Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Te Araroa 17/11/25

Day 54, Matahiwi cafe to Hipango Park (1373)

Another misty start but it cleared quickly after I had a nice cup of coffee at the café before going down to the canoe.

Misty morning 
There were only Te Araroa walkers now, the others had all finished the canoeing at Piripiki, so there was no scrum at the start and everyone got away easily.
A much more leisurely morning
The river was just as good as yesterday but with no exciting rapids as the surroundings became more pastoral.
Paddling down the river 
Lots of goats and ducks, a few sheep, deer and a small herd of cows were the only wildlife apart from the sighting of a kingfisher but the scenery was still spectacular.
Di and SJ (hidden) 
It was extremely hot in the sun and after a lunch stop when we all went for a swim we kept going to the campsite hoping for some shelter.
Lunch and swimming spot
The campsite had plenty of room and a cooking shelter. So after setting up the tents we retired to the shade of the shelter to play games, cook and eat.
Canoes at Hipango jetty
Hipango campsite 
Last day on the river tomorrow, my backside will be very pleased.

No comments: