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
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
Lewis Pass – Lewis Pass Day 124-128, 70km loop By completing this 5 day, 70km loop, we connected once more with the TA for two nights, and saw the same scenery from the side of the Waiau Pass that we looked up towards from the West Sabine hut. And, it was a great, graded “moderate” tramp! No 500m of vertical scree for us to scramble … Continue reading St James majesty
St Arnaud – St Arnaud 80km (Day 110-116) After speaking with the DoC lady, we convinced ourselves that we could do the Travers-Sabine Loop – most of which is still on the TA. We will see much of the same scenery – but won’t do the Waiau Pass which the TA trail notes describe as “the most demanding on this track…suitable for experienced individuals..good fitness … Continue reading Terrific Travers-Sabine
Anakiwa 1765km to Nelson 1850km (day 96 – 102) This next section of the TA looms large for all walkers. Long (approx 10 days), high (lots of walking above 1200m) and tough (km per hr rate about 2km/hr). We were no different. For me, anxiety outweighed excitement. Still, one step at a time. First, focus on the lovely walk to Havelock. Nice, great pathway above … Continue reading Walking home
Ship cove 1695km to Anakiwa 1765km (day 91 – 95) What a beautiful way to start Te Araroa South Island. The weather was perfect, the Sounds sparkling. We felt rested from our week in Wellington, and ready to start the second leg of our adventure. It is funny though, to have day trippers, and non-pack carrying walkers around you. Especially the first day, it felt … Continue reading Queen of the South
Levin 1536km – Wellington 1695km (day 78-83) It was a very odd sensation to be coming into my old home town on foot. Things seemed very familiar, but at the same time new, and different from a walking pace. Overlaying those feelings were the ones about finishing the North Island. Relief, disbelief, a kernal of hope, no – confidence that maybe we can actually do … Continue reading Wow Wellington
walk.laugh.wonder 