Cycle: 61.4km

Knackering.

Today we thought we would just nip round the headland and then embark on a 6 hour return coastal (i.e. flat) walk. Oh dear, we were quite wrong. It took us 2 1/2 hours to cycle the 31km round to the start of the walk, taking in 2 rather large bumps and all on unsealed roads. Phewy, it was hard work.

So upon reaching Fletcher Bay, the starting point of the hike, we decided to sack it off and just eat our lunch on the beach. Who wants to go to Stony Bay anyway, sounds far too stony.

We had quite a nice lunch and watched some spear-fishermen setting off in their kayak. Also some rather odd-looking people who looked like they might live in tent in a concrete shelter. Nice long-drop toilets though, I tried them all, remarkably non-smelly.

Besides the tough cycling the views along the coast were spectacular, untouched bays and super-clear water. It felt incredibly remote and you wouldn't think Auckland was just over the Hauraki Gulf. There were also some large, noisey birds flying around the jungle-based areas.

We psyched ourselves up from a sitting position and onto the bikes and embarked on the steepest bit of gravel I've ever seen. Hideous. It got better though as we approached the enormous hills with a little more respect on the way home. I feel as though my gravel skills have improved since our trip to the Pinnacles.

We arrived back to Otautu and wobbled to the showers and over to our cooking bench. Sadly tonights meal was far too healthy and devoid of calories so we wobbled to our tent at 7:30 for a lie down, about all we were capable of. Luckily a 9pm stroll to the toilet meant we saw the most beautiful sunset we've seen since leaving the UK.