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08.11.2025 – 09.11.2025
10km 4wd
7.5km hike.
Total trip time in: 3 hours
We recently traded our comfortable couches for mud and elbow grease as we set out on an exciting mission: giving Steyning Hut a much-needed makeover! This adventure was part of the incredible ‘Love Our Huts’ campaign, a testament to the community spirit dedicated to preserving these backcountry gems.
Steyning hut
Adventure with a Hitch (Literally!)
It wouldn’t be a true backcountry adventure without a little drama!Our journey hit a major snag just 10 kilometers in.
Bogged down.
We were confidently driving along when, whoosh, our vehicle got seriously bogged down! We were stuck fast in the mud, and for a moment, the mission seemed to be over before it truly began.
A huge, massive thanks is due to the station just a kilometer back. They were absolute lifesavers, allowing us to borrow their Ute to tow our vehicle out of the mire!
Shifting Gears and Treading On
With our trusty Jeep safely extracted, we decided not to risk any further bog-related incidents. We left the vehicle in a secure spot and initiated Plan B: hiking it in!
The hiking part begins
This meant shifting gears quickly from driving to trekking. We strapped on our packs, which were suddenly a lot heavier, and started the 7.5-kilometer haul. Every step of the way, we were carrying not just our overnight gear, but also all the cleaning supplies and equipment needed for the spruce-up. The weight was real, but the mission was calling!
Natural spring 
The trail, easy walking but with heavy packs.
Worth Every Step: A Hut Renewed
Despite the unexpected detour, the sweat, and the mud, arriving at Steyning Hut at 2pm made it all worthwhile.
Arriving at the hut
This hut is an absolutely awesome place. The setting is incredible, and you can instantly feel the history and warmth of the shelter. We spent the rest of the afternoon working hard, cleaning, repairing, and giving the old place some much-deserved TLC. Seeing the transformation after all the effort was deeply satisfying.
Before 
After
The ‘Love Our Huts’ campaign reminds us that these special places are maintained by passion, dedication, and the willingness to push through a few muddy setbacks!
The effort was totally worth it. We left Steyning Hut refreshed and ready for its next visitors to enjoy a clean, well-loved shelter.
Done and dusted.
Did you or are you participating in a ‘Love Our Huts’ weekend? Share your adventure stories in the comments below! -
Saturday 10th of June 2023
- Drive time from Christchurch – 2 – 2.5 hours.
- Walking time – 2-3 hours.
- Weather – Cold with blue skies.
- Hikers – Myself, Antonia, Barry & Nick.
It is another excellent weather weekend for a hike so I messaged a few of my hiking buddies to see who was interested in joining Antonia & I. Barry & Nick reached out to say that they were keen.
We planned to leave our house at 8:30am on Saturday, Nick was picking Barry up on the way & they got here slightly earlier.
We were all packed and in the vehicle before our scheduled departure. Stopping at BP Ravenswood for a coffee on the way. We drove to Culverdan & stopped at the bakery for breakfast & to grab a roll for lunch.
Arriving at Lewis pass car park just on 11am we could see at least another 15+ hikers (adults and children) getting ready to start walking. After Barry & I asked where they were heading (so we could avoid the masses) they told us that they would get to Cannabal gorge hut & see how they go. Leaving us with an unclear decision on what we are doing.
Some of the group of people heading in also. 
Me, Barry & Antonia. We started off just after 11am, walking initially on boardwalk & then descending through the Beech forest on a well graded track to the Cannabal gorge swing bridge. At this point the big group of 15 & two other ladies were just behind us.
Heading down to the bridge. 
Barry crossing the swing bridge. After the bridge it was a gentle climb up to gain 100 metres before reaching the viewing area. The rest of the track was undulating from here crossing numerous slips & side creeks through permafrost before reaching the next swing bridge 600 metres shy of Cannabal gorge hut.
Icy trail 
Nick & myself 
Antonia, Nick & Barry. 
We then had a short sharp climb up through the beech forest before arriving into the clearing where the hut was in plain site. We could see the two ladies who passed us earlier sitting there having a late lunch. We also took this opportunity to have our lunch.
We then decided that since it looked like a nice spot to camp down by the river in front of the hut that we would. We set up camp, cut & gathered firewood from the dead trees down in the river (I had my electric chainsaw) & by 3pm after the sun had lowered enough for our spot to be in the shade we seen frost forming on our tents & gear!
Cutting wood It was a cold afternoon & evening, I managed to talk Antonia into claiming a bed in the hut & I would sleep in the tent alone, but also join the other 2 in tenting outside. We were all in bed by 7:30pm after hanging out around the fire trying to maintain warmth.
