Mitimiti
Walking for the first hour with the torch was well worth it. The sea was definitely not available for a relaxing paddle
The Waimamaku at low tide is still a worthy adversary. Knee deep and very swift as it is quite steep where it drops into the sea. It would be interesting to see what it looks like at anything above 1/2 tide as it doesn't look like it would be crossable by foot then.
I was in two minds what to do from here. I could just follow the road out to the main Rd but continued up the coast on what is marked on my map as 'Waimamaku coastal track'. I didn't get too far as the incoming tide was not far from the rocks at headlands so bailed up and over Diamond rd (a paper rd) to the main Rd.
Coming through the saddle and seeing the Hokianga harbour gave me hope. A strong SW'er but not too much wave action up the harbour. The mouth was a frothy scary looking place. I walked up to Opononi and launched with the wind at my back for a gratifying swift crossing.
The camp tonight is about 6 or 7km up from the Hokianga. With luck the Whangape harbour will be reached tomorrow.