Start – Hansen’s Hill
Finish – Mila’s Backpackers Ranch, Ngunguru
Daily Distance – 33km
TA Distance – 340km
Waking up to the sound of rain on my tent, I didn’t hold out much hope for today, but have been proved
entirely wrong. Blue skies and sun have been in place all day and it only seems fitting for such beautiful
coastal walking. I finally feel free of the clutches of the forests and love the change of scenery and
relative ease of walking. Today’s walk wound through the lovely small towns of Whananaki (whose very
enthusiastic primary schoolers were haka-ing up a storm when I stopped for coffee), Matapouri and
finally into my favourite, Ngunguru. Situated on the Northern bank of the Ngunguru river as it flows into
the sea it’s a sleepy little town of boats and friendly folk that I’m rather charmed by. The route also looked
down onto a shocking number of houses that had their own beautiful private beaches. I’ll admit that some
looked so idyllic and the day so hot, that I did idly consider introducing myself to any marriageable ladies
who lived there. I imagine in my current state of cleanliness most ladies would swoon if we shared a
confined space for long.
Anyway, home for the night was Mila’s backpackers ranch, so chosen for the sensible reason that I have
for a long time wanted to stay on an American style ranch. Having conducted no research ahead of time I
wasn’t overly surprised when it wasn’t terribly ranchy, but Mila’s did offer peace, quiet and a really cute
little caravan to stay in that saved pitching a tent. It’s a shame that the place seems to be rather overlooked
in favour of another park just over the estuary whose owner will also ferry walkers across via boat as I
couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome. I have even been gifted several eggs fresh from the on-site
chickens, which will make a wonderful change from my customary breakfast muesli. I’m so excited I
almost want to stay up and eat them now!
