This walk was done in two sections in between being in Te Kuiti on the day of the annual Great Muster – when a mob of somewhere between 1000 and 4000 sheep is run down the main street of the town (pic). This is the fun side of the national sheep shearing championships which have been happening here for the last few days.

Anyway, a very pleasant stream walk around the back streets of Te Kuiti – we normally just drive through the town with only a short stop. Some road walking for a short distance,
then back onto walking alongside the Mangaokewa stream which provided a taste of what I will be doing for tomorrow’s walk. Brambles about, but avoided them for now. End of the Te Araroa
walk for today.

Then a quick road walk under the Waiteti railway viaduct and back to Te Kuiti just in time for the Great Muster.

Took it a bit easy today as I wandered down track and camped at a reserve below te kuiti. Resupplied in town so pack is heavy again.

I have never hiked in this area, but hear it is great. Love your comments – enlighten us all please!