The fire. It was a long & cold night! I felt like I woke every hour from my cocoon with numb toes & cold knees. Ice had formed inside the tent & even on the outside of my sleeping bag. I would periodically check the temperature & it was generally around -5 to -6 degrees Celsius!
Once my alarm went off at 7am I got up & out of the tent glad that I had survived the night without it being too miserable.
The temperature at 7am. I had left our cooking gear out on the picnic table overnight & it had formed ice crystals. Antonia joined me not long after from the hut & we had a coffee & breakfast before packing up & walking by 9am.
Cooking gear frozen over 
Ice! 
Cannabal gorge hut. It was a cold walk out & it took until around 11am before the temperature had reached a toasty 0 degrees. We were at the car around midday & set back off towards Christchurch.
It was the coldest night in a tent I have experienced! What an adventure & definitely a memorable one at that. I’m actually looking forward to the next winter camping trip!
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- Official Kms: unknown as it’s a detour.
- Garmin kms: 32.93km. Accidentally went off track for about 500 metres of it.
- Total time: 8.14
- Calories burnt: 4025
- Body battery: 7/10 I’m feeling a little tired today.
- Accommodation: tent at Broadwood campsite.
- Tent nights = 3!
This morning we awoke at 5am, this gives us lots of time to get ready & have showers etc. I’m also eating left over KFC for breakfast. Big day today as we expect it to be over 30km.
I watched a video of Jon and Carolines this morning it was their day three video and it made me realise how much I miss my wife right now 😥
The plan is to meet the 4 girls & Kevin out the front at 7am & start walking with them.
The crew getting ready to start. 
4% of Te Araroa 120kms done! Around the 9km mark I caught up to Nikki & Felix & we managed to pump out the 1st 14km in 3 hours before deciding to stop for our 1st break.
Walking with Nikki & Felix. 
We had another break at the 19km then Nikki & I took off & proceeded to walk the rest of the 14km from that point together. We had to climb up to close to the 400m elevation mark over a saddle on an old 4wd track & drop down the other side with off & on heavy rain spells.
The saddle! A couple of kms down the other side there is a river that you need to cross & with a bit of rain this is known to be difficult, however we were lucky & it was still quite low!
River crossing We got to Broadwood dairy at just after 3.30pm just before their closing time of 4pm & bought an ice cream each. A 2.25 of coke & a bottle of bubbles to celebrate with the crew when they arrive, the big day that we just did!
Nikki & I enjoying an ice cream. It has been a great day as I’m feeling fitter & faster & my body is coping well! Looking forward to bed tonight.
The camp communal area. Tomorrow we are only walking the 20km to Mangamuka & my mum is picking the 4 of us up to go spend the night with my sister & family. I’m really Looking forward to catching up & seeing them all!
1st 6 days on the trail video here:
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- Official Kms: 14.5km
- Garmin kms: 16.03km
- Total time: 4.11
- Calories burnt: 1660
- Body battery : 9/10. Great sleep, no more beach!
- Accommodation: Motel in Kaitaia
- Tent night: still 2
We woke up at 5.45am this morning, no rain but it did get heavy during the night. The plan is to leave at 7.30am & it’s only 15km into Kaitaia. Today is life admin day. We all need to wash clothes, go shopping & get ready for the next leg, the Northland forest’s. So the plan is to get there at midday.
Leaving Ahipara holiday park 
14km of this It was mainly road walking today & the roads were so busy! It seemed everyone was heading to the beach today. We walked an initial 5km & stopped for a break & then a further 6km before the next.
The 5km break mark, just after the banana tree beside the road. We got into Kaitaia not long after 11am & walked down the Main Street of town to reach our motel for the night.
Entering Kaitaia Getting there before midday & they checked us in! So good to be able to get stuff done as our resupply box was here, before heading out shopping again.
Lunchtime! Gokul & I decided to enjoy some KFC for lunch. Not just a small feed either, a bucket to share!And then our group minus me caught a taxi up to pak’nsave & hunting & fishing etc. I opted to stay behind to do laundry as I didn’t need much in the way of food so Gokul is getting the few things I need.
Yum yum 
Laundry time! We are catching up with the crew for dinner tonight, it will be good to get most of us together again as we were all spread out yesterday. Meeting at 6pm at Beachcomber.
Dinner with the crew It was good to catch up with everyone for dinner & hope that we still get to catch up with everyone in the coming days / weeks. It’s just about bedtime & I will be off grid for the next few days, will have a new blog by mid next week.
