Waipu to Dome Valley
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
Roland’s Long Walk – Waipu to Dome Valley
Day 12: A Day Off
Spent most of the day recovering and cleaning myself and my gear.
Day 13: Waipu to Pakiri Beach
About 58 km done today. Two river crossings which involved swims so I got to test out the drybag features of my pack. Pack floated across just fine and all dry inside . Managed to mess up meeting up with Sarah as it took me way longer to get to meeting point than planned.
(Sarah: I was sadly waiting with a melted iceblock sure he had walked on without waiting. I should have known him better and now know that he will always wait! He ended up being over 1.5 hours late and by then I had gone home thinking he was far ahead. I did get to see him and his pack do the river crossing at the end at Pakiri though at high tide and with big waves. It was better if I shut my eyes.)
Day 14: Heavy Rain
Took this day off as heavy rain doesn’t mix well with stream crossings.
Day 15: Pakiri to Dome Valley
A nice track and weather and finished up at dome cafe with a nice mocha. Easy day.
Follow Rolland directly here
Be sure to follow Roland’s Adventure directly from his blog here
Tags: russell forest, track | Posted in Walks | 3 Comments »
Cape Reinga to Bluff – Part 1 (Day 1 – 7)
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
First 6 days in Pictures – Cape Reinga to Russell. Follow Roland directly at http://teararoa.sarahhorth.com
Day 7 - walking into Waitangi
Writing this while sitting on the paihia to Russell ferry. Nice walk past the waitangi area, where they signed the treaty with the maori. Didn’t stop in as I’ve been twice before. The trail doesn’t actually go through Russell, which I think is a bit of a mistake as it’s so much nicer than paihia. Lots of large pasty white Americans off a cruise ship wAndering around paihia. Glad to be heading toward the Russell forest but a fair few km of roadwalking to get there. Feeling good today but roasting under a hot sun. Beautiful spot.
If you would like to see where Roland was when he wrote this – check out the map.
Tags: Bluff, Cape Reinga, Paihia, russell, waitangi | Posted in Walks | 2 Comments »
New Zealand’s Long Pathway
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
Reproduced – an article by Brenda Ann Burke
Te Araroa is a walking path that will provide access to Aotearoa’s history and natural heritage from the top of the North to the bottom of the South Island.
The ambition to establish, by 2010, a hiking trail from the northern to the southern tip of New Zealand moved a step closer recently with the opening of two tracks: the 29 kilometre Motatapu track across Otago high country, and the Long Hilly Track, rich with Chinese New Zealand culture, which accesses a section of Te Araroa in Southland.
Long Pathway Idea is Born
The idea of connecting existing trails and walkways and forging new ones to form a cross-country route is credited to the Federated Mountain Clubs, today a national association that promotes safe use of the back country, environmental preservation and protecting rights of access.
Writer Geoff Chapple gave the idea fresh life beginning in the late 1990s, planning and completing a trial walk from Cape Reinga to Bluff, a distance of about 2600 kilometres. His account of the journey, Te Araroa: The New Zealand Trail (Auckland: Random House 2002) is a frank description of the difficulties he faced getting the project underway, as well as a vivid account of the people and places he encountered.
Chapple established the Te Araroa Trust, which for many years has been grappling with issues of route design and access. The Trust has worked with Maori and local and regional authorities, and has a Memorandum of Agreement with the New Zealand Department of Conservation. In some cases the Trust has employed work gangs to build trails if there was no local organisation with the capability to do so.
Although much of the Te Araroa route is along existing tracks, access has been a big issue. The significance of balancing private property rights and access issues was highlighted by the Report of the Walking Access Consultation Panel to the New Zealand Minister for Rural Affairs, published March 2007.
In terms of the issue of access within Maori tribal boundaries, Chapple’s hope was that walkers would be welcomed as manuhiri or visitors. Tai Tokerau and Tainui are two Maori iwi or tribal groups that have lent their support to the Te Araroa project.
Links with New Zealand Culture
The long-term effort to establish Te Araroa illustrates two aspects of New Zealand character: a love of (and determination to protect access to) the wild outdoors, and a fascination with feats of endurance.
In his modern history Paradise Reforged (Auckland, Penguin Press, 2001) Jamie Belich describes a “modern populist engagement with the New Zealand landscape”, with “the boat, the bach [or cottage], the beach and the barbecue” aspects of European New Zealand folk culture. He also details the rise of “rational recreation”, including tramping (hiking) and mountain sport especially since the 1920s, and the environmentalist movement.
The notion of very long walking also fits with New Zealanders’ fascination with feats of endurance. Sir Edmund Hillary, who with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was the first to climb Mount Everest in 1953, was a patron of the Te Araroa Trust until his death in January 2008. Author, publisher and recreational mountain climber A.H. Reed walked the length of New Zealand early in the 1960s when he was in his 80s. New Zealand ultra-marathoners have done well in international forums, and gruelling multi-sport events (such as the Speight’s Coast to Coast event which crosses the South Island from Kumara Beach on the Tasman Sea to Sumner Beach on the Pacific Ocean) continue to attract large numbers of competitors.
Supporters of Te Araroa (The Long Pathway) are still working through planning and access issues, but the hope is that the route would one day be accessible to everyday hikers. The recent track openings in the South Island are another step in the right direction.
