Day 15

I was so pleased to be in a cabin as heavy rain over night. Was great to speak with all the family last night. Up early, across the foot bridge then walked the estuary as it was half tide. Saw some black swans on the harbour, rock oysters and mangove seads. The Whananaki walk way to Sandy bay was amazing. So incredibly beautiful and  I was like an Asian tourist and took heaps of photos. I am noticing the red northland clay soils, kaiku grass and Californian quail. Met up with other TA walkers at Sandy bay. I chose to take the coastal route through Matapouri, Tutukaka to Ngunguru. It was metal road and a bit of up and down. I had an ice cream in Matapouri and then as the sign said 6 km to Tutukaka I turned down a ride and decided to walk it. It was a long 6 km and they were re sealing the road. The road workers gave me a lift to the end of the road works to get me off the road. There were about 10 walkers behind me. I had a pie and energy drink at Tutukaka and a good rest. It was then a 4 km walk over a hill to get to Ngunguru. Afternoon tea was a coffee and cake. Real luxury. There is a huge group of walkers at the moment. James took us across the harbour in several boat trips to his place at Nikau cabins. A beautiful place but the mosquitoes are horrendous. James gives assistance with crossing the Horahora river and I am pleased to have company to do this. Have a cabin again tonight and sharing it with 2 kiwi. Otis from Wellington and Bree from Auckland. Sorry but this blog will have a heap of photos.

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