Day 27
Km 0
Cumulative Km 372.5
We all had a sleep in, in our comfortable quarters at Lyn’s place, had eggs for breakfast and then headed out to a nice coffee shop with Lyn once she had finished gym and we had finished planning for the next section.
After coffee we headed to the shop for some resupply , though I must say it was a bit pricier than before. We had a relaxing afternoon at home, and I got a chance to fix my backpack . One of the arm slings kept slipping all the time and was irritating the shit out of me as this was happening every few minutes!!
In the afternoon we went to check out the estuary and sand dunes by Lyn’s place.
Day 28
16 November
Km 16
Cumulative Km 388.5
After another hearty breakfast we said our goodbyes and Lyn dropped us off at the start of the beach section. The beach was pretty uneventful, though a little difficult for the first half or so as it was high tide and we had to walk in the softer sand. There were 3 river crossings that we had to do, not too deep but required taking shoes off or getting them wet. We also saw 2 fairy terns, that are critically endangered in NZ.
We got to the campsite in the early afternoon and set up camp. It was busy though, considering it was a Saturday.
Day 29
Km 11
Cumulative Km 399.5
I can’t believe that some people are already at 650km, all walking and I’m at 475km, and walked 400. These people are machines… 35-40km a day on pretty rough territory!
Well, today I’m glad that we only signed up for 11km as it was a lot of steep climbs, then steep descents. Luckily the mud was fairly competent as it hadn’t rained for the last few days.
When we thought we were nearly done , we got an arse whipping in the form of another kilometre of steep, muddy descent and draining ascent to join up with the road
We camped on Matt’s lawn, got beer or soft drink and a morning coffee included in our rate.
The dog of a caravaner at the place we stayed decided to lighten my pack by eating nearly all of my biltong!! It was about 20 dollars worth!! So broken hearted… and I was just gone for a few minutes!
Day 30
Km 16
Cumulative Km 415.5
Today was rather similar to yesterday, with loads of meters of ascent, followed directly by descents. The track was actually not too bad, as it was still dry. There were several muddy patches, but not too bad. The start of the forest was pretty good… until it started raining just when we stopped for lunch. It rained pretty hard for about 20min and caused the next 5km of steep descent to be pretty slippery.
We stayed at Sheepworld, the youngsters camped and I stayed in an on site caravan. Not bad for 35 NZD .
3 replies on “Mangawhai Heads to Sheepworld”
Dear Lyn, thank you very much for taking my daughter to your home for lovely break and n opportunity to meet your and your husband in NZ. God bless.
Joanna your pictures are beautiful, the whole of NZ is beautiful. Enjoy it
Yes, I can’t wait to get to the south island! It’s even better!