Tag New Zealand

Black Sand Beach

Day 59 (1,416 to 1,1449 kms) The plan was to get away early, to catch the low tide and the fresh morning, which I did. I had the long lonely wind swept back sand beach all to myself for the…

Back to Whanganui

Day 57 (1,377 to 1,384 kms) The weather of the next week is forecast to be great, so time to head back to Te Araroa. Hopefully the wether holds until after the Tararua’s. I had some unfinished business between where…

Downes Hut to Whanganui

Day 56 (43 kms) Today would be our earliest start on the river, with plans for a 7:30am start. We still had time for breakfast and a coffee. The reason for the early start is the tide time. We have…

Pipiriki to Downes Hut

Day 55 (39 kms) Today was the shortest day on the river, with just under 40 kms of paddling and no sight-seeing along the way. We purchased a cooked breakfast from the cafe at the camping grounds, which is a…

Mangawaiiti to Pipiriki

Day 54 (43 kms) Today was a little shorter at 43 kms paddling, but we also wanted to visit the Bridge to Nowhere, so time had to allotted for that side-trip. Since we were away before 9am, we thought we…

Whakahoro to Mangawaiiti

Day 53 (47 kms) The day had finally arrived, it is time to start the Whanganui River Journey. The weather forecast was amazing. So glad I delay this part of the walk until the weather was better, and just as…

Cooling my Heals

Day 51 and 52 (0 kms) I had got to Whakahoro and the launching off point for th Whanganui River Journey. However, as the river was officially closed and canoe companies would not rent us any equipment, I had a…

To Whakahoro

Day 49 and 50 (1172 to 1225 kms) Some mornings you can get dressed, get up and head to the local cafe and get a coffee. Today is such a day. I enjoyed my coffee and strawberry and banana muffin…

National Park Village

Day 48 (1143 – 1172 kms) National Park Village is a ski town. It is pretty quiet during the summer. But I was looking forward to staying here and seeing what this little village has to offer. Not much I…

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Day 47 (1118 – 1143 kms) Located in Tongariro National Park, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of new Zealand’s most iconic day hikes. It is also part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk and part of Te Araroa.…

42 Traverse

Day 45 and 46 (1078 – 1118 kms) Back on the trail after a 10 week break. Just a busy time with Christmas an all. But excited to be back. Much later in the season so will be interesting to…

Taking a Break

I had organized to join a fellow walker for the journey down the Whanaguni River. I wanted to share the journey with someone in the same canoe as me, as this is safer, easier and likely more fun. But the…

Taumarunui and Ōwhango

Day 43 and 44 (1026 – 1078 kms) The North Island might not have the stunning scenery of the South Island, but it does have nice towns. I do enjoy strolling though these towns and is certainly part of the…

Biking the Timber Trail

Days 41 and 42 (948 to 1026 kms) The Timber Trail has been on my bucket list for several years. It is a biking trail through old growth forest, regenerated forest and historic logging activity. It is now home to…

The Long Road to Pureora

Days 39 and 40 (891 – 948 kms) Leaving Te Kūiti on the main road, there is a sign stating that it is 55 kms to Pureora and the Timber Trail. The same destination along the official trail is 57…