Whananki
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…
Tag New Zealand
Camp 306
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…
Life on The Farm
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…
Sheryl’s Place
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…
Kayaking
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…
Kerikeri and Paihia
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…
Puketi Forest
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…
Raetea Forest
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…
Ahipara and Kaitaia
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…
90 Mile Beach
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…
Te Araroa 2023/2024
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…
Abel Tasman Track
Golden beaches, costal native bush and mainly fine weather. This was a vacation hike, spending time on the beaches and in the water, taking it easy and testing out some new gear. Day 0 – Getting There Monday, March 6,…
Celebrating 30 Years
It has been 30 years since we met on a little boat crossing from England to Belgium. Who would have thought we would be on the other side on the world celebrating. Saturday, May 22, 2021 Caroline was given a…
Kepler Track
From lush rain forest paths along the shores of Lake Te Anau and Manapouri to alpine sections over Mt Luxmore and exposed ridges. Some modest rain, but dodged some nasty weather on the day that counted. Day 1 – Te…
Lake Waikaremoana
A lovely semi-circular walk from Whanganui Hut to Onetoto Bay along the shores of Lake Waikaremoana. And it would not be a Great Walk if it did not rain, and it certainly rain on the last day. Day 1 –…