty minutes to climb up -remember I'm pushing my bike here- takes about 30 seconds of glorious gliding to go down. Soon to be followed by more up hill.

After lunch was much better riding and based on some local Intel from the Maori flag person (complete with traditional Maori "war" tattoos on his face) we altered our route.

Bob rode thru the construction site and I noticed the flag person had the paddle (thankfully) switched to STOP. which of course I did. I needed a break and stopping to chat was perfect for me.

Then when he motioned me thru I said can't I just stop?

I showed him or route and he said,

Naaaah yedentwanne gethetwey neh.

"Nah, you don't want to go that way nah!"

Way more Hills he said. So we followed his route that was very enjoyable and mostly down hill.

Stopped in Broadwood for lunch and then stopped in at a local cattle auction.

We took the 15 minute ferry ride from Kohukohu to Rawene.

Arrived at the Rawene Holiday park. Which should be called, holiday park At the top of the hill.

A famous point where Maori would meet because they could see the Sun rise and the sun set at the same spot.

Actually a very beautiful spot.

With a swimming pool that we took advantage of.