TA Day 18, Ruakaka to Dragon’s Spell – 26 km
It’s a beach walk with spectacular reflections, then up a steep hill to views from DragonSpell.
TA Day 17, Peach Cove to Ruakaka – 17 km + 11 km
It’s 76 flights of stairs out of Peach Cove, then over foggy Mt. Lion to Smugglers Bay and Marsden Point.
TA Day 16, Taiharuru River to Peach Cove – 25 km
From Tidesong, it’s a walk across the Taiharuru estuary to Ocean beach then up magnificent Bream Head.
TA audio narrative: hiking as conversation
The birds, people, and sound of my feet through water, mud and sand were the hiking conversation.
TA Day 15, Nikau Bay to Taiharuru Estuary – 13 km
An easier day on a sprained ankle through the chest-deep Horahora River to Tidesong.
TA Day 14, Whananaki to Nikau Bay Camp – 28 km + 2 km
Crossing the longest footbridge in the Southern Hemisphere at Whananaki, the trail is easy along beaches.
TA Day 13, Helena Bay to Whananaki – 25 km
It’s straight up on a ridge with sensational views, then deep into steep up-and-down bush.
TA Day 12, Waikare to Helena Bay – 28 km
The Papakauti stream is the trail through the magical Russell Forest, followed by road to Helena Bay.
TA Day 11, Paihia to Waikare – 13 km + 3 km
The trail is on water as I kayak up the beautiful Waikare Estuary.
TA Day 10, Kerikeri to Paihia – 24 km
It’s “easy tramping” all day to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and finally Pahia.