• Te Araroa Day 19
• Whananaki to Sandy Bay – 9 km in 2 hours
• Cups of tea: 3
• Grapes: many

Well, from personal best pack up to worst pack up I lurched… It rained overnight, I woke up stiff, it was just all a bit too hard. We weren’t in any hurry though, and it was a lovely sunny day. Remember the women’s retreat music soundtrack to our pack up on 90 mile beach? Today we got a whole Monday morning outdoor assembly, as the school was just over the hedge. The principal or lead teacher seemed very enthusiastic, the kids got all sorts of awards, and finally there was a tuneful and bilingual rendition of happy birthday for one lucky student. It was pretty cute.

My pack was heavy today thanks to the bad packing, 5 more days of food, and the possibly questionable decision to buy a 1L bottle of milk from the shop for cups of tea this afternoon! There were no smaller ones…

Across the 395 metre long footbridge we went to start the day. We saw a few decent sized fish, and also Winston Peters’ house which is to the left of it. Someone told me this in Whangaruru, and Ian had heard the same. As we passed the gate, sure enough there was a sign saying ‘Peters’.

From there the Whananaki Coastal Walkway took us on a gentle, easy path through farmland with some excellent views of the coast. Apparently there was a shipwreck not far from here in 1975 and it was quite the event.

From the end of this walkway, it was just 200 metres along the trail to our Airbnb, how optimal! Sandy Bay was a stunning but peaceful little bay, and our lovely host was happy for us to check in at midday. We made the most of the washing machine and sunshine. My bottle of milk had travelled well, it was definitely worth carrying!! Our host even popped up with three huge bunches of grapes from her garden, and they are my all time favourite variety!

It seemed that we could be faced with a logistical challenge the following day, when “James the boat guy” was going to be away. He is really the only one listed in the trail notes to run walkers across a small estuary near Ngunguru in his boat, and then has an eco retreat on the other side you can stay at. He’ll also give a briefing on the two tidal routes on the trail on the day after that apparently. Without him, I was beginning to feel overwhelmed and like we might have no choice but to walk the 22km road walk, and the tides looked tricky for the other part. A text confirmed that actually he would be around tomorrow after all though, and I could drink tea, nap, and relax happily for the rest of the afternoon!

Later the America’s Cup was on, and I went for a wander down to the beach. The cold sea water felt very refreshing on my legs and feet. Apart from a knee twinge today, and tired feet, they’re doing well. The feet might just have to give up their dreams of becoming foot models though 😂

Tomorrow our host recommended deviating from the official trail and going along the coastal road instead of the inland road, which would take us through Tutakaka and shops. As always I’m keen for an ice cream, and it sounds like a solid plan. I’m looking forward to seeing the eco retreat James runs, and taking the first boat ride of Te Araroa tomorrow.