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- Official Kms: 14km
- Garmin Kms: 15.05km
- Total time: 4.13
- Calories burnt: 1612
- Body battery: 8/10 another good nights sleep, feet are still sore.
- Accommodation: Cabin at Ahipara holiday park.
- Tenting count: still 2
The alarm went off at 6.30am this morning, not bad considering we went to bed at 9pm. Longest sleep yet! It’s raining fairly heavily though so that’s something I’m not looking forward to.
The plan today is to leave at 8.30am & walk into Ahipara for lunch & a coffee.
We started off at 8.45am & headed down to the beach to walk todays last 14km of beach walking. Some of the group opted for the forestry instead. It started with a bit of drizzle & then cleared up.
Gokul & I at the 90km 3% mark About 6km into the walk Jon & Caroline popped over the sand dunes from the forestry road & we walked the rest of the way with them.
On our last break lying on the sand Nici & Kévin caught up, joined us & we walked the last stretch to Ahipara together.
Nici joining us for a quick rest stop 
Woohoo 100km done! 
The crew at the end of the beach. Left to right- Jon, Caroline, myself, Gokul, TJFK (Kevin) & Nikki 
Our accommodation tonight. We reached the holiday park at just before 1pm & checked into our room. It even has its own toilet & hot shower & we all get a towel each! Pure luxury! It’s amazing how you appreciate the little things on a hike like this. We also bought cold drinks & some chips & sat in the communal kitchen & had lunch.
Lunch at the accommodation instead. After organising ourselves, Jon & Caroline took off for another fish & to send some of our unneeded stuff home.
Not long after 3pm Phil, Christian & Tim turned up, they are going to get a taxi into Kaitaia for the next few nights to have some zero days to rest their battered feet & legs & we will catch up with them again tomorrow afternoon.
The walking wounded. Christian, Tim & Phil Jon got back after 5pm from fishing & realised at some point he had snapped the top of his rod when he went to do up his rig. Off to hunting & fishing tomorrow to see if he can get it repaired.
Not a happy Chappy. Kevin, Gokul & myself went to get takeaways just before 6pm. It was a 1.2km walk down the road & then another 1.2km walk back. I’m a sucker for punishment!
Dinner Off to Kaitaia tomorrow morning, will finally get to do a load of washing, hopefully there’s not to much rain walking there!
Want to track where I am? Every 30 minutes while I’m walking there are live updates & will show where I currently am:
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Please support this great cause if you can, any amount is appreciated.
https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life
- Official Kms – 17km
- Garmin Kms – 18.17km
- Total time – 4.55
- Calories burnt – 2081
- Body battery – 8/10 ( it’s amazing what a real bed can do, woke up with sore feet though!)
- Accommodation – ensuite Cabin at holiday park.
- Tent nights = still 2
This morning I woke at 5.30am even though my alarm was set for 7am. Gokul was also awake (hopefully not from me snoring!). Our plan was to get up around 7 & leave here at 9am as we won’t be able to check in until about 2pm.
17km walk along the beach today, it feels good knowing it is only a shorter day. A couple of people in our group are talking about walking the 31km distance to Ahipara, but we will see.
This is how messy you become living out of a pack! We left shortly before 9 am as planned and proceeded to walk over the sand dunes onto the beach from this point we walked the first 4 km before meeting up with Kevin and we walked with him for a little bit.
Kevin & Gokul This group that has started to form since day one have become part of a Tramily (tramping family) everyone is very caring and thoughtful and willing to help each other out, it’s such an awesome thing.
Pre lunch break 
With Kevin & Gokul We stopped for a few breaks today & still made fairly good time. Blister count is still 0! I’ve dodged a bullet there as most of the group have them.
Hmmmmm. 
Made it! Arriving at Ngapae holiday park in Waipapakauri we were greeted by Sandra & she had our room ready & for only $70, such a good price considering it has 2 beds & an ensuite, as well as fridge, kettle & toaster!
Our room Jon went fishing after arriving as he has carried a fishing rod all the way down the beach & he had great success!
Jon cleaning his 3 Kahawai After all the crew arrived we decided to catch the courtesy van to the Waipapakauri hotel for beers burgers & fries. So good!
Ready to go in for a beer. 
Beers all round! Back at the holiday park, hot chocolate in hand & feeling great. Ready for bed & another day tomorrow.
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- Official distance 30km
- Garmin distance 30.62km
- Total time 8.40hrs
- Calories burnt 3855
- Body battery 6/10, slept well, body is a bit sore. Blister count = 0.
