Kaupokonui beach to Patea

Wednesday March 14, 2018, 34 miles (56 km) - Total so far: 4,231 miles

(6,809 km)

Lovely riding today (save for a couple of close passes by the infamous trucks). The 45 is a decent road, mostly with a shoulder. Brilliant sunshine and another strong tailwind certainly helped, but the views were also pretty, and we do enjoy chatting to New Zealand's friendly cows! We broke our journey with excellent coffee in Hawera, plus a shopping trip. Then it was back onto the dreaded highway 3.....which was actually fine. Just a few narrow sections, saved by the fact that it really wasn't very busy.

We were going to press on to Waverley, but faltered at Patea for various reasons (not least because Waverley campsite is 9km from the village where you pay for camping at the library!). It's only 62km to Wanganui from here anyway. We were rewarded with a nice campsite and a chance meeting with another cyclist - Anke from Germany! The campsite is $12.50 per person, with free wifi.

Far less windy now so hoping for a better night!