Last days and new friends on the Te Araroa trail

Views  from our camp near the top of a paddock along Takitimu Track.  

Straun Flat Road and surrounding farmland

There have been quite a few long sections where water was scarce and camping spots far and few between.

New Zealand along the Te Araroa trail

Even finding a good spot for lunch can be a challenge, though 'good' is all relative and amazing what good company can do to spruce up a windy and soggy lunch spot.

Looking back at the Takitimu Track and the Telford Tops

We did find a camp with water though, just before dark.  High above the working farms around Straun Flat Road we found a stream running out of the hillside and camped just where the stream meets the paddock.

Arnaud breaking camp in the morning.

The land was perhaps privately owned as is much of the Te Araroa Trail, but we left no trace and thanks to the property owners, whoever they may be, we enjoyed a lovely camp site.

Arnaud, Charlie and dbBrad having fun along the Te Araroa trail.