Day: 661 Langsview Track

Highlight:

Knowing I want to get to Waipu today, so I could food shop and museum tomorrow, I send a message to a Trail Angel.  @ 3pm with no response, a Google search showed two accomodation options. The Hotel with backpacking and camping. And the Motel with a laundry mat. The hotel had cheaper rates so I gave them a call, only to find they do long term accommodation not one night. I asked about camping, and the manager said come have a look first.

A couple hours later, once in Waipu I was offered a below average room or grass spot. I opted for the room. And made quick use of the shower to freshen up me and my clothing.

Challenge:

Big day on the cards today. 35km.
Yesterday afternoon at the cabin I had contemplated walking on to Mangawhai heads, to even out the days. However the luxury of having somewhere to stay the night overwayed the effort to contact a backbackers or holiday park.

I knew I was in for a treat with the Mangawhai coastal walk. It's one of DOC's Great Day Walks.
The views where cool. I wasn't sure if some of this (over farm land)  would be closed due to lambing. As it was mentioned in the notes. The signage out there didn't mention, and I soon saw a group of three local ladies and then a farmer.
The farmer oftered up an alternative route, straight to Waipu Cove avoiding the ridge and bush on the trail to come...

A steep climb ( a ride oftered by another local on a side by side), and I spotted a group sitting in the grass. Who else is out here.. they were TA. I wiped off my back and grabed some grass. Ate lunch and heard about their journey to date. A man from France with a heavy pack who didn't enjoy 90 mile beach, and two from Belgium who where walking Northland and then van touring.

Learning:

Share paths are good. The part between the two completed section was on road with steep drop of into the drain.
I wasn't expecting any pathway so should be grateful. The contrast is big. A path with no destination wouldn't be utilised by the community nearly much,   as when it is connected.

Not photographed, but I also observed the cycle of land use... Once naturally forested, was milled and planted in pine, clearfelled. More recently natives planned, flat sections sculpted & grassed, power piped for the 'Highlands' development.

Summary: