Day 68. Jan 11. National Park to Kaitieke. 29km.

The track out of National Park followed the mountain-to-sea cycle route under a broody morning sky. But the day turned fine through forest gravel road and hilly farmland, past an abandoned farm house in rough terrain. Lots of goats and deer to be seen. The second part of the day turned hot along quiet roads before a torrential downpour just after I arrived at the trail angels place at Kaitieke. Choices of accommodation included a very large garage with multiple beds and an ensuite in the corner, a campervan or a bus. I choose the campervan. Riorden (from the group I did the Timber Trail with) was already there and Max (who was joining us on the Whanganui river trail) arrived later. Was nice to catch up.