Te Araroa 2022/23
Oops, I am doing it again! A long-distance hike. New Zealand from top to bottom.
Cape Reinga to Taumarunui (North Island) | 1.040 km | October 14 - November 22
As the pilot announces our descent into Auckland, everything is a blanket of white. Breaking through the clouds, a lush green landscape appears. Though the scenery is captivating, I'm still tired from a recent Covid infection and not up for hiking. After a few days of rest in the city, I'm ready to get going, but all buses to Kaitaia are fully booked for the next four days. Damn! Determined not to wait, I take a bus to Kerikeri and hitchhike to Cape Reinga. Five rides later, I arrive, having met some wonderful people known as Kiwis along the way.
=> CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO READ MY TRAIL JOURNAL
Bluff to Ship Cove (South Island) | 1.365 km | November 29 - January 30
I find myself sitting in a plane to Invercargill at the southern end of New Zealand. How come? After getting to Tamaranui at km1040 on the North Island, it became clear that the following sections would be tricky for some time: Tongariro crossing closed due to high winds and snow, earth slide at 42Traverse and no canoe trip on the Whanganui river for at least a week due to the river carrying too much water. Instead of waiting, I feel it’s time to realize an idea that has been on my mind for several days already: jumping to the very south and start walking northbound!
Wellington to Taumarunui (North Island) | 560 km | February 2 - February 20
Though I enjoy the company on hikes, for this last stretch I appreciate walking alone at my own pace. I cross path and exchange experiences with quite a few late southbounders; approaching the Tararuas, I notice they look a bit rugged or have skipped that part altogether. Heavy wind gusts is what the weather forecast predicts. Should I be worried? And while I still wonder in which order to tackle Tongariro Crossing, Whanganui River and 42 Traverse going northbound, cyclone Gabrielle kicks in and I am stuck in Palmerston North for several days ….
