Day 63: Duct Tape Fixes Everything

December 12th, 2019

Kilometers: 1603.9-1636.2

Ariki Motel to Pukerua Bay AirBnB

We woke up this morning around 7. We were in no rush to get out of the motel after our late arrival last night. 

We both ate some fruit while working on blog posts as it was our first cell service at camp since Levin. 

After the posts were up, we each took a shower and started to get ready to leave. At about 9:30, we left the motel and I began to repair my shoes with duct tape. The walk yesterday had nearly ruined them. 

We went to countdown where we each got a Red Bull and a muffin before we set off for the day. 

After walking through Waikanae briefly, we found ourselves on the Waikanae River Track. We followed the river track as it inched us nearer to the ocean. 

Shortly after crossing a small suspension bridge, we hit the 1000 mile mark. It feels like such a huge accomplishment to say that we’ve walked 1000 miles. 

The river walk eventually gave way for the estuary walkway. 

After just over a kilometer, we rejoined with the road temporarily before crossing a dune to reach the beach. 

The beach was not nearly as pleasant as others we have walked on on the TA. It was quite crowded and narrow with a lot of pipes running into the water. 

As we turned the point, we got a much better view of the towns we would be walking along and the escarpment trail.

After 5 kilometers on the beach, we ran out of room to walk as the waves were crashing into a rock wall right after a boat ramp. Alex and I found this as good a time as any to eat our leftover dinner last night of pesto pasta and chicken. 

We then switch to road walking and found ourselves in the small town of Raumati Beach quickly. With there being limited food options after the town, Alex and I got bowls from Pita Pit which would saved for dinner. To avoid spilling them, we relied on good ole duct tape again. 

We stayed along the road for a few kilometers longer as we were unsure if the beach would be clear. 

Eventually, the road ended and dropped us down to a massive beach. The beach ran all the way from Raumati South to Paekakariki. 

In Paekakariki, we left the beach and rejoined the road. We walked parallel to Highway 1 briefly before turning onto it and backtracking across a bridge. There was a stairwell to an underpass where we joined up with the escarpment trail. 

The trail hugged the mountain which was separated from the water by Highway 1 and the train tracks. 

The trail began flat but quickly climbed above the trees and got very steep with numerous switchbacks. Immediately, we were rewarded with stunning views of the coast we had just walked down. 

The trail continued to climb with staircases that were seemingly endless. Despite the highest point only being about 215 meters, Alex and I were sweating like pigs. The climb was well worth it for the views of the coast. 

After 2.5km of climbing up and down more staircases, we came to the first swing bridge. 

This one was much better constructed than the chain link fence one we had crossed a few days back so I was much more comfortable. 

After another few kilometers of descending down to the train tracks, we crossed them and found ourselves in Pukerua Bay. We reserved the only AirBnB we could find in the small town for the evening. 

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the friendliest pug who loved Alex. 

We went down to the dairy in the town and got some snacks to go along with the dinner that had been sitting in the top of our pack for a few hours. Although luke warm, it was still really tasty. 

Tomorrow we push for Ngaio meaning we will be just one short day from the end of the north island. Crazy. 

-Ethan