Tapawera is just a blip on the map. We drove through it three days ago in the way to Motueka and it barely registered. But the local proprietors of the campsite filled us with interesting local information and history - there is a symbol on the hill made of white rock that depicts a stag with the lettering "12XIII", which commemorates the 12th and 13th army battalions that were stationed here. There is a carved gate in the town centre that symbolises European and Maori cooperation, and what can be accomplished by working together. We will have to find it tomorrow; we were too focused on finding food when we passed through earlier!
Tapawera is essentially surrounded by mountains on 3 sides and the sunset and clouds are absolutely gorgeous. Also the campground is spacious and quiet with beautiful fan-tailed birds, yummy plum trees and something mysterious in the woods that scurries away whenever we approach. Everything you could ever ask for after a solid day of biking!
Also, we rode through a 1.35km long tunnel today, built between 1891-1893 and then retired in 1955. It is the longest disused rail tunnel in New Zealand.
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