After two rainy days at a campsite with a lovely cycling couple from the UK (who are also on their honeymoon!) we spent two days along the “forgotten highway,” a quiet road which ceased to be a main road years ago and is now one of the most popular cycling routes in the country. The route went up and down these small furry hills and passed through a small republic which has “claimed” independence, before ending on the coast.

 We spent a night in a cabin which had a wonderful view!
       

We arrived in New Plymouth just ahead of a storm and were lucky enough to stay with a warmshowers couple in town who cooked us a delicious dinner and let us escape the rain and wind by sleeping in a beautiful room. We then set off around the mountain, and then down the coast until we made it to Wellington!