Category: Uncategorized
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Cannibal Gorge hut camping.
Saturday 10th of June 2023 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…
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Day 160: Awarua to Bluff (The end)
Saturday 22.04.2023 Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. If you have enjoyed my blogs & if you are able to, please donate to the cause below. Track me live here: Today is the last day! Mixed emotions but mainly thankful that I’m completing it. Dad drove me to pick Lester…
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Day 159: Zero day in Invercargill
Friday 21.04.2023 Track me live here: I actually slept in this morning! I woke just before 8am. Today is a day of nothing but relaxing & reflecting on what I have achieved over the past 5 months! It hasn’t been easy by any stretch but it has been a lot of freedom with not too…
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Day 158: Invercargill to Awarua
Thursday 20.04.2023 Track me live here: My attempt to sleep in this morning was a failure. It’s something I’m not good at. I did potter around this morning though & wasn’t out the door until after 9am. It’s nearly a 1.5km walk just to regain the trail, I swear you do way more than the…
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Day 157: Riverton to Invercargill
Wednesday 19.04.2023 Track me live here: My sleep was a little better last night but I’ve realised that I have Sciatica in my right leg, the description of this is Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs down one or both legs from the lower back. It’s usually caused when a herniated disc or…
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Day 156: Zero day in Riverton.
Tuesday 18.04.2023 Track me live here: I was in pain last night so took painkillers just to get some sleep. I’m glad this is almost over as I feel like I’m starting to physically suffer. Another cruisy zero today. I managed to get all my clothes washed & have just had a chill day letting…
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Day 155: Otautau to Riverton.
Monday 17.04.2023 Track me live here: Today I’m all about getting it done as I have a zero tomorrow which my body is begging for. I have more aches & pains than ever at the moment. I left not long after 9am & it was a cruisy walk on footpath for the 1st 1.5km, then…
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Day 154: Merriview hut to Otautau
Sunday 16.04.2023 Track me live here: This morning I said goodbye to the hikers I had been walking with for the last few days. Manun was the first to leave followed by Coral at 7:20am. I sat around chatting and having coffee with Brooke, Scott & Hamish before they took off just before 9am. This…
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Day 153: Birchwood hut to Merriview hut.
Saturday 15.04.2023 Track me live here: Even though I wasn’t in a rush today, I was the first to wake up. I was out of bed at 5:30am as I couldn’t fall back asleep. Today I am doing a detour as I’m still doing one continuous line from top to bottom but detouring around the…
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Day 152: Telford campsite to Birchwood hut
Friday 14.04.2023 Track me live here: Man there was a mouse problem last night. They kept trying to break into my tent! At about 9:30pm I pulled my pack into the main part of my tent to safe guard it from the mice. Needless to say it was a fairly crappy sleep. I woke early…
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Day 151: Lower Wairaki hut to Telford campsite.
Thursday 13.04.2023 Track me live here: Last night I had over 10 hours sleep! Although I woke a few times to hear mice scurrying around the hut. No rush this morning as it’s only a 8km day, it does involve a 500+ metre climb & then a 600 metre descent though. Coral left about 10…
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Day 150: Aparima hut to Lower Wairaki hut
Wednesday 12.04.2023 Track me live here: This morning I was up early & the first to leave at 7:30am. It was a wet start with the rain off & on. The first 2km or so were in the open then after this it was into the bush. The rest of the trail would be like…
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Day 149: Zero day at Aparima hut
Tuesday 11.04.2023 Track me live here: Today I am sitting out the bad weather. There is supposed to be a lot of rain coming through so I am just going to hang here & watch a whole lot of Netflix that I downloaded when I was back in reception. The day was spent doing just…
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Day 148: Princhester road to Aparima hut
Monday 10.04.2023 Track me live here: Today I’m going back on trail & have mixed emotions about it. I’m starting to feel over it & just want to be home but I also want to complete this challenging journey. I was up way before my alarm & was down at reception at 7am ready to…
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Day 145, 146 & 147. Zero days in Te Anau.
Friday – Sunday 07.04.2023 – 09.04.2023 Track me live here: After arriving in Te Anau I’ve spent the last 3 days off mainly relaxing but preparing for the last 200 kilometres. I am also up to date with my videos & blogs (there’s a lot of work that goes into these). Chapter 18 below &…
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Day 144: Kiwi burn hut to Te Anau road junction
Thursday 06.04.2023 Track me live here: I set the alarm early this morning, the plan is to leave at 1st light which is around 7am now that daylight savings has ended. I need to get to the main state highway early enough to hitch the 30km+ in Te Anau. I was on time, this time…
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Day 143: Carey’s hut to Kiwi burn hut
Wednesday 05.04.2023 Track me live here: I woke up about 4am to heavy rain & wind & was glad I was in a hut! I managed to fall back asleep & not wake again until 6:30am. At about 8:15am I said goodbye to Jen & set off for the day. It’s just under 10km from…
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Day 142: Greenstone hut to Carey’s hut
Tuesday 04.04.2023 Track me live here: The door into our room was like a revolving door last night. It seemed to open & close multiple times with people coming in & out, not quietly either. This prompted me to get out of bed just after 5am. I was packed & ready to go before 7am,…
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Day 141: Zero day Greenstone hut.
Monday 03.04.2023 Track me live here: This is my first zero at a hut. Not much to report on today but hikers I have met in the past stopping by on their way through. I sat & watched a movie on my phone as people were coming & going. I also gave the hut a…
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Day 140: Greenstone car park to Greenstone hut.
