Picking up at Singapore I had a week to relax, pack up my belongings and wander around the city. I didn’t do too much but got to visit the huge aquarium and the Ferris Wheel (Singapore Flyer).

I was really pleased to have an entire pod to myself, visiting mid-afternoon on a weekday is definitely the best time to go!

The end of Asia…

Over looking the city…

I then took my flight to Auckland on the north island and immediately stated cycling away into the countryside. My first destination was the Coromandel peninsula to the east.

The terrain was very hilly but the views were a great reward.

Relaxing in the streams after a long days ride.

Below is hot water beach, at low tide the hot water rises into the pools dug up by yourselves. Reaching temperatures of 60 degrees sometimes it’s a bit too much!

After the Coromandel I rode south towards the city of Rotorua and visited Te Puia Park. The main attraction being the hot water Geyer blasting out from the earth’s surface.

After the city I headed towards Lake Taupo where I had acquired a warmshowers host. On my way to their home I bumped into another English cyclist called Phillip. He was on his way to the same host and eventually to Queenstown on the south Island for roughly the same time as I planned be there. Perfect, we decided to ride together!

Approaching our accommodation in Lake Taupo.

Our hosts Trevor and Rose were fantastic, we stayed for 2 nights. On our day off they lent us their kayaks and we went exploring for the day in perfect weather.

We headed 4km across to a popular area where old Mauri carvings were to be found.

Not everyone wanted to paddle here!

Admiring the mountains on the horizon.

After our wonderful stay in Taupo we decided to give some mountain bike trails and go. However a hot water stream bath was required first.

Our route was called the Timber trail, roughly 80km off road on forest paths.

Passing over the valleys on huge wooden bridges, not for the faint hearted! It swayed very freely…

The route took us 2 days. To be honest our bikes fully loaded weren’t suitable for the task but we managed ok.

Our next trail was the popular, Forgotten world highway towards the south west of the island. A 100 mile stretch following old trade routes,  historic settlements and native bush land.

Whangamomona located centrally on the highway is a self governed Republic and separate to New Zealand.

Our last day along the highway was raining but we made it to the end with big smiles!

We then travelled south to the city of Wellington.

We are now about to cross-over to the south Island. Here awaits us more bicycle trails and the mountainous West coast. Everyone has been saying the south is spectacular, so we’re really hoping it lives up to all the hype!

The north island has been a short and sweet affair but very rewarding. I eagerly anticipate the next 4 weeks in the south!