• Te Araroa Day 22
• Taiharuru River to Ocean Beach Camp 16 km in 4 hours
• Walking group size today: 4 TA hikers!

I woke up a bit grumpy and groggy this morning and it was hard to get going. I wondered if Te Araroa novelty has worn off a bit? Two cups of tea and making porridge in the nice kitchen helped considerably though, and then Ros very kindly and capably guided us across the river about 8:30.

We carefully followed the instructions from Ros while heading up through farmland to the road. We naturally seemed to carry on as a group of four, Ian and Greg walking a little faster up front while Jo & I crossed at a nice speed for my leg. It felt a bit better again today which was a relief.

Kauri Mountain (more like a hill despite the name) was closed as DOC are upgrading the trail, and it was handy Zac had confirmed that for us as there was no signage. We walked on quiet roads until turning off to come along Ocean Beach all the way to Te Whara / Bream Head – about 7 km.

The sand on the beach was soft, and it was the strongest wind we’ve encountered so far. Not anything the hat could cope with, off it came. The waves were breaking powerfully and we didn’t see another person which seemed to give it all an intrepid atmosphere, and make up for the lack of hard sand to walk on. I’d heard there are lots of dotterels on this stretch, but despite keeping my eyes peeled I didn’t see any until Jo pointed two out right at the end of the beach. There seemed to be quite a few puffer fish washed up, and we also saw a large group of godwits.

I really enjoyed chatting to Jo about all sorts of things, and it does seem that fellow Te Araroa walkers are easy to bond with. After skirting around the final rocky headland and coming off the beach, it was time to say goodbye as they headed off to a B&B, and we found the campground. They’re resting tomorrow and heading into Whangarei, but maybe our paths will cross again.

This campsite is another set up by a local landowner, who sold a significant portion of his land to DOC to help form the Te Whara / Bream Head conservation area which we’re walking through tomorrow. This afternoon I saw some colourful parakeets / kākāriki, a big quail family and more piwakawaka so it’s been a day of bird spotting. There’s a hot shower, great shelter with huge table, and composting toilet here. All we could want.

It was another quite short, easy day of walking with the afternoon to nap, read and rest. Tomorrow is quite a bit of climbing and descending through bush, so today should help my leg be in better shape for it. I hope the weather is nice for some views from the ridge. Apparently there might be a cafe after that, fingers crossed!