Day 26

I had a bit of a late start and read for a while. I then walked to the bus depot and hired a locker for my pack. The back packers had been an experience!!. I did a walk to Victoria park then Wynyard quarter and the Viaduct basin, Quay st, then back to Albert park which had a statue of Queen Victoria although Victoria park did not. I basically followed the old coast line historic walkway. I then went back to the bus depot and waited. Auckland is a city of contrasts. Old buildings interspersed with new. Rich cafe culture people who own yachts, every day families and the poor, the homeless, the people smoking bongs in alley ways.The ethnic diversity is huge. I kind of felt I had to include a photo of the Harbor  bridge and Sky tower. A crazy guy Bungie jumped off it as I was walking past. I am pleased that I have walked parts of Auckland but I am also pleased to be out of it. I took a bus to Rangiriri and booked in at the pub. Went for a walk up Te Whero redoubt and found the bridge I will take in the morning to cross the Waikato. I guess I have now completed 2 sections of the trail although not all on foot.

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Two weeks out

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Day 6.

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Day 20

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I had a later start for me. Walking just after 8 pm. It was raining so I put my coat on then got really hot and sticky. I was busting for a pee and discovered Bunnings have good public toilets. I did a re supply shop at New World. I was walking in my pink Crocs which are very comfortable on the pavement. I walked about 8:km from the campground to the bridge at the start of Tomarata road. Ate a crossiant and an orange then Leon picked me up. They will take me to the old Dome Valley tea rooms tomorrow and that will save me 47 km of walking, 30 along the beach to Pakiri and then a nasty steep muddy track. I guess I will call this my rest day. I went to the Wellsford sale with Leon. Prices fairly high. The 350 kg+ cattle making between $2.8 - 3.0 per kg. Small white face steers and Angus steers about 250 kg made up to $ 4.0 per kg live weight. I thought you would be interested Tobias. Went for a walk round Leon and Brendda place to see all the planting they have done. Not many photos today...
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