We have made it to Puketi, near Kerikeri, having crossed Northland through the Herikino, Raetea and Puketi forests. Thanks to Sally and Peter for the pickup and hospitality.
What an adventure!! The walking was very challenging through the first two forests, the tracks were gnarly and muddy and it was literally one step at a time ! The best part was crawling through the giant flax bushes on the summit ridge of Raetea. 
Many thanks to Gill Minogue and Roger Gale for their help and support on this difficult section - offering a great shuttle service, unique accommodation on their amazing 100 acre native forest block and expert local knowledge of the forest and tracks. We will hold fond memories of our time in Waimihia.
We felt it was wise to walk the wet weather track for the Puketi section due to the state of the tracks and the weather. This track is along forest logging roads high up and along the ridge with stunning views of the forest and coast - it was a worthwhile alternative, we camped on the ridge and enjoyed being able to stride out !
Having a couple of days in Kerikeri to rest and repair - looking forward to the next coastal section.