Day 16 (322 to 349 kms) Started the day with crossing the footbridge between Ngunguru North and South. This bridge claims to be the longest footbridge in the Southern hemisphere. Originally built to allow kids on the South bank to…
Day 15 (306 to 322 kms) Up early when the birds woke up. Everyone else was sleeping. Took 2 eggs from the box and tried (unsuccessfully) to fry one, then (successfully) poached the second. It was worth trying, but needs…
Day 14 (280 to 306 kms) Left earlier with hopes to take it more slowly. It is not in my nature to walk slowly, and nature is hard to change. But after two weeks on trail, I feel I am…
Day 13 (262 to 280 kms) Ruth, Elliot and I had discussed “The Farm” many times, and we had created our own stories about this place. There were rumours on the trail that it was a hippie joint, or maybe…
Day 12 After the kayak trip, we had a short walk to Sheryl’s place, my first trail angel. It was an eye-opening experience for me and not what I was expecting. Sheryl lives on Maori land. Her home is a…
Day 12 (251 to 262 kms) There are a couple of options when leaving Paihia. Either take a small passenger ferry to Russell and walk the roads or board a sea kayak and paddle with the incoming tide to Waikare. I…
Day 9 to 11 (197 to 251 kms) The walk to Kerikeri was very pleasant, but maybe a little harder than anticipated. Or maybe it was harder because the previous day was a big day. The last 5 km stretch into…
Day 8 (177 to 197 kms) Huge and very rewarding day. I got to walk the river gorge, something I have wanted to do since hearing about the Te Araroa Trail. It did not rain overnight. In the morning I walked…
Days 6 and 7 (115 to 177 kms) The weather warning ended at 7am, and it was time to get on the trail. But first a coffee on the way through town. As I started I was not sure where I…
Days 4 and 5 (101 to 115 kms) Time to enjoy a little time in some Northland townships. Ahipara is tiny, with a gas station, dairy, holiday park and a very pleasant and unexpected coffee shop. Kaitaia is 15 kms walk…
Days 1 to 3 (20 to 101 kms) It is really good to be on the Trail. Although, 90 Mile Beach is a tough way to start. Typically the walk takes between 4 and 5 days to complete. However, the first…
It has started. So far I have walked from Cape Reinga to Wellington completing my first 2 section of the planned 4 sections. Planning for the last two section in the South Island has not yet happened, but hopefully that…
