Wednesday 18 March – an easy day
38km from Waihau Bay to Te Kaha, total elevation gain 434m
Today was a little akin to a rest day, with a short distance to cover. The weather was ideal and we had a slow start, enjoying breakfast at the Waihau Bay Cafe.
Sunrise over the bay – from our balcony 
In case you care what we had for breakfast… 
The seagulls were eyeing our food again.
Our ride started with a hill directly above the lodge, continuing along the stunning coastline with turquoise blue seas and pohutakawa trees. Overall it was a gentler ride than on previous days. At one point the “Tradie Ladies” who had been staying at the Lodge passed us in their van, we waved to each other.
Only 39km to Te Kaha – 105 to Opotiki and the end of our trip 
First hill of the day and a good view of the lodge 
We began to get views of a smoking White Island in the distance.
The biggest hill was around 100m climb, just before we crossed the Raukokore River. Once again there was little traffic, except for a few logging trucks just before Te Kaha.
crossing the Raukokore River 
We stopped at the Te Kaha General Store, alongside a camping ground and about 2km away from the resort, to buy some food and wine. The shop assistant was wearing a mask – the first one we had seen on the East Cape.
We arrived at the Te Kaha Beach Resort around midday and spent the afternoon relaxing, drinking wine, eating ice cream etc.
Once again we were in luxury digs with a full apartment, including our own washing machine and dryer (when cycle touring the daily washing and drying of clothes is a real chore, thus my obsession). The resort is lovely, next to a small beach and also has its own bar and restaurant. There is not much else in Te Kaha, I think the big attraction here is fishing, apart from just relaxing.
