33km Today : 53km Total
-34.77888, 172.982675
It was all beach walk today.  And except for a “Morning”  from a stoic fisherman and barks from his dogs, I had no opportunity to converse with anyone until about 3:30pm.  A section hiker named Kim was walking from the other direction.  Kim is doing the Te Araroa trail a piece at a time and estimates that he’s hiked 2/3 of the trails on the North Island. He gave me warning about a long stretch ahead where there is no water to be easily found and recommended topping off with water at Hukatere Coal Creek when I get there. 
I’m Camping in the dunes again tonight.  Other than the need to clean away the extra sand in the morning I really enjoy sleeping in the dunes.  You just need to be choosy where you place your tent and take extra care not to get sand in the tent or sleeping bag.