Ohope > Tirohanga

Today I’m going to pass through Opotiki (Wiki), the last town from where I have the option between riding through the gorge or all around the east of the North Island. My choice is already made but I will have a look at the gorge if it’s not so far away from my main direction.

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I’ve quit Ohope few minutes ago and I’m now turning around the harbor. Over there, there is some oyster cultures and we have the possibility to buy directly from the producer right here.

“In the valley hoo hooo lalali lalilalaaa” 🙂
That’s a reference to a French song (Youtube).

River! I didn’t find the name…

Beware of this series of blurred pictures… I took them too fast without verifying and now, rah! Now it’s shit! But that’s the part of the trip… 🙂
Moutohora island (Wiki) is still in the background.

Yeah, I know. Blurry!

Last one! It’s pain for the eyes isn’t it? I’m not proud…
There is some courageous people already in the water. The little guy or girl, is surfing while being pulled by the quad. Looks cool.

Yep, that’s it, I reached the Pacific Ocean. I didn’t see it for a while, more than two weeks I think :-).

For my letter box collection: The “rider’s box” :-).

Some more holiday homes looking at the ocean.

Two wonderful Maori sculptures. That seabird doesn’t respect them because they shit on it!

Arrived in Opotiki (Wiki) after only 40km.

I need to eat something!

I’ve passed through the city centre and I’m now looking for a good place for lunch.

Ah, I think I’ve found my place 🙂 I would have preferred a bench + table but I didn’t find it. This place is good 🙂

Lunch time

Now, let’s have a look to the gorge. I plan to cycle 10 km before turning around. After that detour I will have to reach the campsite. 70km for today should be enough.

This road is so straight, I feel I’m not moving and I’ve already done 5km.

I’m only reaching the entrance of the gorge and I’ve cycled 9km already.

Oh no sorry, here is the entrance 🙂

I’ve reached my threshold. This it the view. OK… I expected something, narrower, higher with vertical rocky walls but I certainly should continue a bit to see that.

It’s time to come back. The sky is getting cloudy, better hurry a bit.

This is the same tree as the above picture but on the other side this time. Very, VERY interesting I know 🙂 . There is something I didn’t notice on my way to the gorge, the wind was in my back… That is the other way around now. Not funny! In the following days, I will definitely cycle all around the Gisborne region.