Day 8 - Rangiahua to Puketi Forest Campground

A lovely time was spent for Christmas at Otamure; Sandie, Karl and I. Our motorhome shifted from Kerikeri NZMCA park to the DoC Otamure site. 

Beachside under flowering pohutakawa trees. We even had turkey on the BBQ. Reminds me of the verses in the Hi 5 song - ‘Santa wear your shorts’.

On return to the exact spot we left was a solid hour and a half drive in the x-trail. The hiking sticks still leaning on the fence post.

After farewells, we began the next segment of 8km along Highway 1 before reaching the Puketi Rd turnoff.

We had already received an offer of a lift by a local, which was really kind and considerate.

We politely declined as when all is said and done we want to be able to say whole heartedly we walked the length of NZ. (Apart from obvious water crossing parts!)

The Puketi Rd climbed steadily to a plateau. The weather deteriorated and we donned on our jackets to keep us warmer and drier.

After 13km we met the point where the TA trail emerged from the forest. A couple of k’s backtrack and we were at the DoC campsite.

With plenty of time before darkness we had a great feed - roast chicken and mash, a Back Country feed (thanks Tahere family).