Friday, 28 November 2025

Te Araroa 28/11/25

Day 65, Paekakariki to Porirua

It absolutely poured with rain last night and there were strong winds as well and it was still bad when I woke up.

Heading for the beach 
The forecast was for it to improve later so I thought that a late start and shortish day would probably work so I booked into a hostel at Plimmerton .
Esplanade walk
It suddenly stopped raining at about 7am and shortly after there was even a glimmer of sun so it wasn't a late start after all.
Perching Parrot cafe
Down to the beach and a walk along the esplanade to the centre of the town and a good cafe for a bit of extra sustenance before tackling the Escarpment Track.
Painted building
The road, railway and track start off together until the track starts climbing up the hill leaving the road and rail far below.
Road, rail and path
I tried to count the number of steps that had been made, but failed, there are definitely well over one thousand.
Start of the steps up
Two excellent suspension bridges as well to cross deep valleys with great views of the sea, road and rail below.
Bridge number one
The weather stayed good and the cloud, although low, was always above the track. Definitely one of the highlights of the walk.
Road and rail below 
All too soon the Escarpment Track descended to Pukerua where after a pie and more coffee the walk is on a cycle track that follows the main road, close but mostly not in sight.
Cycleway beside the road 
Flooded footpath, the only sign of last night's rain 
Because I started earlier than planned l also arrived in Plimmerton early. The next place that I had to get to was Porirua and as it is also on the railway line I decided to walk on to there and get the train back to Plimmerton.
The costal walk
The plan to get the train back tomorrow isn't going to work as there are bus replacements for the weekend but I'm sure it will be ok.
Porirua 
A beautiful short coast walk out to the hostel where I had a room to myself. Showered and polished I went to the boat club for a few extra calories before dinner.
Walk round to the hostel 
I could have eaten there as well but I wanted to reduce my pack weight!
Boat Club
25k walked today.
Dot is where I'm staying tonight 



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