Today- 19.6km

Total – 385.4km

Although not long in length, today we got our workout.

Started by climbing up kauri mountain in the mist of the morning, and I struggled a little bit to get going this morn. May be the lack of coffee!

Then the track descended and it was time to go back to the beach – the first beach walk since 90mile beach, a 100km starting point which some people have terrible experiences.

The beach walking was pretty pleasant, and I was weather watching as the clouds were looking pretty ominous at times but all blew south.

We had waited out some heavy rain this morning and the weather was now looking good for the day.

The beach was beautiful and up ahead the big hills we had yet to climb were coming into view.

The Te Whara track that followed was one of my favorites on the the trail. Definately challenging, going up up up, and then steep downhill had to watch the knees.

But the views were incredible. Did an extra little rock scramble to the summit for an epic panorama of the area.

Also got views across to Marsden Point and down to Ruakaka and Waipu, which we will pass tommorrow.

Looking forward to a good nights rest, am at a hikers camp called the Green Bustop tonight and it is incredible. Hot shower, cooking space,beautiful bathroom and fresh eggs and a herb garden. Bliss.