Starting the day with a mince on toast and a bowl of porridge pitstop, we then strolled down to the electric bicycle depository, where Ilana grabbed a small, versatile bike named Gollum, and Brevin grabbed a large, all-seeing one named Sauron. Our 3.5 hour journey took us past the sulfuric aromas of the Geothermal hot springs to the grove of redwood trees, a friendly reminder that NZ’s flora has an identity crisis and we are the ones to benefit from the inconsistencies. Do note that large whafts of sulfer drifting into your mouth is rather unpleasant. Do also note that apparently 100 years ago any discovery of natural water, be it poison or actually clean, was considered a natural cure. Case in point: Cameron’s Laughing Pool. Google it. Brevin could have ridden through the woodsy trails for days, as it was the mountain biking equivalent to glamping. The volume of the swarms of seagulls and other local avians was quite a distraction to the otherwise peaceful ambiance of the journey. Our ebikes were so efficient that we we used the throttle all the way back like lazy tourists and barely used the battery.
Upon arrival back to the hotel, high tea service was partaken in, with Earl Grey and an elderflower apple teas as the stars. The clouds had come out in full force and were picturesque indeed. Ilana then promptly passed out on the couch while Brevin did the laborious task of looking through the day’s photos and selecting the very best ones. At dinner time, in true honeymoon fashion, we ate dessert first whilst waiting for dinner to be made. Churro donut ice cream is as delicious as it sounds. We took a takeaway for dinner back to the hotel and indulged in rib eye, mashed taters, salmon, and risotto, washed down with the remains of a delicious kiwi fruit beverage.