Sunday 02.04.2023 Track me live here: This morning I got to wake up next to my beautiful wife. She is amazing & what an amazing thing to drive all the way here for one night & then drive back again. We aren’t planning to leave the Airbnb until 9am & then it’s a 45 minute…
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Day 139: Lake Hayes to Queenstown
Saturday 01.04.2023 Track me live here: I had a restless sleep last night. Waking at 4am & not being able to fall back asleep until after 5am, when the alarm went off at 6:30am I pushed snooze twice. I managed to be ready by 8:15am & called an Uber to get dropped back at the…
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Day 138: Roses hut to 5km past Arrowtown
Friday 31.03.2023 Track me live here: This morning there was a frost again, same as the following morning. Its definitely getting colder. I was ready to leave just after 8am. Marko, Nici & Jake were 15 minutes behind me. Todays start has the biggest climb with an elevation gain of 550 metres above the hut.…
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Day 137: Highland creek hut to Roses hut
Thursday 30.03.2023 Track me live here: The hut full of 10 people all got up about the same time. We also all left together at 8:30am, the temperature initially being -2.8 degrees. So cold! The day started with the trail dropping to the creek & then climbing steeply before dropping down to another creek, from…
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Day 136: Glendhu bay to Highland creek hut
Wednesday 29.03.2023 Track me live here: I thought I would make the most of my comfy bed this morning & didn’t roll out until 7am (yep that’s what I consider a sleep in!) after getting organised I was back on the trail just before 9am. The initial 3km was gravel road after walking through the…
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Day 135: Zero day in Glendhu bay
Tuesday 28.03.2023 Track me live here: A very nice relaxing zero today. Since I went shopping yesterday & did washing the day before it’s meant I don’t have to do much today other than make my next video & put my feet up. I’ve spent most of the day streaming a series on my phone.…
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Day 134: Wanaka to Glendhu bay
Monday 27.03.2023 Track me live here: No rush today as it’s less than 4 hours to my destination & check in is generally 2pm. So my plan is not to leave the holiday park until 10am. Leaving at 10am I backtracked down for a kilometre to regain the trail. Not long into being on the…
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Day 133: Hawea to Wanaka
Sunday 26.03.2023 Track me live here: Latest video from Rangitata to Twizel: It was so nice to sleep in a real comfortable bed last night, it’s unfortunate that my body clock still got me up early though. Another luxury I got to have this morning was a hot shower! Today I started off clean &…
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Day 132: Stodys hut to Hawea
Saturday 25.03.2023 Track me live here: I woke well before my alarm again. Getting up just on 6am I was ready to leave just before 7:30am 3 people turned up on dark last night & then started cooking, so kept the rest of us awake until they were finally ready for bed just before 10pm.…
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Day 131: Top Timaru hut to Stodys hut
Friday 24.03.2023 Track me live here: I woke 30 minutes before my alarm at 6am, deciding to get up, I was ready to leave just before 7:30am, it was light but the sun hadn’t come up yet. I started walking, it was a typical morning from what it has been the last few weeks, cold!…
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Day 130: Tin hut to Top Timaru hut
Thursday 23.03.2023 Track me live here: I’m considering just doing a short day today and only going to Top Timaru hut which is only 13km away. This is all weather dependent because the next section after this is mainly in the river. Before I was ready to leave I was telling Lindy about a hard…
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Day 129: Quailburn hut to Tin hut
Wednesday 22.03.2023 Track me live here: I slept in until after 7am this morning. This bed has to be one of the most comfortable beds I’ve slept in. Wire with a mattress is amazing. Antonia has been keeping me updated on the river levels & its still far to high to cross so we have…
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Day 128: Ohau village to Quailburn hut.
Tuesday 21.03.2023 Track me live here: I’m back on the trail today, heading up to a historic hut to wait for the river level to come down, hopefully tomorrow it will be low enough. I went down to have a coffee with Shell & Stu before heading up to pack, they have been so amazing…
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Day 127: Zero day waiting out the weather.
Monday 20.03.2023 Track me live here: Today is about waiting out the bad weather, there is a lot of rain forecasted as well as strong wind gusts, here’s what I’m expecting: Not much to report on today, it was a real zero day of doing nothing. I just streamed tv all day & kept my…
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Day 126: Lake Ruataniwha to Ohau village.
Sunday 19.03.2023 Track me live here: Today should be a nice easy walk along the canals to Lake Ohau. I had a couple reach out to me a week back & offer me their studio unit when I come through. Thanks Shell & Stu such an amazing offer! It’s also forecasted to bucket down Monday…
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Day 125: Zero day in Twizel.
Saturday 18.03.2023 Track me live here: I decided to sleep in this morning, that meant I was up at 7am lol. Life admin day today I have a list of things to do which includes washing all my clothes & sitting there in a puffer jacket & togs while I wait, catch up on blogs…
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Day 124: Tekapo to Twizel
Cycling the canals. Friday 17.03.2023 Track me live here: I woke up early this morning, I’m intending to leave the YHA just after 8am to walk up to the bike hire place as I’m cycling to Twizel today. After 2 coffees, breakfast & making my lunch then a bit of fluffing around I was out…
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Day 123: Camp stream hut to Tekapo
Thursday 16.03.2023 Track me live here: I ended up with a hut mate last night. Grâce turned up around 7pm, she is also SOBO (southbound). I was up at 5:30am as I’m wanting to leave at 7am. This allows me 10 hours to do the 34 kilometres to Tekapo. I’m aiming to be there by…
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Day 122: Royal hut to Camp stream hut
Wednesday 15.03.2023 Track me live here: Last night I had decided that I’m only going to walk to Camp stream hut. This is only 6 hours walking according to DOC times & I’ve been doing most of these in 2/3rds the time. So I decided I won’t leave until 8am. I didn’t get out of…
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Day 121: Crooked spur hut to Royal hut.
