Pt2 Day36(b). Manakau to Hunua Falls - 28/3/16.

B here again. As I was having loads of trouble with the blog doing its own thing, I thought I would start a new one to reduce the risk of losing what I had written!!

From Clevedon we headed along the road, enjoying the interesting houses and expansive gardens.  Our planned destination for the night was Hunua Falls.

We had just stopped for me to take a photo when a gentleman caught up to us on his bike. Scott is a great TA supporter and offers TAers a place to put their tent if they need it.  As Scott is planning to walk TA this next season, we had lots to talk about.  As Scott rode his bike, we carried on "walking and talking" until we reached the start of the Wairoa River Track.  Scott knew the area well from his running and gave us loads of information  and tips. Thanks Scott, we hope to cross paths again:)

The photo doesn't do this charming property justice.

Big open gardens

Farewelling Scott!

The next section was slightly rough but very pretty along side the river.  It was getting late in the afternoon and we were keen to arrive at our planned camp so we made pretty good progress.

We came to a pine plantation that was open and airy and noticed a few nice places to put up a tent if we had wanted to.   It wasn't long after that, a piwakwaka (fantail) fluttered around in front of us and literally made us stop.  He/she then sat on a branch about a metre from us and told us a great long story.  No fluttering around, just chirp, chirp, twitter, twitter then off he/she flew.  The fantail didn't even come along with us for a while which is usually what they do.   Both Anthony and commented on its unusual behaviour.

Wairoa River Track

Nice open pine plantation

Piwakawaka with story to tell

After a brief section on a road we picked up the track to the Hunua Falls.

We could hear the falls and knew we were close.  As we approached the falls we were met by the police.  The area had been closed off as there had been another tragedy at the falls.  They were fine with us going past and the ranger was ok with us staying.  We just kept well away from where the emergency services were working.  They worked  into the night doing what they had to do.  So very, very sad.  Due to the area being tapu, we have no photographs of Hunua Falls or its surround.

I couldn't help wonder if piwakwaka had come to suggest that we might like to stay back at the pine forrest with him.