Monday 9th Nov
left at about 9 really warm day riding towards Taupo I stopped off for a cuppa just before Huka falls and was offered free accommodation and food if I did some work for him on his campsite but it was way to good a day and far to early to stop riding. I rode on in to town stopping off at the falls on the way and then at the Honey Hive where they were selling all manner of products made from local honey, I tried some samples of mead and thought a bottle of that would go down rather well tonight. But once I discovered the cost of a bottle it lost its appeal. Riding along side lake Taupo I came across a trout hatchery and stopped for a look around. From there I rode on to Waiouro but still did not feel like stopping I took the mountain pass across to Nappier/Hastings and with in a few miles the weather took a turn for the worse it was now about 4:30 and I thought next campsite I see I will stop at and pitch my tent for the night. For the next 30 or so miles I rode watching the sky get blacker until it got to the point where I had to get out the water proofs, it was not actually raining just drizzling and became very cold. Within a few miles I came across a campsite, I followed the gravel road for about half a mile into the mountains to the campsite, it was a Free Department of Conservation campsite with nobody there but me and the only facilities available was a toilet, I spent a few moments looking at the sky and the map and it did not take me long to decide to keep on going especially as I was near Hastings where I had the possibility of a bed for the night. I tried ringing Matts Dad Steve but could not get a phone signal, so I rode on until I got out of the mountains. Once out of the mountains the weather had improved and I got hold of Steve who was more than happy for me to come and stay with him and his family. When I arrived Steve was still out feeding his horses and I was met by by Chance and Te Ara Ripeka. When Steve arrived he greeted me in the traditional Maori way by touching noses and sharing a breath called a Hongi. Later when all the family were together we all sat down for food and I was given a proper Maori greeting from the whole family, a Powhiri-whakatau. Starting with a speech from Pitiera followed by a song sung by Te Ara Ripeka, Te Ama, Lizzie, Pitiera and Chance on guitar. I was then told it is tradition for me the guest to give a speech, I was speechless but I did manage a few words and this was followed by another song, we then tucked in to the food. Steve teaches the Maori language at the prison in Hastings and gave me a short lesson and I found my self going to sleep saying the Maori vowels in my head over and over. What a fantastic evening. 
 
Tuesday 10th Nov.
Thankfully the rain in the mountains had stayed in the mountains and the sun was out again. After chatting with Liz about places of interest around Hastings. I set off with a list off places to look for. First was a ride to the top of Te Mata Peak (The Sleeping Giant), for some more stunning views. [PHOTO_ID_L=te-mata-peak.jpg] [PHOTO_ID_L=1-te-mata-peak.jpg] from a distance and at the correct angle the silhouette looks like a giant lying down. I took a few pics from the top then I stopped off at Pakipaki where there were some Marae (Mouri meeting house) the front of the buildings are covered in carvings, [PHOTO_ID_L=marae.jpg] then on to Cape Kidnapper for a short walk along the beach then in to town for a walk around the towns art gallery. 

Back at Steve's for dinner and after dinner they sung some more Maori songs as a farewell usually done as the guest leaves but Steve said getting everyone together first thing in the morning would never work. After the three songs (one)  (two)  (three) Steve,Chance and Pitiera Performed a Haka.  
Another fantastic evening and two day's that will be hard to beat and never forgotten.