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.
TA audio narrative: the start
The start of the Te Araroa is a trial of sand, wind, rain and mud, but it’s worth it.
TA Day 9 – zero day, Kaeo
I take my first “zero day” near Kaeo and eat mussels, oysters and take a huge nap.
TA Day 8, Puketi Forest to Kerikeri – 27 km
It’s a long walk mostly on easy forest track and farm fields to Rainbow Falls and Kerikeri.
TA Day 7, Apple Dam to Puketi Forest camp – 36 km
A long walk through the Puketi forest takes me past manuka honey bees and a kauri forest.
TA Day 6, Umaumokaroo to Apple Dam – 26 km
The mud continues until the bush abruptly ends at rolling hills headed toward more bush.
TA Day 5, Takahue Saddle Road to below Umaumakaroo – 16 km
Tuis, bell birds, roots and mud – the deepest I’ve seen in my entire life – in the Raetea Forest.