South Island halfway point! Tuesday 14.03.2023 Track me live here: My alarm went off a 6am, I pushed snooze. Even though I went to sleep around 8pm I felt I could sleep a lot longer this morning. I checked my watch to see the temperature, it is 2 degrees in the hut brrr. I managed…
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Day 120: Bush stream car park to Crooked Spur hut
Monday 13.03.2023 Track me live here: Antonia & I woke up in the Airbnb, I felt like I had a fairly average sleep last night as I woke up not feeling well rested. I think it’s also because this will be the last time I see Antonia until I finish. I’ve always had another date…
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Day 119: Zero day in Geraldine
Sunday 12.03.2023 Track me live here: It was a nice sleep in until just before 8am this morning! Today is about spending time with Antonia & resupplying & repacking for the next section. We enjoyed breakfast & a coffee in the Airbnb this morning, I put on a load of washing & we went into…
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Day 118: Manuka hut to Potts car park
Saturday 11.03.2023 Track me live here: We had an unexpected visitor last night. He turned up just after 9:30pm after we were all asleep. Unfortunately all 6 beds were occupied, so he had to sleep on the floor on his airmat. The hut started to stir at just after 6am. Us three & the other…
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Day 117: Comyns hut to Manuka hut.
Friday 10.03.2023 Track me live here: I woke up just after 6am, then sat outside with Jen & cooked my breakfast as not to disturb the others still sleeping in the hut. Alina, Ladina & I were packed & ready to go at 8am. It was a cold start & to make it even colder…
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Day 116: Double hill to Comyns hut.
Thursday 09.03.2023 Track me live here: Last night I had a bad sleep, I felt like I was awake from around 3am. Hopefully tonight will be better. I crawled out of bed at 6:20am & started going about my morning routine. We are being picked up by the shuttle at 8:30am & taken back to…
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Day 115: Zero day in Methven.
Wednesday 08.03.2023 Track me live here: It is so good to wake up & not have to pack up & leave! It was a very chill morning. I sat in my room until after 9am & made my 1st video. Chapter 13 St Arnaud to Boyle village. I’m glad to be playing catch up. After…
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Day 114: Harpers campsite to Coleridge township.
Tuesday 07.03.2023 Track me live here: I woke up just after 6am this morning, it’s pretty light in a thin single wall tent so you generally wake up when it starts getting light. No rush this morning as we have about 28km of road walking which should only take about 7 hours of walking or…
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Day 113: Lagoon saddle A frame hut to Harpers campsite.
Monday 06.03.2023 Track me live here: What a cold night. It measured 2 degrees in the hut all night. Surprisingly I slept well & wasn’t too cold. I have to put damp cold clothes back on this morning! Not looking forward to doing this, I will leave it to the last minute so I can…
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Day 112: Klondyke corner to Lagoon saddle A frame hut.
Sunday 05.03.2023 Track me live here: Today I am starting off at 9am. Ladina & Alina have decided to do a zero in Arthur’s pass as they don’t want to walk in the rain today. They will catch up to me by Wednesday. Marko arrived at 8:45am & we all said our goodbyes to the…
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Day 111: Goat pass hut to Klondyke corner.
Saturday 04.03.2023 Track me live here: The day started off overcast & drizzly. I had to put my wet clothes back on this morning. Goat pass hut is a nice 20 bed hut but lacks a fireplace, at least it’s only a Nero today. The morning started off overcast & misty, fortunately no rain! Within…
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Day 110: Taramakau camp to Goat pass hut.
Friday 03.03.2023 Track me live here: Such an awesome sleep in the tent last night! The one downside though is the condensation on the inside of the tent so you never really get to dry it out properly. Matt, Alina & Ladina turned up just after 8am from their campsite & we headed off towards…
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Day 109: Hurunui no 3 hut to Taramakau camp
Thursday 02.03.2023 Track me live here: We slept in this morning. I woke at 6:15am. I felt like it was a good sleep! I’m missing Antonia this morning & am looking forward to seeing her on Saturday. The plan is to leave at 8am today & find a camp spot after about 28 kilometres. We…
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Day 108: Hope kiwi to Hurunui no 3
Wednesday 01.03.2023 Track me live here: Surprisingly I had a pretty good sleep last night. We are setting off at 7am this morning. Today should be just over 27km & fairly easy walking. The morning started off quite misty & a little cold. It didn’t seem to take long before it warmed up. The open…
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Day 107: Boyle village to Hope Kiwi hut
Tuesday 28.02.2023 Track me live here: It was nice waking up this morning at home, next to Antonia & getting into the spa before getting ready. We are leaving home at 7am. Matt is meeting us at our place then also. We were packed & ready to go by 7am & set off with a…
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Day 105 & 106: Zero days
Sunday/Monday 26/27.02.2023 Track me live here: It’s been an awesome few days off. Sunday we dropped Mark to the airport & Antonia & I spent the day together relaxing & enjoying each other’s company. The dogs also loved it as they like when we are both home together so they can just lie down next…
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Day 104: Anne hut to Boyle village
Saturday 25.02.2023 Track me live here: Today I get to see Antonia! So happy, I’m looking forward to a couple of days off at home with her. This is also Marks last day on the trail, he flys home tomorrow. Ladina & Alina are also unsure of their plans, I have really enjoyed their company…
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Day 103: Waiau hut to Anne hut.
