I planned this route in October 2025 so how did I know I might be sore from the last 4 days and planned an extra short day? Idk, but I'm glad I did,! Also, today, it was dark and cloudy and rained several times. The first time I'd just stopped for a good breakfast, in Riwaka, only 1/2 hr from the start. The bike shop that I rented my bike from had recommended it days earlier. Also a good choice as I spent 90 minutes there waiting for the rain to stop and roads to dry a little bit.
Then, I went to the next little town Matueka, and visited the historical Matueka Saltwater Baths. It was used years ago as a way to capture the ocean water in a public pool. It's still there, but not used but. The area is an RV resort now. They call them Caravans here.
Finally, i arrived at a slow pace in the final town of Mapua hours before my lodging opened l. So I took the exclusive bicycle ferry to Rabbit Island, which I wanted to visit anyway. However, it started raining hard again. I took refuge under some trees. My original plan was to stay there on the beach. But the haze never cleared. So I took the next ferry back an hour later. I enjoyed a great meal at "The Apple Shed" , and retired at my lodging called "Stay at the Art Gallery.