Organiser: Pieter H
Taranaki Tunnels Tour Cyclists: Pieter H, Maureen M, Louise S, Stephen T, Annette C, Luitgard S, John M, Janette L, Marianne M, Matt C, Mike B, Barry C & Catherine D.
Additional Hub Tour Cyclists: John B (Sloop), Kay W, Roz C, June C, Sue W, Jackie H & Carolyn W.
Day 0 – Auckland to Otorohanga
Author: Pieter
It was a very interesting start to our very interesting tour. We planned to meet in Otorohanga at 5pm, only to find they’d declared a state of emergency that morning due to the flooding the previous day. Amongst other things, both main roads into Otorohanga were closed.
However, a phone call with the campground owner, an improving forecast, and a few phone calls from Maureen to her friends and contacts, led us to proceed as planned. As it transpired, there was very little evidence of flooding in the campground, and we were able to enjoy a very pleasant evening eating our takeaways outside.
Day 1 – Otorohanga to Kiritehere, 69km, 830m climbing
Author: Maureen
After checking out of Otorohanga Kiwi Holiday Park, most of the group headed off into town to find just one cafe open early. Coffee or a cooked breakfast was enjoyed before we set off down back streets making our way to Waitomo Valley Road, where there was absolutely no sign of any flooding, unlike Otorohanga town and other surrounding areas.