Ta Araroa 8/10/25

Day 14, Ngunguru to Pataua

A very bright windless start to the day so unfortunately a wet tent to pack. The weather then stayed bright and warm all day.

Evening view from the campsite 

I can thoroughly recommend the campsite at Ngunguru (Nikau Bay Eco Camp) to anyone passing or holidaying in the area.

Campsite track 

A good gravel road for about 8k took Charlie, Ruby and I to the start of the Makerel Forest Track a nice, but muddy, bush track with river crossings.

Charlie crossing a forest river

Rolling farmland

There was then a road bash all the way to Pataua. The roads have all been good with very little traffic, the equivalent UK roads would all be single track and much more dangerous to walk.

Resting by the roadside

Pataua itself is is very small and divided in half by the River Pataua the two halves only connected by footbridge.

Footbridge over the river Pataua

Treasure Island campsite is situated in the southern half below a fascinatingly shaped hill, ideal for a pirates lookout.

Looking over the campsite with the hill behind 

I had arrived at low tide which was ideal for walking the next, estuary, section but there is nowhere to camp for another 16 km and having already come 26 km it was too much for the day, I'll just have to do the road bypass in the morning.