I stayed at the pub last night as there isn't any official (legal) camping spots along this section.
And I’m off to an early start, anticipating a fairly easy day although I was channelling Tom first up!
This first section of today’s route isn’t able to be traversed at the moment so it was kayak time. The good folk at Hibiscus kayak hire kitted me out and off I went.
I spent a fair bit of time in kayaks and canoes in my younger days but always on lakes and creeks. This kayaking on ocean waves is still new for me and it is a bit sketchy. No crocs though!
Anyway, this section and the next has to be done at low tide so there’s no point faffing about. The waves aren’t going to stop no matter how long I look at them!
AND... I’m going to count those 7kms in my overall tally. While this isn’t hiking, technically, it is the official track.
Then it was done and I was back on the sand (she writes as if it was that simple). I was not graceful getting off the kayak. However it was a terrific face plant in the sand and as my older bro says, ‘doesn’t matter what you do kid, as long as you do it in style’. And I did. Thanks Katie.
This part of the route to Stillwater also needs to be completed at low tide as it involves a rock scramble and beach walk which was pretty easy going actually.
I’m hiking along the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana coast and it is really pretty.
Although I didn’t see any today, it is not uncommon to see large pods of dolphins in these waters.
And then from Orewa Beach, I followed a path to a bridge over the Orewa River, on to the Estuary Walkway and then it was a doddle through town to the back packers retreat where I set up my tent. It was $25 for the site, and I weighed up whether to pay a little more and stay inside but I really like my tent. It is comfortable and private. I wish there was more opportunity for freedom camping. I know the TA Trust is looking to change the route over the next couple of years and this will be a focus.
I might have to come back and do it again!
Orewa beach
Rock hopping. Orewa.
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