To get you caught up geographically, we took a bus from A to B. Then biked from B to C to D. The following account is from my journal describing the trip from B to C.6/30/2009
Yesterday we biked from Rotorua to Taupo, 80 km. We left Rotorua at 9 a.m. and didn't arrive in Taupo until 5 p.m. (8 hrs) The first part of the journey had the characteristic grey sky (it was cloudy the first week we were there) and green hills covered with sheep, cattle, and elk. Quite spectacular. As we started out our spirits were high but the strong head wind and long up hills quickly took their toll. We took a break to get a snack and rest, but it is miserably cold when you stop pedaling so we pressed on. We got to a place where there is a hot pool that you can swim in off the side of the road but we let the opportunity pass for fear of being cold and wet. Instead we ate meat pies (like chicken pot pie and sold in every cafe in New Zealand) and warmed up in a convenience store. Being warm and well fed raised our spirits enough to continue. The scenery changed from green hills to forest and a light drizzle began...at least there was less wind. Just as we were beginning to lose hope of making it before dark Kris's back tire went flat. We had some problems setting it on straight but eventually started again. I was almost ready to give up...I was so tired. I started to wonder how bad it would be to sleep in the forest without a tent. We came upon a arcade/cafe and went inside. The attendant said we were only 12 km away! After getting hot drinks and eating Peanut butter and sugar sandwiches (Kris was so hungry he ate butter and sugar sandwich) we decide to do the last leg quickly. It around 4 p.m. and the sun usually sets around 5. I can't tell you how happy i was to crest a hill and see LakeTaupo below. After checking into a hostel we relaxed in the hot tub. We decided no more 80 km rides for a while.
In Taupo we went for a little hike.
Notice how blue the water is and how tropical the plants.
Here a hot spring meets the cold river! I wish i could swim but it would be too cold when you get out.
The rapids leading up to Huka falls. I wish I could kayak this.
The gorgeous Huka falls. Now I am glad I wasn't in a kayak.
