On the road north

Hanmer Springs is done. Finally. I realised I missed the excitement and awe of seeing a place for the first time, and Hanmer was become a little monotonous. I did do that to myself though, working 6 days a week at the cafe over the Easter break having finished with Activity Hanmer.

Given that the North Island has eluded me so far (purposefully) I felt I should go visit given that I’m just across the water from it, and to see it before September when I leave would mean digging up my roots in a job and in the cold winter season. Now is as good as ever. As for the seeing of it - what better way than to cruse the roads at the pace of your legs and to the will of your heart. This somehow bought me round to the idea of buying a bike trailer (one that goes on a bike, rather than one a bike goes on) picture below.



So on Monday morning I loaded my things in to a friend’s car - who was conveniently driving to the ferry port - and made it to Picton with 20 minutes before the ferry left (given i didn't know when the ferries left this was rather good fortune), managing also on the ferry to secure a ride a few hours in to the North Island.

I was dropped in the dark at an isolated hamlet, thinking I was a day or so ride from my destination (The Tongariro National Park) eventuating in the morning that it was at least 3 days ride off, and 2 days of which was on a State highway. No thanks. I did undertake the 1st day though beautiful rolling hills and farmland, landing myself near Palmerston North, a city of 73,000 where I am able to catch the train to the Tongariro.

Now it’s all very well hopping on a train in England, but here you have to book a day in advance or it won’t stop... so I'm bumming around for a day whilst trying to catch up with an elusive contact.

And that is right now, so I’ll let you know what happens after it happens. x