manawatu Day 401: Bulls Highlight: The local trail angel in bulls was away, the other one was on the way into town (which I had already walked past). I headed for the Holiday park
manawatu Day 400: Koitiata Highlight: Today I put on clean clothes! That is clothes washed in a washing machine and lined dried. What a treat. I had desired washing before getting on the river,
manawatu Day 399: Whanganui Journey (5) Highlight: It was so nice to reach Whanganui today! To know I would reach Rob and George and cross over with Trents trip. 7 days ago when I was so
manawatu Day 398: Whanganui Journey (4) Highlight: After the big day yesterday, we were in no hurry to head of today. We make the most of the facilitates and dried out the rest of the gear.
manawatu Day 397: Whanganui Journey (3) Highlight:Today's camp was a private establishment rather than DoC. It was equipt with outside kitchen, shower, table.. even wifi. And, what we would find out before the sun rises,
manawatu Day 396: Whanganui Journey (2) Highlight:With a relativity short day of travel (5 hours) compared with the 10-12hr I had done in the days previous. We arrived at our destination before 4pm. It was
manawatu Day 395: Whanganui Journey (1) Highlight: The joys of river life. A slow morning packing my bag before the Blue Duck cafe opened at 8am. Coffee with bacon & eggs, and utilized the wifi to
manawatu Day 394: Rētāruke River Highlight:Do you want a ride?No thank you, I can't.Can't was probably not the right word. I could, but I didn't want to. I had started something on
manawatu Day 393: National Park Highlight:Te Araroa follows the Round the Mountain track towards Whakapapaiti. There wera a few trampers along here and I can generally pick their intentions. Day walker - small bag
manawatu Day 392: Tongariro Alpine Crossing Highlight: Quiet. So quiet. After hanging out at Ketetahi in the afternoon and then walking in the opposite direction from the stream of people completing the crossing. The contrast with
Waikato-King Country Day 391: Ōwhango Highlight: I've got to say, I was so happy to find the perfect little spot for my tent. Challenge:Today was a low photo day, due to operator error of
Day 390: Taumarunui Highlight: River swim & (river) washing was today's highlight. I got to Taumarunui, and seeked out town food. I left the one open cafe disappointed. It was such a busy
Waikato-King Country Day 389: Timber Trail (2) Highlight: Wide track, soft ground and easy km are a far contrast to other parts of Te Araroa. I crossed paths with the bike packer I had meet. He had
Waikato-King Country Day 388: Timber Trail (1) Highlight:One of joys of trail life this time round was naturally waking early, getting a chuck of walking done before the sun heated up, and taking a long lunch
Waikato-King Country Day 387: Mangaokewa to Pureora Highlight: Another long lunch today, a call to Trent, a book read and sleep. I awoke after an unknown amount of time, to the breeze in the trees. Weather was
Waikato-King Country Day 386: Mangaokewa North Highlight:Ice coffee, river swim and clean washing! Without a cooker, pot or gas in my pack this time round I was trialing the no prep food option that Trent
Waikato-King Country Day 385: Pehitawa Track A few days ago I decided it was the right time to continue my Te Araroa journey. With a new job starting in 3 weeks I had time and security
Waikato-King Country Day 300: Waitomo Forest Highlight:Pick up was pretty well timed. F oot abit sore from too tight/too loose shoe laces (and walking all day). It was nice to see our pick up
Waikato-King Country Day 299: Hihikiwi Track Highlight:Trail angel, hot shower, afternoon nap. Trent had recommended that we carry on and make tomorrow a shorter day. I had already let Casey we were on our way,
Waikato-King Country Day 298: Tahuanui Track Highlight:Shelter and a hut. Complete with a foot wash station! At 'standard' hut $5/night price this feels like pretty good value. Challenge:The track took a little bit
Getting Started Update... Trent finished!!Bluff to Te Reinga Wairua - of course he did. He always was. A sprained ankle from golf, 6 weeks before our start date was the one shaky
Northland Day 146: Ratea Highlight:Apologies for the similar photos taken - there was definitely variety. High points are good, so are km markers. The Ratea forest had blue markers every km. They counted
Northland Day 145: Puketi Forest Highlight: So lovely to walk amongst Kauri. The track upgrades were appreciated; one - for reducing concern of spreading Kauri dieback and two - well maintanied tracks make for quick
Northland Day 144: Puketotara connection Highlight: Hut complete with lights, power, electric jug, fridge, pots and pans, running water etc etc. There was a good entry in the book by Eugenie Sage (Minister of Conservation)
Northland Day 143: Waitangi Forest Highlight:We arrived in Kerikeri and from a distance admired the Stone Stone. Trent gave Hoke Heke Backpackers a call. They were full for the night, and recommended Woodlands. It