I know we’re headed somewhereI can see how far we’ve comeBut still I can’t remember anythingLet’s not do the wrong thingAnd I’ll swear it might be funIt’s a long way downWhen all the knots we’ve tied have come undone. Anywhere you go, I’ll follow you downAnyplace but those I know by heartAnywhere you go, I’ll follow you down. (The Gin Blossoms – Follow you down) … Continue reading TA Interrupted

Nelson, Day 167 , ~1730km walked Its a funny thing, ending a massive adventure. It’s a known phenomenon for long thru-hikers that adjusting back to “normal” life is sometimes more of a challenge that what they have gone through. Because Pete and I went through the adventure together, and changed along the way together, we didn’t think it was going to be a massive change. … Continue reading Our ‘TA’ Adventure wrap-up – KK

Lake Tekapo – Aoraki – Lake Wanaka – Lake Hawea – 100km (Day 156-163) This section was a little more free-form, as we hadn’t found any multi-day tramps to do, and instead focused on finding good day hikes, and keeping to our budget in what is rather an expensive part of the country. Thankfully, we were mega-lucky with the weather and things just seemed to … Continue reading Otago Lake Odyssey

Mt Somers Loop from Sharplins Falls Carpark – Day 151-152 (26km) What we learnt from this tramp, was that our expectations can make a massive difference to how well (or badly) a tramp goes. Touted as a great “first overnight tramp” for families, and often done as a trail run or day walk – we expected a cake walk, with top class scenery. So we … Continue reading Surmounting Mt Somers

“And so it was, that later, as the miller told his tale. That her face,at first just ghostly, turned a whiter shade of pale.” Mountain bikers often speak in hushed tones when talking about riding the Old Ghost Trail, and it was with a fair amount of trepidation that I agreed to walk its lofty peaks and exposed ridges. We were full of confidence having … Continue reading Walking the “Ghost”

Lake Sumner – Amberly – Chch – Godley Head – Tai Tapu – Akaroa – Methven (Days 138-150) After having such stellar tramps nearly back to back for 3 weeks, we moved into more of a sedate road trip, through Canterbury – with day walks as and when we could. The weather dictated a few decisions, and it was also a wonderful chance to catch-up … Continue reading Ambling through Canterbury

Old Ghost Road – Lyell – Seddonville (Day 131-137) – 85km Our first tramp completely off the TA. It felt very brave. But, we had been trying to do this trail for a year or two, and bookings and timings just never worked out. So, when we managed to get 3 of the 4 nights booked, (and there is an 8 bunk DoC option for … Continue reading Goldmine on the West Coast