Rotorua to Waihi Beach

By 8:30 all the riders had departed Trek’s Backpackers, an early start to the 155km day. Although this was the farthest distance for any day in the tour there was much less climbing than some days and so we didn’t anticipate a hard day. The sun was out and it was cool enough for a coat and leggings. The first flat-white stop was a short 20km away since this was the last town for another 30km. The morning ride was mostly downhill since we were heading for the coast again. In addition there was a tail wind for this first 50km stretch so my average speed was up around 35kph.

The plan was to tour a Kiwi growing operation for our first lunch break, but since it was a long riding day several of the group decided to keep going. Those who took the tour learned about why the volcanic soil combined with the local climate is idea for growing almost any fruit. The kiwi came from China in the early 1900s and the New Zealanders have genetically modified it to produce the Hayward variety we know today. One mature 7-70 year old vine will produce about 1000 pieces of fruit a year. They plant 1 male vine among 4 female vines and count on bees to cross-pollinate the plants. It takes 6-7 months for the fruit to grow. New Zealand has developed other varieties of the fruit; which are slowly being introduced to the market. New Zealand grows about ¼ of the world supply.

After the tour we had a mere 100km to ride yet but it was just past noon when we left so there was time enough. The wind seemed to be shifting a lot, sometimes for us and sometimes against us. The land was a little more rolling than we expected since we were riding close to the ocean. A short break to eat and rest the hindquarter and then another one within about 25km of our destination got us to Waihi Beach around 4 in the afternoon. The sun had not set behind the hill yet so after a quick beer I went for a swim in the waves. The water was a nice temperature and the salt didn’t taste much different than the water usually running down my face.

We were invited out to a fish fry at a beach house owned by an acquaintance of one of the riders and had a great meal and great company, learning more about the area and life in New Zealand.