Puketi – Kerikeri

6 Oct, 198 – 228km, 7:30hrs, 26km, 4km trail angels ride.

I left the safety of Puketi Hut at 7:30 and walked Waiare Rd towards Kerikeri.

The Kerikeri Track was closed as well as the Maungapareua Mast track. So missed the farm and animals adding 8km on more gravel and sealed roadway. The guide said cross farmland, stream follow the markers over stiles etc untill you get to SH10. Nope it was navigation skills again to follow back roads. Left or right? GPS helped on Guthook and The Trail app along with downloaded TA maps.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Internet service became available just after midday so I could listen to podcasts, yayy. Stopped on a lovely grassed area for lunch and swap water bottles.

• 

As I approached the Waipapa Highway 10 a car pulled up and the driver asked if I was walking, ‘yep’, the TA, ‘yep’. Can I take you somewhere? You bet, road walking is not my thing. Get in, Steph said. She drove me to the Four Square, bought me a coffee and a bagel and drove me to Hone Heke Lodge. She returned an hour later with blister and snack supplies, what an angel. Just when the going gets tough magic happens. I was so grateful for the 4km ride to my bed for the night.

• 

Did washing, scrubbed my boots and soaked my feet. So grateful to Steph.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Steph saved the day and rejuvenated the spirit, she drove me 100 mitres to the river and asked if I wanted to walk it. I responded another day perhaps. And will do!