Always cycling is too boring so I went for a day hike in Tongariro National Park – Alpine Crossing. Pretty nice walk when there is good weather.

What a great nature. Lucky German also had perfect hiking weather – sun & cloud mix. Not too cold and no rain. What could I have wished else for? Maybe a beer but that was served after the 20km hike.

Met Rose & Joost, a Dutch couple and we did the tour together. Nice company throughout the day.

We had the quick idea to hike up Mt  Doom but advice was to only go with proper boots & a helmet. We didn’t have both so we decided to do the scenic tour. Good decision!

Happy after the hike, had a farewell beer with Rose & Joost and cycled my way to my new hosts Kathryn and Raymond. I only met them the weekend during the Ironman in Taupo & was invited over to them already. Very good oven roasted lamb shoulder was waiting for me – felt like be in heaven after the dinner & a shower.