Friday 24.02.2023 Track me live here: It rain almost all night but I stayed warm and dry in the tent. My new air mattress worked a treat, I didn’t lose any air! After getting organised & packing up I was ready to go at 8am, Ladina & Alina told me to start as they weren’t…
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Day 102: Blue lake hut to Waiau hut
Thursday 23.02.2023 Track me live here: I awoke to see snow on the mountain tops when I looked out the hut window, that’s concerning as we are heading over Waiau pass this morning. This is about 700 metres higher than the hut & is very steep terrain. Liz & Sam left before us. We left…
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Day 101: Upper Travers hut to Blue lake hut
Wednesday 22.02.2023 Track me live here: I felt like I had a pretty bad sleep last night. When the alarm went off at 5:30am I wasn’t to impressed. This morning we are leaving at 7am oh & Sam turned up last night after walking all the way from St Arnaud, it was good to see…
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Day 100: Lakehead hut to Upper Travers
Tuesday 21.02.2023 Track me live here: We started the day early this morning. The plan is to leave at 7am. We were on time. It was initially a nice fast easy walk on big open flats. The plan is to stop for breaks every 2 hours so it would work out perfect to have a…
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Day 99: St Arnaud to Lakehead hut
Monday 20.02.2023 Track me live here: My brother Mark is flying in today & we are starting Nelson lakes, Ladina & Alina are also joining us. Well the morning didn’t go to plan, my brothers flight was canceled, he was able to rebook on a flight landing in Blenheim at 11:15am. Fortunately for us Lester…
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Day 97 & 98 Zero Days
Saturday/ Sunday 18/19.02.2023 Weekend off. Stay tuned for Monday 20.02.2023 blog (could be a week away due to reception). Also if you haven’t already, please donate, any amount can be life changing! Thanks Track me live here:
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Day 96: Kerr hills road to St Arnaud
Friday 17.02.2023 Track me live here: Today I’m finishing off the last section to St Arnaud. My uncle Mike is down at the moment & is coming for a ride to drop me off. We are taking two cars one to leave at St Arnaud & the other one for Aunty Briar & Mike to…
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Day 95: zero day
Thursday 16.02.2023 Track me live here: This morning I didn’t wake up until after 8am. Biggest sleep in that I can remember in a while. I don’t really have any plans today apart from going to have a wander through Gearshop & see what goodies they have! After pottering around this morning I went up…
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Day 94: Eighty eight valley Road to Kerr hill road
Wednesday 15.02.2023 Track me live here: Got to have a nice late start today. Aunty Briar cooked an amazing Breakfast of bacon & eggs, always a good start before a hike! Cuzzy Zhan picked me up at 8:30am & drove me to today’s start point on his way to work. It wasn’t until about 9:15am…
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Day 93: Zero day
Tuesday 14.02.2023 Track me live here: Another nice easy morning, watching the news on Cyclone Gabriel & the damage it’s caused for the far north so far. We are expecting a bit of wind here this afternoon/evening. Today I’m going to finish my video for the 1st section of the South island & post it…
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Day 92: Hacket car park to Eighty eight valley road
Monday 13.02.2023 Track me live here: Back on the trail today, not the official trail but a detour to avoid cyclone Gabriel. We were ready to go at 7:45 am. Auntie Briar drove me to the Hackett car park where I started at 8:30 am The first 10 km was on tar seal Road all…
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Day 91: zero day
Sunday 12.02.2023 Track me live here: Pretty relaxed day today, I slept in until I was ready to wake up, surprisingly that was as late as 7am! With this weather bomb coming through & a deadline of needing to be in St Arnaud before Monday the 20th, being in the mountains with the predicted big…
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Day 90: Middy hut to Hacket car park
Saturday 11.02.2023 Track me live here: This morning I had my alarm set for 5:30am so I could get an early start as the first part of today is over 800 metres of elevation gain! I pushed snooze twice. Even though I fell asleep before 8:30pm last night, I felt I could sleep longer. I…
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Day 89: Pelorus bridge to Middy hut.
