...I get up happy, make some more New Years calls and eat the same huge breakfast. I am surprised to find out everyone in town is up and running, all the stores are open, everything works. Wow. And that on a Sunday!
...I set out to my next destination: the Taranaki region, famed for Mt Taranaki, hailed as the country's most beautiful mountain
...I encounter something truly unexpected - an American flag with a sign congratulating Trump on winning the election. That amidst greenery, sheep in the complete middle of nowhere rural New Zealand...
...by accident I stumble upon one highlight of my trip I had already deleted from the plan due to time constraints - I pass Te Kuiti, the world capital of sheep shearing, with its iconic 7 meter Big Shearer statue. Also: I learn that there are 14.8 sheep per person in New Zealand.
...I arrive in New Plymouth, where I had booked a bed at a hostel - it's raining so I might not be able to do the climb of Mt Taranaki scheduled for tomorrow. I find the hostel reception empty but fortunately they let an envelope with the key and a wifi pass code for me!