Day 25 - Ambury Park

A half day today. After a late finish yesterday our plan was to only hike ~20km. Plus we’re in the big city now, so if any errands are to be run, this is the place. I met up with Dennis first thing in the morning around 7:00am below my hostel. The bar on the street was absolutely packed for the Netherlands Argentinia footy game. I watched as I waited for Dennis. Dennis is something like a figure head for the TA, and a legend for helping many TA walkers. He constantly gives advice online, helps maintain and put markers on trails, and for some like me, is willing to put a bag in his garage for storage. He tells me his garage is full floor to ceiling with walkers bags. I wanted to access mine to get a couple things such as long johns, super glue, toothpaste, and my spare pack liner. Thanks Dennis ya legend. 

11am photo eating the “Big Breakfast” in town. We washed our clothes this morning so we at least smell not bad in the Cafe. 

I went on ahead while Joren and Florian did some other errands. This section I’m starting towards Hamilton can be considered the worst of the whole trail. Some choose to skip it altogether. It is mostly road and sidewalks for the next 200km. The unfortunate truth of walking the across an island nation, it can’t all be wilderness. Today I start this section by making for Ambury Park. 

While walking through Auckland I coincidentally ran into Lea who’s having a zero day in Auckland. She was off shopping but after chatting we decided to have beers at Eden park; A dormant volcano overlooking Auckland. Joren and Florian caught up and we all spent a couple hours watching the low clouds pass over Auckland. A nice relaxing day so far. 

Soon it was time to move on, back to walking. Luckily a good portion of the trail was through the park systems. 

Nearing my campsite I stumbled upon a reggae music festival. I watched for a few songs before it started pouring and I ran to take cover in a public toilet, classic NZ. 

When I came to close to camp I noticed a nice shelter on the coast that looked fine to camp in. With no signs saying otherwise I figured I’d try stealth camp here and avoid paying for anything. 

I made sushi! Luxury trail eating I tell ya.