A pleasant day spent ‘naked’ bussing from Phihia to Rotorua via
Auckland, happily chatting to a Swiss girl I met on the Cape Reinga trip.
Another hostel error and I end up in a mixed dorm room much to my
displeasure. Still on the bright side I am able to get lots of advise on things
to do in Rotorua from my new roommates. Another NZ$60 spent and I have booked a
tour for the next day.
As for today, I catch a bus out to the Redwood woods. I am
greeted with an information board listing 7 or 8 walks, I opt for the Tokorangi
Pa track, an 11.5km/3hrs 30 mins walk.
After the walk past all the Redwoods and the initial assent up to
500 meters I continue to follow the purple arrows until they completely
disappear and I am left to guess the route, luckily they do not disappear for
too long as the track is completely deserted, most people choosing to take the
shorter routes. Part of the walk is trough an area of pine trees that has
recently been harvested and the landscape is bleak and impressive at the same
time. Onwards to the site of an ancient Maori Pa and some less ancient
carvings. And then the endless walk back to the visitors centre at the start. I
still have some energy from somewhere and walk back to the hostel.
