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R&R on Te Araroa

R&R on Te Araroa

Our hike on Te Araroa – South Island

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Day 3, Camped by the water

January 2, 2026

January 2, 2026
Black Rock Campsite to Davies Bay Campsite
TA km marker 1786.2 to 1808.0
Hiked today: 23.8 km

After a good night’s sleep, we woke in good spirits to a fine day. We were off shortly after 7 and made good progress despite the muddy track. After a bit the gradient changed giving us steep ascents slick with slippery mud. At each summit we were rewarded with stunning views down to the sound with its myriad of small bays, each with beautiful turquoise water.

Nearing the end of the morning we came out at a road where we met a lady who introduced herself as being a volunteer with the Queen Charlotte Track Conservancy. Her job was to check that we had purchased passes for the track, which we had. We asked where we would find water along the next trail section and she informed us that there was nothing until we finished the 12 km we still had to hike this afternoon. At the road, however, there was a sign pointing downhill which said ‘Coffee Shop 15 minutes’ so off we obediently trotted. I enjoyed a coffee, we shared a piece of ginger slice and filled all our water bottles. Of course, 15 minutes downhill was not the same time uphill but it didn’t take us long to get back on the trail. Unsurprisingly, there was a stream flowing beautifully only 2 km further along the track but we didn’t really regret our side trip.

Mistletoe Bay

The afternoon’s walk was much easier with the path gently undulating, and more gorgeous views to take in. The forecast rain did not eventuate, and we had arrived and chosen our campsite by 2.30 pm. Just a good time for a swim at the beach, a rinse off and a cup of tea watching a small family of goats grazing on the lawn.

Not our boat
Kids!
Room with view

Day 2, Happy New Year!

Day 4, Into Havelock

4 thoughts on “Day 3, Camped by the water”
  1. Mum and Dad
    January 2, 2026 at 5:36 am

    Beautiful shades of blue and green!
    Glad you can keep up with coffees, Ros.

  2. Lauren
    January 2, 2026 at 6:47 am

    Enjoying the high proportion of great views and coffee shops that have featured so far

    • Robert Loudon
      January 2, 2026 at 4:49 pm

      Ros has bought a coffee each day so far. Unprecedented!

  3. Mum and Dad
    January 3, 2026 at 1:14 am

    Dad would appreciate a map, please!

Comments are closed.

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