From Matakana township up the valley and then up the hill soon joining the track through the Waiwhiu valley and up again to the Dome summit, then down to the Dome tearooms on SH1 just north of Warkworth – 21.6 km – 5.5 hours

One day the Matakana dogleg of busy roads will be replaced by the Western Tamahunga track. But not yet, so up the valley road from the township to the hills, and then winding up and up to a minor road turnoff. Along that road with views out to the north as far as the Mangawhai Cliffs and Whangarei Heads which I now know a lot better than a week ago.

Then to the start of the tramping track that goes first along a forest road, then wends its way down a ridge line into the Waiwhiu Valley. The track winds its way on the hill side of the stream for a while, then does a quick dive across the stream at a place of large boulders, and then out into the open on a forestry road. A side road then goes up the other side of the valley, before the tramping track resumes near the top. That then follows the ridge line around to the Dome summit (with views out to Omaha / Kawau), and then heads down to the end of the track on the side of SH1

Reotahi Bay, then Marsden Point to near Waipu Cove – 32.8 km – 50 mins plus 5.75 hours

A split day – first an early morning walk from the motel, down to Little Munro Bay, then around the point to Reotahi Bay, with the ever present Marsden Point oil refinery just across the harbour. Then a drive around the harbour through Whangarei and out to Marsden Point.

Walking started along the south side of the harbour, under the jetty and pipes for unloading oil from the tanker ships, and then it turned into the Bream Bay beach, heading SW down to Ruakura. Being a highish tide, with a real river to be crossed, it was then a road deviation out to the main road past the town, along that and some, before heading back past the motor camp to the beach again.

Then another hour on the beach, before heading inland again for the roads to take me over the Waipu River. A flat and dry area, but views back to the Whangarei Heads where I was yesterday, and onto the Brynderwyn Hills where I will be tomorrow. Tried to rejoin the estuary section (low tide route) for the last few kms, but the tide was still too high.

Day 9: Along the East Coast

A nice day walking along the East Coast with some of the best track I’ve had yet. Too bad I waited so long to find a camp and ended up holed up in a rough bush patch.

Day 10: Whangarei Heads

A long road detour on hot pavement took up much of the day. This put me at the low tide only mangrove swamp path near the high tide point. Waist deep muddy walking before I gave up and worked my way around. Finally camping at the Southern end of Ocean Beach.

Day 11: Whangarei to Waipu