Friday 10.02.2023 Track me live here: It’s always awesome to wake up in a real bed, this time at Woods & Laura’s. We left in convoy of 2 cars this morning as they were dropping me at Pelorus at 8am, leaving a car there & carrying on to Nelson for the day. Big thanks to…
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Day 88: Queen Charlotte lodge to Pelorus bridge
Thursday 09.02.2023 Track me live here: I woke early this morning, the plan is to leave Lester’s Bach at 7:45am so I can start walking around 8am. Such an awesome place to stay the night! It’s been so much fun to spend the last 3 days with my cousin! Looking forward to him joining me…
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Day 87: Portage to The Queen Charlotte tavern
Wednesday 08.02.2023 Track me live here: This morning we have a shuttle organised for 8am back up to the trail, this saves us walking up the road with 100 metres of elevation when it’s off the track anyway. We were ready at ten to eight an were shuttled up & started just before 8am! The…
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Day 86: Punga cove to Portage
Tuesday 07.02.2023 Track me live here: It was nice to have a comfortable bed & a good nights sleep. We are planning to start from here at 8:30am. But we were both ready early so we set off at 8am. The start was an initial climb of 300 metres, it wasn’t an easy start but…
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Day 85: Ships cove to Punga lodge
Monday 06.02.2023 Track me live here: We don’t have to catch the Ferry until 9:30 this morning so there was no rush to get out of the Airbnb. We had everything packed & left just after 8:30am & headed into town to find some breakfast to grab & go. Unfortunately it’s Waitangi Day & most…
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Day 82-84: Zero days Wellington & Picton.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 3/4/5.02.2023 Track me live here: Having Friday, Saturday & Sunday off the trail has been very relaxing. Unfortunately I couldn’t change my Cook straight Ferry crossing from Saturday afternoon to any earlier so I felt like I was just killing time in Wellington until I arrived in Picton on Saturday night.…
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Day 81: Wellington central to Island bay
Thursday 02.02.2023 Track me live here: North island complete!!!! Mike dropped me in town this morning as I stopped yesterday outside his car park. From here today there is only 13kms to go! Not your typical trail start as I was weaving through hordes of people in the Main Street of town until I got…
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Day 80: Porirua to Wellington central
Wednesday 01.02.2023 Track me live here: It was an early ish start again today, my plan was to leave at around 7/7:30 but it was closer to 8am. The day started with stairs & lots of them! I had a 400+ metre climb to do to start the day. It was hard work but also…
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Day 79: Paekakariki to Porirua
Tuesday 31.01.2023 Track me live here: My alarm was set for 6am & I slept through until then! I have a 28+km day today so am hoping to leave around 8am. Mike is in the cabin next door, he is not generally a morning person so we will have to wait & see what time…
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Day 78: Waikanae to Paekakariki.
Monday 30.01.2023 Track me live here: I had such a restless sleep last night. It was so hot & I felt uncomfortable. I think I didn’t fall asleep until after 11pm & I woke just before 7am. Mike is driving up this morning so I’m going to hang around the accommodation until he turns up…
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Day 77: Zero day
Sunday 29.01.2023 Track me live here: A very relaxing day today, I slept in until 7:30am. When I got up Nici was already awake & relaxing outside. Nici cooked a beautiful breakfast of bacon & eggs & smoked salmon. It was such a nice breakfast! This morning we managed to get our washing done &…
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Day 76: Parawai hut to Waikanae
Saturday 28.01.2023 Track me live here: Last night after we all went to bed (11 hut mates) at around 9pm another hiker turned up. He had started from Dracophyllum hut at 6am that morning! What a massive day! This woke the whole hut up as he got himself sorted, ate dinner & claimed a bed,…
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Day 75: Waitewaiwai hut to Parawai lodge
Friday 27.01.2023 Track me live here: Today I had a bit of a sleep in & left just after 7:30am. According to the notes it should take 5 to 7 hours to do today so a lot shorter day than the previous two 10+ hour days. The one thing I’m concerned about is there is…
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Day 74: Dracophyllum biv to Waitewaiwai hut
Thursday 26.01.2023 Track me live here: Today is another big day, I’m expecting it to take 10 hours or so to get to our destination of Waitewaiwai hut. I woke just before 5am, motivation was low though. Leaving about 6:15am The day started off quite cold & overcast. I had 4 litres of water on…
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Day 73: Waiopehu hut to Dracophyllum biv
Wednesday 25.01.2023 Track me live here: It was an early start this morning, I left just after 6am. Nici was about 20 minutes behind me. The main reason for the early start is the fact that water is scarce up here due to the large volume of Te Araroa walkers this year. The water tanks…
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Day 72: Poads road to Waiopehu hut
Tuesday 24.01.2023 Track me live here: Early start this morning, alarm went off at 4:45am we had to leave the motel around 6am as it was about an hour and a half return trip for Antonia & she needed to start before 8am. It was so awesome to spend the night with her & it…
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Day 71: Tokomaru hut to Poads road
Monday 23.01.2023 Track me live here: I woke up to rain at around 3am this morning it also prompted me to pee & blow up my airmat. Surprisingly I had a really good sleep. My alarm went off at 6:30am & I pushed snooze. But managed to get up a few minutes later. Nici &…
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Day 70: Te Whare o Moturimu to Ian & Franks hut.
Track me live here: I woke at 6am after a long sleep, I need to buy a new airmat as there is new holes! I slept fairly well though in the hut. The other 2 that were in the hut left early. One was gone before I woke up, the other left around 6:45. They…
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Day 69: Palmerston North to Whare o Moturimu hut
Track me live here: This morning is the last day of spending time with Danny & his family, it was kind of sad to leave! They have been amazing & we felt so welcomed & at home. We were good to go at 8am after a coffee & pancakes! Danny dropped us off at the…
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Day 68: zero day
Track me live here: The day started nice & relaxing having a few coffees & chilling on the couch. Around 10am Nici & I shot into Palmerston North to resupply on groceries. I got most of my stuff at Foursquare Super seven & the few extras I needed I managed to get at New World…
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Day 67: Feilding to Palmerston North.
