Big Trees & Small Town

Ancient forests, giant trees - biked 60km from Rawene to Waipoua ForestWednesday 15 October, 2014

Started out “early” today at 10am. Another beautiful blue-sky day. We have had so many days like this; it’s been absolute perfect weather to bike in (knock on wood). Today’s ride took us along the Hokianga Harbour which had stunning views of sand dunes and mountains in the background.

There were two major hills to get over today. The first was shorter – maybe 1km long – but steep. The view from the top (as always) was worth it:

The second hill came as we approached the Waipoua Forest. I could see on the map it was going to be about a 7km uphill climb with no breaks… on most big hills I do about 5-7km per hour, so I geared up with music and told myself it will be an hour long CrossFit session and took it slow and steady. I actually enjoyed the ride. It’s never a race to the top – it’s more of a mental feat to just keep pace and keep going!

At the top 7km hill was my great reward: the Tane Mahute – the largest Kaori tree in the world. 

Standing over 50m tall with a trunk circumference of over 13m, this ~2,000 year old tree was an incredible sight. We took a short walk into the forest to see it, then got back on the bikes for another 2km to see other large Kaori trees – the second largest one (has a circumference of more than 16m but is a bit shorter than the Tane Mahute).

Walking through this forest was like walking through the Cambodian jungle and the Michigan woods at the same time: palm-tree like plants, giant ferns and other sub-tropical plants grow alongside pine trees. The temperature errs on the side of Michigan weather…

After a 45 minute walk through the woods to see the trees we got back on our bikes for an incredible 10km descent through the Waipoua Forest. We rode the entire 10km downhill - the small, perfectly paved 2-lane road was lined the whole way with beautiful green ferns and palms, and I felt like I had the road to myself the whole time - 3 cars passed us on the way. A very fun – and rewarding – way to end the day!

The campsite we are staying in is beautiful as well. The tent’s been set up, I’ve showered and I’m nice and warm, and now we’re cooking pasta for dinner and making tea. Another successful day!!

Home-sweet-home - Waipoua Forest to DargavilleThursday, 18 October

Started with a long climb from the camp site but down hill and then flat after that. Beautiful ride through rolling hills along the coast.

We stopped at a gallery calledNelson’s to see big Kauri tree slabs and tables that are made out of old swamp Kauri that they dig up, cut up and sell. Dad you’d really like it…

The day ended in Dargaville, and we stayed again at Nicky & Greg’s place (this time their Dargaville house – they both work in the hospital here). Nicky cooked us an incredible dinner and it was so good to catch up with her again. She is wonderful!! It felt like “home” to see her again.

 Nicky took us on a tour around the city after dinner – up to the museum hill that overlooks the city, and then into town and to the hospital. Dargaville is an old town that hasn’t seen a lot of change over the years. The same downtown stores have been around for ages, and although many businesses have closed because of a slow economy, there are signs of life in the city – a new cinema that the community joined together to create, a farmers market with fresh organic veggies and imported Dutch cheese…. J