Day 4: Dargaville > Auckland (via Kaipara ferry)
23 February 2020
Another 5:30 kick-off. Starting to get into a routine now. Get up early n beat the sun during the heat of the day. Only a 70km ride to the boat and the first 40 was brilliant. Calm conditions some magnificent views (check the gallery). Last 30 was rough. Rugged gravel road meant we were slow, but at the point we parked up at Waikaretu Marae for some lunch and to soak in the stunning vista of the Kaipara Harbour. Got our bike maintenance done for the day and sorted other bits and pieces in the shade before boarding the ferry over to Helensville. Again, the enthusiasm and energy from people watching the ride, tracking and keeping coming out as we go by is brilliant.
Whilst waiting for the Kaipara ferry, we decided to extend our ride into central Auckland, to get a hop on the next days riding. That took longer than expected leaving us getting into the motel about 11:00.
Going to pay for that in the morning with a slightly less early start, but at least we’ll hit Mt Eden about sunrise.