I headed down from the observatory park to get breakfast at Lawson and have a quick catch up call with Steph. From there I continued through the inland country side going up and down hills. It was so beautiful and a nice change from the coastal highways. At one point I descended to this beautiful lake amidst the hills with a big bridge that went across. Finally back in a town, I tried to stop by this New Zealand food place for a feed but they were closed, so, I not so sheepishly headed to Joyfull. After a feed it was time to hit the road again and I decided to go via the coast. My original plan was to have a short day, onsening then staying in a park nearby. However, feeling good, I saw a free camp site a further 10-20km south of there. I figured I'll just wash at the beach and stay there! Pushing ahead, I finally got there at 4pm. But there were big signs saying no camping, as it had since been banned. I decided to turn off navigation and just head further south. At this point I'd done over 70km and was nearing my largest distance travelled in a day. I kept going along the coast, new wind in my sails. After another 15km I found a town where I tried to find somewhere to camp to no avail. I did however have a skinny dip in the water to wash. With about an hour until dark, there was a park 10km ahead.... but it was on the other side of the mountain. With a healthy dose of 'fuck it' energy I just went for it. Somehow I absolutely destroyed that incline and coasted down to a park with, once again, a bloody magnificent view. I sat and ate my dinner looking at the sun setting over the distant Mt Kaimon across the sea, where Naomi and Kenji live. I found a completely hidden, soft, dry patch of grass around the corner to set up my tent. Life's good, what a day!