Te Araroa Trail – Day 3

Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Distance Today/ Total: 29.5 km/ 18.3 mi

I was up as soon as it was daylight and got ready for todays hike. When I crawled out of my tent I saw a wild horse grazing near the sand dunes. What a great way to start the day.

Today’s hike was a long walk down the beach. The scenery didn’t change much and it was foggy and overcast when I started walking. I put in my earphones and listened to some podcasts as I walked down the beach.

About 15 km from camp I met Lupi headed north. I had initially met him in Kaitaia at the hostel. he had opted to walk the first section Northbound in order to spend the first night in Ahipara rather than on the rainy, windy beach.

Shortly after meeting Lupi I saw a seal near the shore in the surf. He hung around for awhile before swimming back out to sea.

The last half of the hike was uneventful and I reached Hukatere Lodge about 2:30pm. I checked in and set my tent up and the other hikers began arriving shortly after. There ended up being a boy 15 hikers at the lodge tonight and we all enjoyed each others company in the kitchen area before heading back to our tents for the night.