Wednesday 2 March – I climbed a mountain!

……and before you ask, no it wasn’t the Tongariro!

Leigh was attending one of her conferences, this time in Tauranga, and invited me along for the ride and to visit a new city in The Bay of Plenty.

We left at 7.30am, a 2 hour drive, to get there for 9.30.  It was a beautiful morning though still coolish in Taupo – about 15 degrees.  The Lake was sparkling as the early sunrise reflected on the yachts anchored here and there.

Steam from the underground thermals caused a mist to hang over the countryside as we headed up through Te au pe and past the Power Station funnel, reminding me of Didcot. However this one was powered by steam from the thermals.  There was also steam emanating from Rainbow Mountain in the chilly autumnal air this morning.

Leigh gets irritated by vehicles  slowing down in front of her, especially tankers, loggers and farmers, for which she has choice names!  This morning was no exception. ‘Pricks’ she exclaimed aggressively as she at last managed to accelerate past two tankers struggling up a hill.

As ever we passed through soft undulating countryside, with pines, poplars or mountains in the distance until we reached a deep gorge.  Here we stopped a while to photograph the pongas and an interesting carving.

Once up out of the gorge, on the other side, the climate changed.  It became a much warmer fruit growing area with Passion and Kiwi fruit as well as honey.

Leigh dropped me off in the city for the day and I picked up a simple map and some tips from the Information Centre.  I did a little walking tour of the city (actually a small town by English standards) to get my bearings.  Loved this piano in the street which said “play me” and wished I could play.The town was smart, modern and well sign-posted.  It has a sea frontage walking area the length of the town just across a single railway track (They all seem to be single in NZ). This sign seemed to capture the moment.

I decided to take a look around the Art Gallery where there was an interesting exhibition of New Zealand contemporary artist, Toss Woollaston.  I was not allowed to take photos but some of his work was influenced by Paul Cezanne, whose work I admire. There was also an exhibition of New Zealand metal artists and a film demonstrating work carved from cuttlefish.

I took a number 1 bus out to Maunganui (about 20 mins) and was dropped off in a busy little seaside town.  First things first! A frittata (I do love them) and a coffee at a restaurant looking out to sea.  I also raised my gaze to the right higher and higher to the top of Mount Maunganui.  Yes I would take a hike up there today for a bit of excercice after sitting around doing very little for the last couple of days.  Stocked up with plenty of water, suitably sun blocked and hatted, I set off along the beach boardwalk to the beginning of the mountain climb.   This photo was taken of the mountain from a distance before the cloud lifted.

It was fairly easy to start with but after a while I found myself stopping to recover my breath and slow my fast beating heart as the ascent steepened.  More pain more gain – the views up here were stunning.

I got chatting with an American guy and we walked together for a bit.  He was there for the scenery with his big lens, clearly not for the climb as he was getting as breathless as I was.  We reached the summit independently and took photos of each other as proof that we’d made it. 

I took a different path down and began to wonder if I’d taken a wrong route as there was not a soul about and there was a sign indicating falling rocks.  However, it turned out to be even more scenic with huge Monarch butterflies dancing about in the Pohutukawa.  The Toitoi was the best example ever and the pungas created beautiful patterns on the descending pathway.

I met someone taking a breather on her way up. ‘How much further?’ She asked pleadingly.  ‘Not far now, and definitely worth it when you get to the top!’ was my reply.

The descent was easy and I spent some time on the beach marvelling at the huge waves.  I tried to paddle to cool off but was soon engulfed to my knees so had to back off.

I watched surfers for a while before returning to Tauranga on the number one bus.  Pictured here is another bus going somewhere else!!

It was 3pm by now so I had about an hour – maybe 2 before Leigh would be ready to leave.  Tired and hungry, I settled myself  at the seafront seating area of The Badger & Crown with an ice cold beer and three huge crispy spring rolls.

Wifi was good so picked up a couple of emails and was just ready to walk along the beach when my NZ toy Alcatal phone pinged with a message to say that Leigh was almost done.  She picked me up and we headed back on the same road.  This time not only tankers and loggers got in her way (bloody mongrels), but some poor tourist who was unsure of her direction and sat in the middle of the road so we couldn’t get past – “stupid fart!” yelled Leigh.  We finally arrived in Taupo where they had hung flags for the weekends Ironman events.  They had been hanging Christmas decorations just over 4 years earlier as I left for my flight home.  Leigh reported that she spied the good ole Kiwi backpacker’s bus passing through Taupo.

After some problems with the credit card machine in the fuel station, we eventually returned home to a welcome G&T, especially for Leigh after her hard working day, (and road rage) and a delicious meal – thanks Dan…. sorry we were late.