Arriving into Hamilton, I had a warm showers hosts (Anita & Chris), who lived just south of this lake and beside the Hamilton Gardens. This was a beautiful sight to come into!
The local square dancing club out and about in the gardens. Did you know, whatever country you're in, Line Dancing is always called in English? Useless fact for you.
This is the local isite in Matamata. 12km from Hobbiton - cool eh?! Would've been even cooler if the admission to get into Hobbiton wasn't $79.
This is the building the Tirua isite is in...
The merino shop in Tirau...
A few weeks ago, when I cycled to the top of Denniston on the West Coast I met the most wonderful couple, Mary & Murray. They invited me to stay if I got to Rotorua...so I did! Hamurana is on the northern side of the lake and there was fabulous views from their place.
These guys do lots of biking and adventuring (mountain & road) and we spent a great time sharing adventures and travels. I look forward to seeing them down South one day! Murray may have even convinced me to get a mountain bike and do the Old Ghost Road...;)
The coolest socks in the world. Mary knitted them...and gave them to me. Such kind and generous people! She also set me off with a great selection of home baking and a ride to Opotiki. From here I'm going to head around the East Cape to Gisborne. Crossing my fingers there are no more punctures; the North Island has given me 4 in the past week!