Track me live here: I actually slept until my alarm went off at 6:30am this morning. I usually wake before it goes off by up to an hour. Danny made pancakes & a coffee again. So good! We left the house just after 8 & were on the trail again leaving Feilding heading to Palmerston…
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Day 66: Bulls to Feilding
Track me live here: Good sleep in again this morning, I got up at 6:30am. We aren’t planning to leave until around 9am & then Danny is driving us back to Bulls where we stopped yesterday to walk back to Feilding. I would like to get to the 1460km mark today so tomorrow is only…
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Day 65: Koitiata to Bulls
So, after the 4 patches in my air mattress I think I may have another hole or 2! It was fairly flat this morning. I was awake at 5.30, packed away my sleeping gear & got changed. The group of 3 that turned up yesterday around 5pm were almost ready to leave. They told me…
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Day 64: Whanganui to Koitiata camp site.
This morning the alarm went off at 4.30am. We need to leave around 6am to get to the tidal crossing by 2pm today. It’s about 34km from here to that point. We left right on time at 6am & started walking alongside the Whanganui River before crossing over it at the main bridge. Once across…
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Day 62 & 63: Zero Days
Day 62: Saturday 14th of January. This morning Antonia & I walked down to Mud Ducks for breakfast, checked out the local markets & then walked back to the accommodation to collect Antonia’s pack before walking back to the bus depot. Antonia’s bus left at 11am. I definitely feel low now that she has gone.…
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Day 61: Rivertime lodge to Whanganui
What a great sleep last night, I didn’t wake up until the alarm went off at 7am. We made corn fritters for breakfast had showers & packed up our barrels then headed down to the Canoe. The river has dropped close to a metre but still seems to be flowing ok. We have a 37km…
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Day 60: Flying fox to Rivertime lodge.
It rained overnight last night & also the cabin people who were in their 50s & 60s decided to throw a party in the cabin next to where we were all tenting with loud music, singing & yelling. This was until the owners came & told them to turn it off & respect the other…
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Day 59: Ngaporo to Flying fox camp
There was rain last night & a bit of wind, we both slept quite well though. The river levels haven’t seemed to have risen either. We were packed & ready to go just before 9am. With the ever looming 50/50 rapid’s coming up we ensured everything was sealed & tightly secured to the the raft.…
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Day 58: Mangawaiiti to Ngaporo
Waking up in Mangawaiiti camp site there is so much bird song! I rose out of the tent at 6am, Antonia then rolled over onto my airmat within seconds. After getting organised, having breakfast & repacking everything we were down at the Canoe just before 9am with all the gear, then proceeded to tie everything…
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Day 57: Whakahoro to Mangawaiiti camp.
The canoe company turns up about 9.30am this morning, you would think that means a sleep in. No not for my body clock, alarm set for 7am, awake before 6am. As soon as it gets light I naturally wake. The positive means I can just chill & have a few coffees. Antonia & I started…
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Day 56: Kaitieke to Whakahoro
This morning after a nice breakfast from Sharon I am heading off 25km down the road to Whakahoro. Antonia is getting a ride at 8.30am from the Canoe hire company down to Whakahoro so will be at the end waiting for me. We were lucky the other night to secure 2 of the beds in…
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Day 55: National park to Kaitieke.
This morning we are leaving National park at 8am & walking 27km to Sharon’s place (trail angels). Without amazing people like Sharon, the Te Araroa would not be possible for most. Trail angels can offer as little or as much as somewhere to pitch your tent & toilet facility to a bed, shower a meal…
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Day 54: Whakapapa to National park
This morning we decided to sleep in until 7am & leave at 9am. I woke up at 6am, damn body clock! Buffet for breakfast this morning, we were up there & getting into at just after 7am. It was really good. Bacon, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, hash browns etc. & a coffee. Today is Antonia’s…
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Day 53: Zero day
This morning we are in Taupo & are being picked up at 10am from our Motel & taken to Whakapapa. Tomorrow we both start walking & it will start with a nice trail then road through to National Park. We were picked up right on schedule from our unofficial Uber (cashy) & dropped outside the…
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Day 52: SH47 to Whakapapa village
Today is a Nero (nearly zero) as it should be under 20km of quick easy road walking. I was meant to be walking from 1105 to 1117 today (a definite Nero) & then doing the Tongariro crossing tomorrow, but the weather in the mountains has packed in & all shuttles & tour operators have cancelled.…
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Day 51: 42nd Traverse to SH47
This morning we had to pack up from our Airbnb. We spent 4 nights here so have been able to treat it like home. It’s been such a great base for the last 4 days. On the road just before 7am heading to Owhango to collect Nici before continuing on the dirt road 5km to…
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Day 50: Taumarunui Canoe hire to 42 Traverse start
5am alarm this morning, we need to be at the Canoe place at 6.45am for the briefing & to load our supplies. We are also picking up Marko & Frank at 6.30am on the way through. After the briefing I am aiming to get to where the road ends on the 42 traverse track, Antonia…
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Day 49: Zero day
Big sleep in this morning. I woke just after 7am, mainly due to the reason we didn’t get to bed until 10pm! Today is an admin day. Organising & purchasing what’s needed to take to the Canoe hire at 6.45am tomorrow, where will do the briefing & load our waterproof barrels ready for when we…
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Day 48: Ongarue to Taumarunui
It was good to get a relaxing afternoon & an early night last night. I am really looking forward to a zero day tomorrow! It’s also been awesome having my wife Antonia with me as she has made things a lot easier for me when I’m not hiking. I’m lucky to have such an amazing…
