Important info on cows coming your way, but first, more on “firths.” Try saying that quickly ten times.😂
We stopped for second breakfast at a petro station in Kaiaua adjacent to the Firth of Thames (the body of water by which we are riding) and met Gill and Val, locals from Hamilton who are on holiday.
We had a lovely chat about how New Zealand is changing but just know the Firth of “Thames” does not rhyme with “James”, said Gill. It’s pronounced “temz”, like rhyming with “gems”.
These pronunciations and the names of the towns make route planning and conversations an adventure. And btw, those petro meat pies are 💯
So about the cows… according to the guidebook we are using, dairy cows “are the main engine and exhaust pipe of New Zealand’s economy.” That was news to me. I thought sheep products were their main industry but apparently New Zealand is one of the top dairy producers in the world, while wool and mutton have been declining recently.
Ironically after cycling through a rain shower a dairyman was moving his cows to another pasture and well, you know we just had to stop and have a chat. Everyone is so dang nice here and willing to chat it up with us.
We watched as he moved them along. Then I thanked him for the chocolate milk I enjoyed for breakfast just this morning and we were on our way to Paerora.
Tourism, however remains a major contributor to their economy due to the stunning landscapes, adventure activities and I think, the “kiwi” kindness.
We are continually awed at the beauty of New Zealand, the sea scapes, rural areas and especially her people.
Tomorrow a three day front is moving in that will likely bring a LOT of rain and wind. And this is just as we begin some technical sections of the trail so there will be decisions to make about laying up or pressing on. Stay tuned friends!
Click on the image below to view today’s video.
Keep Calm and Pedal On 
That is a huge herd of hefty heifers (and others). You’re near Hobbiton… thus the second breakfast.
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Just a quick note to say I’m thoroughly enjoying your posts. I’m an avid biker and would love to be able to go to New Zealand and do what you’re doing. I’m a friend of Tish Brafford. Mary:)
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Thank you for letting us know you are enjoying the posts. 😊We are so grateful to be here and even on the harder days, know we are lucky. It’s a far place to travel to and the logistics of a point to point tour between two islands is interesting but it’s worth it. Thanks for following along. Soon we will be moving toward the interior of the North Island and in fact, will see the center point of it. So stay tuned!
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