Rotorua > Ohope

I quit Rotorua quite late today but I have lots of energy to spend and I know, at least, I will go down more than I will go up because Ohope is at sea level while Rotorua is 330m above it. Between theses two cities there are 3 lakes so I will follow the water.

First 20km break (the previous picture is in the same place). It took me an hour to do that section.

Another little break next to the second or third lake. Is there something wrong here? Too much water maybe?

Aahhh finally I have the opportunity to take a picture of one of those wood transport truck. Since I’m travelling in NZ I’ve seen maybe 100 trucks like this one. Kiwis like wood that’s for sure!

Wouhaou! These sculptures are wonderful!

I can’t stop taking pictures of all those great houses. Always with an exeptionnal view on a lake, a valley or the ocean.

Cycling along the lake.

Hey, that’s my friend the railway 🙂 I’m pretty sure of that because there is only one line 🙂 or maybe two…

This is Mount Putauaki (Maps).

Source from Wikipedia: Māori legend tells of a love affair that Pūtauaki had with Whakaari/White Island. Another version of the legend is that Pūtauaki was lonely after losing a fight for Pīhanga (another mountain) so when he met Tarawera he decided to start a relationship with her. After raising a son and years of a troubled marriage, Pūtauaki cast his eye out towards the sea, where the very beautiful Whakaari was. The two would call out to each other at night while Tarawera slept. One night Pūtauaki could not contain his love any longer and decided to travel out to be with Whakaari. It is said that a mountain can only move once in their life and only at night so Pūtauaki had to travel across the land fast. Little did he know, his son had awoken and was following him. He heard the little whimper from his son and turned around. He tried to tell his son to stay with Tarawera but the little mountain would not leave his father. Then the sun rose and froze the two mountains where they were. When Tarawera awoke she saw that her husband had left and she started to weep, thus creating the Tarawera Falls and river. Until this day Tarawera still cries and Whakaari still calls out for her lover, who is frozen to the spot near Kawerau.

Pff! What a face!

After the lakes, I came across a hill and then enjoyed a great down slope of 1.5 km. Now it is flat again et super green!

63km and another break. This wall comes out directly from the villag (image) of Asterix (Wiki) haha or Disneyland 🙂

77km and I’m now front of the doors of Whakatane (wiki). This town looks cute 🙂

Definitely, I like this place. It’s not so big, there is many different shops, flowers and nature everywhere. That’s cute.

But my trip is not finished yet. A woman from a cycle shop told me that I have to passed a couple of hills to join Ohope. Rah! I thought the rest of the day would be easy but no no no…

Ouf! Finally on the other side. It’s wonderful here! 🙂

I’m going that way. It’s a peninsula. There is normally two campsites. The first one is the cheapest one.

I didn’t find the first campsite unfortunately. Somebody told me that it does not exist anymore… I’m pretty sure that’s the one I’m looking for. I changed my mind. I will find a free spot somewhere around I think. On the left hand side, behind that little grassy hill there is the ocean 🙂

Right view, wonderful!
There are toilets behind me but I don’t think it’s a good place to camp. A sign “no camping” confirmed that. rah! I will keep looking around.

I’m reaching the end of the peninsula.

On the right hand side there is the river flowing into to ocean.

That’s a beautiful sunset again!

I think I’ve found the great free spot for tonight haha! Right behind that big warehouse, along that painting on the wall. I’ll be protected from the wind and anyone passing along the road.

The VIEW!! Perfect!

97km today! Phew! I can’t believe it.

I need to eat, now! Cold rice + cold spicy tuna = perfect!

The view from the WARF.

I can’t stop taking pictures of those beautiful colours…

Look at those pink clouds 🙂

The lucky shot!