Heading to Karamea

Not immediately, but as mentioned, Sunday was a chill day. The only mission: to make phone calls and shower. It was really dreary in the car because it was raining heavily, and I couldn't even cook. So, I checked into a holiday park. Looking back, it was definitely the right choice. A total bargain at just 10 dollars. In return, I had a hot shower (unlimited!!!), a kitchen, and a living room with a couch, etc. After the time spent in the car, it was absolute luxury, as you can imagine. I cooked my instant mie goreng noodles there in the kitchen in the afternoon when a lady came by and wanted to sell me some herb. So, another overnight guest. I had no idea what it was, but never try, never know, I thought to myself following the motto from Lombok (in Indonesia, they always said that). So, fine. The lovely woman washed and cut it for me, and I was supposed to just briefly cook it in water. It tasted really good and was full of vitamins; she later showed me on her phone what it actually was. After I had an excellent shower and meal, I went for a walk. Passing by pigs, cows, and so on, through light rain and sunshine, and what came out of it? Right, a rainbow. It wasn't a long walk, but super beautiful; the grass is so green, it's definitely greener than where we are, I guarantee that. After one night there, I set off towards Karamea quite early in the morning because I needed somewhat decent weather to drive the road, as driving there in the rain is not advisable. Looking back, I completely understand that. Well, first, as always, winding through the mountains, occasionally through the valley and back to the mountains. Then came the turn, and I thought to myself, it's only 12 km or so left, but the GPS still says about 30-40 minutes. What's going on? Yeah, I understood that then. It wasn't as bad as I thought, but gravel for 3000, so you really had to drive slowly, and it was so bumpy and steep in places, with barely any grip on my tires felt. There were narrow spots where only one car could pass, but pff, easy, I then arrived at the arches. There, I had about 2-3 hours of hiking to do through the forest with some sun. Being alone in the forest was already so nice, my favorite color green, what can I say, I saw tiny mushrooms that were so mini. Everything is so mossy; it looks so cool; I love it. Then I reached the first loop trail to the Moria Gate Arch, where you had to go through the cave, which was a bit intimidating, but I did it. It was really beautiful, and you could move around freely. This is the smaller arch. So, I continued along the loop trail to the mirror tarn, which is a lake where everything reflects again, very beautiful. Then I finished the loop and wanted to see the Oparara Arch (thank goodness), so I made my way there. And folks, it was crazy—the trail leads directly into the arch, and suddenly you stand there, and it is pure madness; it's so big, you can't even comprehend it, let alone capture it on a phone picture. Trees just grow on top like upside-down; I found that somehow totally fascinating. 

Here are the rough details:

• Length (span): approximately 219 meters
• Height: approximately 43 meters
• Width (at the base): approximately 79 meters

It was formed by thousands of years of erosion of limestone by the Oparara River and is the largest natural rock arch in the country. The river under the arch is brown because it absorbs natural dyes like tannins from the surrounding boggy soils and decaying vegetation. These color the water like black tea; it is clear but appears dark.

After that, I had to return all the way back, Karamea was a bit of a detour, but it was worth it.

Afterwards, I had quite a bit of driving ahead with some stops, went shopping, cooked, etc., and now I am at the camp for today.