We take the Whangamta Road, I think in Maori that it means "rollercoster", one or two kilometers up then one or two down for 20 km or so. My mantra to myself is "I am strong, this hill is easy".
As it is too far to reach Turangi we camp out above the road with a view of big pastures with dots of sheep.
Next day is it rolling hills, headwind and spitting rain on and off, challenging. We take a pitstop at a schoolyard where several schools are doing cross country competition. We chat with Ian who runs a Backpackers in Turangi, he promises us a sausage on the Barbie if we stay there.
There are a couple good climbs, then a sweet fast descent to Tokananu then a short ways to Turangi.
Ian and his wife Liz have just opened the Iwiheke Backpackers 4 weeks earlier. They are the nicest couple and ideal hosts. I take their photo when we leave.
It is a 6 km climb up TePonganga Saddle with a steep section but mostly ok. We take a couple photos at the scenic lookoff.
It is a scary descent from the saddle as it is steep and we have strong winds buffeting our bikes. Although it flatens out, we have a strong headwind so it is challenging. A van pulls up along side me and the people cheer "Yeah Canada", it is some encouragment.
Although we want to get to Whakapapa Village, we stop at the first motorcamp.
Day 15 cycling 50KM
Day 16 cycling 50+KM
Day 17 cycling 25KM
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