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Day 47: Camp Epic to Ongarue
This morning I’m planning to leave at around 8am & get this bike ride done. Antonia will be waiting at the end to pick me up. It’s supposedly 45km from here to there. I’m also going to go over the official 1000km point on the trail! Camp Epic is definitely a nice place to stay,…
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Day 46: Pureora to Camp Epic
This morning was nice to have a bit of a sleep in as we don’t need to be at the timber trail until 9.30am. This is what time the bike hire company turn up. We got to sit around & have coffee & breakfast with Dean & Lesley before packing the car, getting a few…
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Day 45: Mangaokewa to Pureora
Up & at ‘‘em this morning as we need to clear out the motel room & I’m wanting to start around 8.30am to get these 26km done & dusted to reach the start of the Timber trail. We were on schedule & left the motel right on 7.30am & after just under an hour of…
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Day 44: Te Kuiti to Mangaokewa
This morning the alarm went off at 5.30am. We are leaving here at 7. Breakfast & coffee was had & making sure my bag was packed & ready. I’m going to try & get a 30km day done today to get some distance & keep us ahead. Antonia drove me to the New World in…
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Day 43: Waitomo caves to Te Kuiti
This morning Antonia & I are leaving her dads place after 2 really restful days & going to Tauranga to pick up a rental car, as well as buy some new poles, a bite valve for my Osprey bladder & a sleeping bag liner for Antonia. After this we will drive back to Waitomo, Antonia…
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Day 41 & 42 Zero days
Christmas! Thanks for following my adventures. I will be off trail for the next 2 days returning the afternoon of the 26th. Stay tuned for future blogs. Have a merry Christmas! It’s the time of year for giving & if you can, any support is much appreciated for this worthy cause, we can all be…
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Day 40: Camp 852.6 to Waitomo.
Today is the last day of 9 days without a day off! I will be so glad when I get to Waitomo! Looking forward to rest & recovery! I have definitely abused my body physically & mentally, but this also shows how resilient I am. As I sit here drinking my coffee, I’m reflecting on…
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Day 39: Pekanui road to camp 852
I blew my air mattress up twice last night, 1 more night on it & I can have a solid sleep! Also at 2am this morning there was heavy rain, I stayed dry though so I am grateful for that! We are being dropped back to our starting point this morning at 8am by our…
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Day 38: Kaniwhaniwha campsite to Pekanui road
Woke up at 5.15am this morning, well really woke at 1am to blow my air mattress back up as I can confirm there is a leak! There was also a small pool of water from condensation down the end of my tent, so I packed away a damp sleeping bag. Then as I was packing…
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Day 37: Whatawhata to Kaniwhaniwha campsite
Up before the alarm again this morning. I’m excited there is only 4 days to go before Christmas break & seeing Antonia. My body is also looking forward to having a few days off. I also know tomorrow is going to be a tough & long day, that has me a bit worried. We said…
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Day 36: Ngaruawahia to Whatawhata.
This morning we left Sam & Eves not long after 7am as Sam was doing a big loop to drop us off before driving back to work. We got dropped off in Ngāruawāhia & started walking at 8am after a quick resupply for the next 4 days. The river walk was beautiful & I soon…
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Day 35: Huntly to Ngaruawahia.
This morning I woke just after 6am. We are leaving here at 8am & are looking at completing around 30km. This includes going up & over the Hakarimatas into Ngaruawahia. We left at 8am & were dropped at our starting point just before 8.30am. The 1st 5km was fast going & we were at the…
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Day 34: Meremere to Huntly
Today is going to be road walking, this is due to the fact that some of the trail is underwater next to the Waikato river & our Trail angels from the night before warned us it could be difficult as well as reports from others that have attempted it. We set off at 8am &…
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Day 33: Pokeno to Meremere
This morning the alarm went off at 6am, I was already half awake. There is a rooster here that decided we should all be awake from 5am. We are leaving here at 8am & probably diverting some of our track to road as we hear there is flooding & overgrown track. We said goodbye to…
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Day 32: Drury to Pokeno (SH2)
This morning we are being picked up by Mike at 9am, thanks Mike for going out of your way you are a legend! I was awake just after 6am, it’s raining, I guess this means I can test out my new dry sacks & pack cover for waterproofness. Our start point is just south of…
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Day 31: Zero day in Papakura.
The alarm was set for 7.30am. I didn’t wake up until the alarm went off! This surprised me as I normally wake around 6am regardless. I must really need this day off trail. I caught an Uber just after 9 to a cafe to catch up with Mike & Joanna. It was really great catching…
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Day 30: Campana road (Near the airport) to Quarry road (North Drury)
Up at 6am this morning. Leaving Troys at 7am as we have pre booked an Uber. It was really good to catch up with Troy last night & just chat about life. The Uber arrived early & we were ready, so left just before 7, ready & walking near the airport at 7.30am. Neither Gokul…
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Day 29: Auckland central to Wiri
This morning we all agreed to be ready by 7am & to call an Uber back to where we were picked up from. Some old friends from Kerikeri messaged me this morning, wanting to say hi as I walked past. Bruce, Jodie & their kids came to say hi at the start of today’s hike.…
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Day 28: Long bay to Auckland central.
This morning is an easy pack up & drive back to the track with breakfast on the way. We went through the drive through at McDonald’s Warkworth for breakfast for Danny, Gokul & myself. Danny dropped us off just after 8am from where he picked us up from the afternoon before & we said our…
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Day 27: Orewa to Long bay.
