• Te Araroa kilometres done: 541.8
• Official kms: 18km
• Garmin kms: 20.68km
• Total time: 6.42
• Calories burned: 2102
• Body battery: 8/10
• Accommodation: cabin at Orewa holiday Park.
• Tent nights tally: 6

Another morning of waking before the alarm clock. It’s raining again this morning. I hope it eases off.

Today we say farewell to Mark, he’s been such an awesome host, it’s been so good having the support of my family.

We were dropped off just before 9am & walked the 200 metres up to the kayak place where we were met by the instructor & her team, after a quick briefing we were off.

Gokul & I had paired up in a double & kayaked the 7km down the Puhoi River, such a great change to walking. It did get a little choppy though & at the end we were fighting against the wind.

It only took just over an hour to do the 7km & we were met not long after with our packs from the Kayak company. From here it was a 10km walk up & over to Waiwera & then along the rocks to Orewa.

Once in Orewa I stopped at the local New World to catch up with Steve who is the owner, unfortunately he is away doing the Milford but I was able to catch up with his daughter Jess. Big thanks to these guys as they donated & offered words of encouragement to my Givealittle a month back. Also a big thanks to the Foodstuffs community trust who have sponsored me with vouchers to assist with food costs for this journey.

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life

After getting some resupply items, I headed to the Orewa holiday park & checked our team of 4 in. Not long after Jon, Caroline & Gokul turned up. We are now settled in, cooking dinner & just relaxing. It has been a really amazing day with great variation on the TA with Kayaking, track, rock hopping, beach walking & road.

Looking forward to seeing the Brother in law & family tomorrow as they will be cheering me on as I walk past.

Also looking forward to seeing & staying with my younger brother Daniel & his family tomorrow as they are hosting myself & Gokul. Tomorrow is going to be a good day!