Our original thinking was to head out around East Cape and then back up to Taupo, but a Karen had a bit of a think about it and after working out that it was over 700klms, she decided that the East cape would be saved for another time.
We packed up quickly and headed off for breakfast in Taupo along the way stopping in at some more boiling mud pools.
The roads were virtually empty and we were just cruising along, when all of a sudden there was a blur of flashing lights and sirens and we pulled up to meet Sgt. Sheepshagger, who had very kindly taken time out of his busy schedule of catching murderers, rapists and bank robbers to let us know that in this country everything works on a user pays system, so if you want to have fun on the roads here you have to pay. The price was quite reasonable considering how much fun we had been having and Sgt sheepshagger even gave us a 30 day acct which was nice of him..........the prick.
Stoped at Huka falls for a quick look.
Had a crap brekky on the lake foreshore then off to wards Tamarunui, which is the start of the Forgotten highway....150klms of bike riding bliss and since we had already paid our fun tax, we were free to go as fast as we liked.....so we did.
The film Lord of the rings was filmed in this area and while I am ashamed to say I haven't seen it, I can see why they chose this region. The scenery is unbelievable.
It was beautiful day and everyman and his dogs was out for a ride.
There was even a big cat.
We soon came to what is known as Hobbits tunnel,
Then into the republic of Whangamomona, which is a self declared independent state. (bit like hutt river province in WA).We got issued our passports and had a great aussie lunch at the beautiful pub. Cept here its called Pie Pea Pud.
From there it was some more great riding into Stratford, which fancies itself as some sort of Old English town, but fails miserably. Got out first glimpse of MT Egmont on out way into New Plymoth, which is where we couchsurfed with the great guy called Allan, whose house has an awesome veiw out over the ocean...seems everyone lives in a house with a veiw in NZ.
Allan owns a Can Am Spyder which Sam has taken quite a liking to. She is even talking of selling the postie!!!
We were soon off on our personal tour of the town. We were lucky enough to arrive on the weekend that hosts the annual Americana festival, which celebrates everything American. The whole town gets right into it. Thy had a parade of a heap of American cars of all shapes and sizes. I reckon there was about 200 cars, maybe more.
The local scenery wasn't bad either and I am not talkng about the walking scenery although it was pretty good as well.
We really enjoyed our night out in the town with Allen. Thanks mate for taking us in and showing us a round.
It was really great meeting you guys, I'm glad you had a good time. Let's have some more beer reviews when you get to the South Island.
Posted by: Alan | February 28, 2010 at 09:05 AM