- Accommodation: Cabin at Hakatere lodge
- Tenting count = still 2
This morning Gokul & I set the alarm for 4.30am where we anticipated leaving around 6am.
It wasn’t until about the 6:30am mark that we were finally packed and ready to hit the Trail. About 1 km into the Trail three dogs came running at me, this scared me, then I realised they had collars on but they still barked and then took off and headed towards Gokul who proceeded to head for the ocean. Not long after the owner emerged from the dunes on a quad & they took off in the opposite direction.
With this being a 30km day we took off into the first 10 km before stopping for a break. From this point on we agreed that we would stop every 4 km for a quick 5 to 10 minute break and when we got close to lunch at a 4km break that would be a 20 minute to half an hour lunch break.
The beach was relentless but we managed to get it done still with no blisters! Just very sore feet. It was great getting to Hakatere lodge & checking into our cabin, pure luxury! Real beds, power, lights & hot showers. It’s amazing how good that is after spending 3 days covered in sand & having wet gear from the morning condensation.
Tomorrow is a 17km day to the Waipapakauri holiday park where we have another cabin booked. We are looking forward to an easy day & a nice cabin to spend the afternoon.
Today’s consistent view 
1 of the 4km break stops 
60km We celebrated by scratching this into the sand, 2% down, not far to go now 😝 
Lunchtime 
Approaching Hakatere lodge, our cabin is the top one above the blue one. 
The Tramily! -
- Official distance 28km
- Garmin distance 28.76km
- Total time 8.09hrs
- Calories burned 3449
- Body battery 7/10 (got it done with no blisters)
- Accommodation: tent at campsite
- Tenting nights = 2
Today started with my alarm going off at 5 am and then I proceeded to pack everything up with an aim to leave by 7am. Jon & Caroline left at about 6am after spending from 2am onwards chasing possums from their tent.
Note to other TA walkers coming after us. Keep your food in your tent.
Anyway Gokul & I set off at 7.15am & started the 1st 4km being off beach before a really steep set of stairs down on to the start of 90 mile beach.
This part was tough, we had 24.5km from this point walking on hard sand with the views not changing. It was really rewarding to get to the Bluff campsite & use the cold showers though, especially after a hot day. It was also a bonus to get their at just after 3pm & pitch the tents & dry them out after the condensation from the previous night. Also got to hear my beautiful wife’s voice after calling her on the Satellite phone
Anyway early night tonight, body is tired & lack of sleep the previous night mixed with a sore body today, fingers crossed I feel better tomorrow & the 30km on the beach are not too gruelling!
1st view of 90 mile beach 
Gokul & I with 90 mile in the background 
Break time! 
Tonight’s accommodation left to right tents. Gokul, myself & Jon & Caroline’s -
- Official Kms 12km
- Garmin Kms 12.65km
- Total time 3.57.
- Calories burnt 2589
- Body battery 6/10 (tired & mixed emotions)
- Accommodation: tent at twilight campsite.
- Tenting nights = 1
Today started with a lack of sleep & arising from bed at 3.35am. Antonia (my wife) got up not long after that to drop me at the airport at 4.45am where we met up with our mates, Jon, Caroline & Gokul who I will be hiking with & Tamara (Gokul’s partner) who will be staying back in Christchurch as well as Antonia & joining us at Christmas for a few weeks.
The Flight to Auckland where our connecting flight to Kerikeri was a little bumpy, but on time arriving in Auckland a little after 7am.
From Auckland we proceeded to board at 8am & were soon touching down in Kerikeri. My dad was waiting for us to transport 4 hopeful hikers to Cape Reinga. After a bit of repacking & a few stops we arrived at the Cape a little after 1pm.
By the time we did more repacking & photos at the lighthouse we were off just on 2.30pm!
What a big day already, it was hot, so hot, our packs were heavy & we were keen. The walk & the scenery today was beautiful.
A little under 4 hours with a 20 minute break included we reached our destination for the night. Twilight beach campsite. What a great spot & spectacular sunset. I got to watch this while on the Satellite phone with my wife. Anyway I am shattered & bed is calling.
Te Araroa team ready to fly to Auckland. From left to right. Caroline, Jon, myself & Gokul 
Dad waiting at Kerikeri airport. 
Lunch in Houhora 
The view before we descend 
The 1st climb 
Still climbing 
Sunset at Twilight campsite 
Our tent spot -
Walking New Zealand’s long distance trail to raise funds & awareness for mental health through Mike Kings ‘I am hope’.
https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080326387625
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8k2JQ1CTR2_FxP5wY3_Ptw
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