D2 Tapirau stream to Waiapu River

The wind had picked up last night and i awaken to find my possessions scattered around the beach. Its almost high tide and i need low tide for the bluffs so i have a cruisy pack up and dont break camp till 8.30.  Its about 1.5 km to the bluffs walking down soft sand with tide in.
Theres a group of indigenous fishermen in a 4wd and i approach with caution, however their frendly and tell me its not possible to pass the bluffs and give me permission to use the private track through Haha. Theres a small private hut tucked into the start of the track gradualy climbs through nikau palms and manuka to the high point of 220m. From there its downhill to the Rangitukoa road which is followed to the flats.
Theres another short 4wd track and a small but muddy stream crossing to rejoin the beach, south of the bluffs. Gone are the golden beaches of the north, instead we have a steeper beach of  mixed sand /shingle completely littered with wood.
Its a couple of kms south to the Waiapu lagaon where im beconed toward a ute.
Im offered a beer and warned i may get shot walking up the river and should travel by road. I thank him for the advice and drink but take only the latter.
The freshwater lagoon makes a great spot for a middy swim and respite from the 30deg heat. Leaving the costline behind i head up a large expanse of mud flats beside the laggon. The Waiapu is deep and uncrossable at this stage but theres a good crossing spot upstream of the Poruporu.
I enter the largest sand/ shingle flats iv everseen. The wind increases and becomes a full on sand storm and feels more like the sahara than East cape.
The next 10km upriver pass slowly and with not a tree around and sand obstructing veiws of either bank the only indicator of progress is the sacred mt Hickurangi getting ever so slightly closer.  One crossing becomes almost a swim, but its probably the warmest river ive swam in.
Theres no shelter to camp near so i make a makeshift winbreak from my tarp. Thankfully the wind is easing as o settle down for a second night in the shifting sands.