Cambridge to Te Awamutu to Waitomo to Hamilton and Merry Christmas

Plan C entailed cycling down to the Waitomo Caves. Plan B didn't work out because there was no accommodation available in Raglan due to the time of year - thankful only that we didn't cycle all the way in to find that out.

We spent a quiet Christmas Day cycling into a head wind of 15 knots or so. Odd really that the only day we decide to cycle south, that the headwind follows us. We made an extra effort and packed potatoes on veggie lamb sausages to make bangers and mash for Christmas Dinner. The Holiday Park we stayed at had a nice hot tub which was great for calming the aching muscles.

Boxing Day was spent touring around some of the wonderful caves they have in this area - The Ruakuri Cave was by far our favourite, although extremely pricey after all was said and done.

After checking the forecast, we decided to forgo another rest day to avoid another 20 knot headwind and rain and set off down more beautiful back country roads.

Cambridge to Te Awamutu
Dist. 31.7km
Max 43.6kmh
Avg. 14kmh

Te Awamutu to Waitomo
Dist. 54.3
Max. 42.4kmh
Avg. 14.1kmh

Waitomo to Hamilton
Dist.82.9km
Max. 69.4kmh --<> This is the top speed reached so far :)
Avg 15.8kmh

Ruakuri Cave Stalagmites

Beautiful back country roads

Even the cows have to climb a few hills

Mt Taranaki pic from earlier in the trip

Beep Beep!

Merry Christmas - belated, and Happy New Year!

That concludes our cycling for the North Island, we are hoping to catch a bus with our bikes tomorrow to Wellington to meet up with Dave, Sharon and Travis - all arriving on December 31st! We spent the afternoon between the rain at a great garden in Hamilton - will post pics from Wellington.