Today was a sleep in. Waking at 6.30am we are planning to leave at 8.30am Luke, Cristal & the kids are going to cheer me on & say hello as I walk past. We left on time & said our goodbyes to Kevin who is having a zero. I hope he catches back up! Especially…
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Day 26: Puhoi to Orewa
Another morning of waking before the alarm clock. It’s raining again this morning. I hope it eases off. Today we say farewell to Mark, he’s been such an awesome host, it’s been so good having the support of my family. We were dropped off just before 9am & walked the 200 metres up to the…
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Day 25: Dome to Puhoi
I felt like my sleep wasn’t that great last night. Probably due to the lack of downtime & a sore body from yesterday. The alarm went off at 6am & we were ready to go by 7.30, Mark dropped us off at the Dome cafe, our starting point this morning. Within 4km we had passed…
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Day 24: Pakiri to Dome
Today I got to wake up next to my wife, it was so nice seeing her. She is leaving for work at 6am this morning. The rain started last night & got heavy at times. Jon & Caroline are going to do a zero as they have injuries & with the rain & muddy track…
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Day 23: Mangawhai to Pakiri
The alarm went off at 6am, we are leaving at 7.30am with a 40 minute drive to our start point. The aim is to be finished around 2pm & Mark will pick us up. Full packs today! It’s been nice to slack pack it the last few days. We said our goodbyes to dad as…
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Day 22: Cullen road to Mangawhai
The alarm went off at 6.30am, I got up & proceeded with my morning routine, we are leaving here at 8.30am & being dropped at yesterday’s end point. Dad will pick us up when we are ready this afternoon, minus Jon & Caroline who are going to camp tonight at Mangawhai. We started at 9.10am…
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Day 21: Marsden cove to Waipu cove
The alarm went off at 6am & I awoke as planned, finished off yesterday’s blog & then cooked up breakfast of Bacon & eggs for everyone. It’s Gokul’s birthday today so we are planning a dinner at a restaurant tonight which has been booked for 7pm. Andrea has baked him a cake & we are…
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Day 20: Zero day at Marsden cove
I was looking forward to a sleep in this morning, unfortunately my brain & body had other ideas & I was awake & up before 6am. Today is about life admin & I plan to go in to town to get a few things, I’m also going to take Kevin with me & help him…
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Day 19: Ocean Beach to Marsden cove
Last night was an early to bed night & I set the alarm for 6am. I didn’t get up until then. My feet are extra sore this morning as i hobbled down to the public toilets. The plan is to leave before 9am & just take our time up & over Whangarei heads. Dean turned…
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Day 18 Nikau bay eco lodge to Ocean beach camping
This morning the alarm went off at 4.30am! It wasn’t easy to get up but we needed to be gone by 6am to be able to hit the two estuaries that are only crossable at low tide. It was an undulating 6km walk to the 1st crossing, with some mud thrown in for good measure.…
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Day 17: Whananaki to Nikau bay lodge
The alarm was set for 6am this morning. I woke at 5.50am. I got out of bed & started to walk towards the bathroom, my feet are sore & swollen from all the road walking so it was more of a hobble. Gokul & I shared a room last night & Caroline & Jon are…
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Day 16: Camp 305km to Whananaki
Today I naturally woke up at 5.30am as it gets pretty light in the tent. After packing, breakfast & digging a hole for my toilet (rough camping) I was good to leave by 7.30am. Kevin left just before 7am & was one of the 1st to leave. I went up to where Nici camped last…
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Day 15: The Farm to Camp 305
I was dreading my sleep in the tent last night. Surprisingly I slept fairly well, my air mattress did go down a bit but was still comfortable! I woke at 5.20am & just cruised the morning enjoying a flat white that you can purchase here at the farm for $5. I received a text from…
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Day 14: Paihia to the Farm
This morning was an early rise, I was up just before the alarm at 5.20am. Jon was already in the kitchen cooking bacon & eggs for everyone’s breakfast. We had a ferry to catch at 7.20am. About 7am Caroline & I left to get to the terminal via a coffee shop. We caught up with…
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Day 12: Kerikeri to Paihia
Todays plan started with the alarm clock going off at 6am & for us to slowly get moving & leave by 8am. We want to get to the Airbnb by 2pm to get life admin (washing etc) done & out of the way so we can enjoy a zero day tomorrow without to much admin…
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Day 11: Puketi to Kerikeri
The alarm was set for 7am this morning, I awoke at 6am. I’m missing my wife Antonia this morning, more than normal. I also miss my 2 dogs, which I won’t see for at least a few months. Antonia will be joining me at Christmas, I’m really looking forward to that! Just on mental health…
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Day 10: Zero day
Today was one of the 1st days I didn’t worry about alarms or schedules. But still managed to wake up 6.30am. Apart from Kere having getting up & leaving before I woke up, I was the first awake. Today was a life admin day. Drying out all the wet gear from yesterday & reorganising for…
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Day 8: Broadwood to Mangamuka
I woke just before 6am this morning, my alarm was set for 7am. It felt like I spent a lot of time awake last night. Today’s plan is to leave at around 9am, so I’m going to spend this morning just relaxing a bit & maybe having a couple of coffees. I ended up taking…
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Day 7: Kaitaia to Broadwood.
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…
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Day 6: Ahipara to Kaitaia
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…
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Day 4: Hakatere lodge to Waipapakauri holiday park
Please support this great cause if you can, any amount is appreciated. 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…
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The Te Araroa trail.
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 Sponsored by:
The Backcountry hiker 