Day 22 - 26

Day 22 - I got into Matamata early in the day and took the noon tour of Hobbiton, the set for the Lord of the Rings. On the tour bus there were three women bitching the entire time about their plane seats being uncomfortable and how they were going to complain. Then they were complaining about walking maybe one kilometer and that they just wanted to get a hotel and crash for the day, at two in the afternoon. Other than that, it was pretty fun. I got a lot of pictures and I feel like a giant nerd. After that it was pretty late and there was more I wanted to see so I stayed for an extra day.

Day 23 - I went to the Wairere falls early in the day which was really beautiful. Then I spent the rest of the day in the hot springs pool reading "The Hobbit" which I picked up a few days ago. I finished the book and painted a picture, realizing that it was the 10th picture I've painted this trip. I picked up some paint, brushes and a pad of canvas with 10 sheets which has kept me busy on days with lots of downtime. While I had my paint out, I painted eyes on the back of my helmet because I've been being attacked by magpies. I don't know if that actually keeps them off of me, but it looks funny.

Day 24 - I was planning on going to Rotorua, but at the intersection to go east, I decided to go south instead to Taupo. I really want to check out Tongariro National Park and there was nothing I really wanted to see in Rotorua. I got a flat tire near Tokoroa so I stopped there for the day. It is supposed to be a self sealing tire so I figured if I stopped and let it sit overnight it would seal up. I stopped in a parking lot to look at my map and someone drove up to ask if I needed help. He was a teacher at the high school and said I could just camp in his yard because the motor camp in town is really bad. I hung out with him and his wife for the day. I made some pretty amazing hamburgers and read short stories by Steinbeck, weird day.

Day 25 - In the morning my tire was not sealed. The goo inside was coming through the hole but I think the puncture was too big. I put in a new tube, but it's only the first flat I've had so far so I'm not complaining. I've gone over a thousand miles now and I'm really hoping my bike holds together. The weather was amazing all day and there is a hill to climb right before town. At the very top there is an amazing view of Lake Taupo which is the big blue spot in the middle of the north island. Over the lake you can see the mountains of the national park, it's a really nice view. I headed into town and stayed in a hostel for the night because it was only three dollars more than camping at the motor camp in town. I passed a lot of things coming into town and wanted to rest so I am going to stay an extra day in Taupo and go out tomorrow and explore. I met some cool people in the hostel and I went out to a few bars and clubs. It was pretty fun but I couldn't buy beer in the last club without a passport so I just left.

Day 26 - I woke up too early and feel drowsy. I went out hoping to check out the waterfall but it was raining so I'll do it later today. I'm glad to be inside though, I might stay an extra night because I heard the weather is bad in the National Park at the moment. We'll see.