Bit of a shorter blog for yesterday’s ride. I had wifi issues meaning I could write o’r post.

The title of the blog today is a line I have borrowed from zwifter friend John Paul Musumeci as it sums national park area appropriately.

After a fantastic breakfast at a local bakery, we sadly farewelled Taupo. We both enjoyed the vibe! We both could happily have stayed longer 

Following the lake for a reasonable distance provided great views but you could not really relax too much to enjoy as there was a fair bit of quite close traffic buzzing past far too closely.

We chose to stop at Turangi (48 km) for a few reasons. We were in need of coffee, it looked like it was about to rain, it was cold and we had a decent climb ahead of us.

We cruised into the Pink Cadillac singing the words of the famous song. Funky cafe with retro everything including crochet knee blankets!

Leaving Turangi we headed towards the Whakapapa National Park. Road climbs steeply the notes said and yes it was an accurate description.

When I climb I don’t stop hence no photos until it levels out,

The Tongariro Crossing is a day walk across the three volcanoes in the region looking into the craters. The Lord of the Rings red volten scene was filmed here. Sue will be back to do this!

We had tea at the local pub sitting outside taking in the view! Great way to finish a brilliant day’s riding.