Day 13 - longer stay possible in Ohakune

Early in the morning in Taupo, I caught the bus from an Intercity employee, the only bus operator on the North Island that allows bicycles on board, and received skeptical looks. He told me to please remove the handlebars and saddle, and take off both wheels. I hoped for a brief negotiation about modifying my bike, as I didn't want to remove the rear wheel even though it had a quick-release. I offered to modify everything except the rear wheel so that the bus could take me. As it turned out, the man I spoke to was indeed the bus driver for the Taupo to Wellington tour via Waiuru. Once everything was securely stored in the luggage compartment, this became my best bus trip so far because the previously somewhat grumpy driver was completely transformed as he talked about the surroundings. This was not an ordinary bus ride, it was more like a sightseeing tour through barren land. You could tell he loved nature and history! The highway wound its way through Tongariro National Park. We were treated to an impressive view of Mount Ruapehu, the highest mountain on the North Island at just over 2800 meters!

Arriving in Waiuru, I assembled my bike and set off.

I rode in absolutely great cycling weather (partly cloudy and 22 degrees) on a highway that was continuously frequented by trucks up to a timber mill, from there I had about 20 kilometers left. Upon arrival in Ohakune, I went straight to the town's tourist center. The nice lady named Cathy was happy to help me, but unfortunately told me that the next two or three days were not suitable for a jet boat tour due to strong winds and continuous rain. She also suggested that I should ride the trail with a mountain bike. I should discuss this with Jo, the wife of the local bike shop owner. She also said that I wouldn't be able to take the boat until Thursday at the earliest and under no circumstances should I ride the trail with a touring bike and heavy luggage. With a worried feeling, I headed to the only campground in town after the conversations. I wanted to consider how to continue my journey in the evening...