Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey returns down the coast from Anapai, crossing Awaroa Inlet and heading down to Bark Bay along the high tide track. In the evening I do a short walk across the headland to Sandfly Bay and a short distance up the Falls River.
Today's Journey
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Leaving Anapai in the early morning, I cross over the headland to get this first view of Awaroa Heads before descending to Totaranui. |
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From Totaranui I follow the coast track southwards quickly to cross Awaroa Estuary before the tide comes in. I have now crossed the estuary and rest for a while before continuing south. |
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Exploring Awaroa Beach looking back towards Waiharakeke before heading up to Tonga Saddle. |
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Reaching Onetahuti Estuary as the tide comes in. The water is still very shallow here but has a lot further to rise. |
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The tide is mostly in by the time I reach Bark Bay, so I follow the high tide track around the back of the estuary with a view of the island looking towards the sandbar. |
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A heavy swell breaks on the main beach in front of the sand bar camping ground as the tide begins to go out. |
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With a couple of hours to spare before night, I explore a bit further along the coast. This is Meddy's Beach with the Bark Bay beach in the background. |
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Following the main track over the headland, a steep side track drops to the mouth of the Falls River, running placid over the sand bar. |
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Heading further upstream I reach the swing bridge where some hikers who started at Marahau are running late, but still on track to reach Bark Bay hut before dark. |
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I return to Bark Bay as the sun sets turning the sky pink. The tide has gone a long way out. |
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