Sheep World to Orewa

Day 31, 32
Km 28
Cumulative Km 443.5

The one thing we definitely didn’t want to do was to walk the 2km, uphill and on a very busy SH1 to the continuation of the trail, from Sheep World. So, we tried to hitch, though not many cars going at 100km/h are that keen to stop. We nearly gave up when the tiniest of cars stopped. At first we weren’t sure if it was for us, but it was!! We giggled a bit and wondered how this tiny car would get us and our bags up the hill- but it did!! It also saved us a horrible highway road walk.

The next two days were in similar territory, quiet a bit of forestry roads, mixed with trail and dirt roads. Some sections through the forest and some portions with steps.

We got into Puhoi just in time for a cold cider and lunch at the pub! It was great and also a celebration of passing the 500km point on the trail today!

We split the section into a 10km , then 18km days. We stayed at Nanekoti farm for the first night and at Pip’s place in Puhoi for the second night.

Day 33
21 November
Km 8
Cumulative Km 451.5

The lovely trail angel, Pip, where we spent the night in Puhoi, offered to drop us off in Waiwera. This means we can avoid walking on SH1 and the Hibiscus Coast Rd. This also means that we dont have far to walk.
We hit the beach and the rocky outcrops below the steep cliffs at low tide, necessary to pass this route.

After rock hopping we had a few kilometres of beach and then stopped in a lovely cafe in Orewafor coffee and a second breakfast as it was only 10am.
Once we were pretty full we headed to the holiday park, where we got free WIFI as TA hikers as well as a discount rate.

The lovely Pat and Chris were due to pick me up at midday. These are long time friends of my parent’s friend, Pam in South Africa. It’s always good to meet new people. So I was excited! We went to Coffee Club for lunch, which was yummy!

Pat and Chris surprised me and gifted me a big bag of delicious, South African made, biltong to replace the packet that the dog ate a few days ago! It was such a kind and thoughtful gesture! So the biltong saga has a happy ending!

Over lunch I was offered a ride to my aunt’s place, who lives in SE Auckland. After some convincing I took the generous offer and also asked if Marie could come with as she was due to head out by bus to the CBD.

As if I didn’t have enough great food for one day, Marie, Moritz and myself finished off the day with a farewell dinner at a nearby Italian restaurant. We were all headed to different destinations for varying durations. We may meet up on the trail again. So we reminisced about the funny things we have been through or said or did.