Read more at Suite101: New Zealand’s Long Pathway: Dream of Country-Length Hiking Trail Moves Closer to Reality http://backpacking-trips.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_zealands_long_pathway#ixzz0icBtETwi
Read more at Suite101: New Zealand’s Long Pathway: Dream of Country-Length Hiking Trail Moves Closer to Reality http://backpacking-trips.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_zealands_long_pathway#ixzz0icBNebE3
Tags: Aotearoa, Bluff, Cape Reinga, cross-country, Federated Mountain Clubs, Geoff Chapple, hiking, Maori, Motatapu, North Island, Otago, outdoors, Sir Edmund Hillary, South Island, Southland, Tainui, Te Araroa, Tongariro Crossing | Posted in Walks | 4 Comments »
Should we pay to walk Queen Charlotte?
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
I have followed the debate over recent times regarding private land owners in the Queen Charlotte Sounds looking to charge hikers who have to tramping over tracks that cross their land.
A recent article appears to indicate that the parties involved are taking a passive stance on this? At least one Tramping group, on the other hand are opposed / vocal
As Trampers by nature are not defined under one structure, and as we are not represented by a collective, we do not have one strong voice – what are your thoughts? Should we pay for the right. Or should we have free access to these track sections?
Tags: hiking, Queen Charlotte, tramping | Posted in Walks | 5 Comments »
New Zealand’s Best Waterfalls
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chrissy_Barton
The sights and scenery of some parts of New Zealand are truly remarkable and none perhaps more so than the waterfall regions of this beautiful country.
The collection of New Zealand waterfalls encompasses almost every variety imaginable. From raging rapids, to timid trickles, New Zealand offers it all, leaving nobody disappointed.
Some of the best waterfalls in New Zealand include:
Haruru Falls
Although this waterfall isn’t very high (just 5 metres), it makes up for it in width, spanning the Waitangi River. Positioned in the Bay of Islands region, a visit to this fall will give you a refreshing change to the otherwise coastal scenery in this area.
Rainbow Falls
Falling from a 27 metre high cliff, Rainbow Falls closely resemble Whangerei Falls, but is actually positioned in the Bay of Islands, in the Northland Region. Walk the Kerikeri River Track to get to the falls, and take a dip in the Fairy Pools while you’re there.
Huka Falls
Huka Falls is one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand, and with good reason. While it only stands 11 metres tall, its sheer power and stunning colours make it a must-see while in the Taupo region.
Marokopa Falls
Positioned near the Waitomo Caves, Marokopa Falls are as much beautiful as they are symmetric. Falling from a 30 metre cliff face, these falls are a sight to behold and simply cannot be missed.
Devil’s Punchbowl Falls
As the most prominent highlight of the Arthur’s Pass area, Devil’s Punchbowl Falls never fail to disappoint. Dropping from a whopping height of 131 metres, these falls are spectacular from both afar and from their base.
Thunder Creek Falls
While its name may suggest otherwise, the Thunder Creek Falls of the Haast River Valley are far from thunderous, but are still remarkable to look at. Extremely easily accessible, these falls tumble down a 28 metre escarpment, with their powder blue colour sure to impress.
Stirling Falls
This permanent waterfall of Milford Sound drops 155 metres below a hanging valley between Elephant Mountain and Lion Mountain. Simply breathtaking, this is a waterfall that is guaranteed to impress.
Bowen Falls
Another of Milford Sound’s major waterfalls, Bowen Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Fiord and is definitely one to bring the camera along for.
Purakanui Falls
Easily one of New Zealand’s most beautiful waterfalls, Purakanui is comprised of 3 tiers and tumbles for an impressive 15 metres. A short walk will lead you here, where you can either view the falls from their top or their base.
Waipunga Falls
This segmented waterfall falls for 40 metres and is a popular roadside segmented waterfall that is also in close proximity to Waiarua Falls.
Article credited to: Christine Barton is a Content Writer for Discovery Campervan Hire, Australia’s travel focused online campervan hire company. She also writes frequently for Discovery’s Motorhome Hire New Zealand and enjoys travel around the world.
Tags: Arthur's Pass, Devil's Punchbowl Falls, Haast River Valley, Haruru Falls, Huka Falls, Kerikeri River Track, Marokopa Falls, Purakanui Falls, Rainbow Falls, Taupo, Waipunga Falls, Waitomo Caves, Whangerei | Posted in Walks | 6 Comments »
What Are The Best Christchurch Walks?
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
I am off to Chrustchurch on Thursday for 5 days – what are the best half-day or one-day walks in or around the city area?
I know there is some great walking on Banks Peninsula, but we can’t get away for a night – so it will have to be days walks, ideally either a walk that finishes where it starts or where transport back to the start is available.
So, come on all you Garden City people – help a North Islander find the best walks in your city.
Thanks.
City Walker
Tags: Banls Peninsula, Christchurch | Posted in Walks | No Comments »
3 One Day Hikes that are literally worth the walk
Saturday, March 20th, 2010
Here is a list of 3 outstanding single day trips for hikers. Thanks to http://elektronikutbildning.net/highpoint-track.php
Cape Brett track
This 16.3km route is within the Scenic Reserve Cape Brett in Bay of Islands on the east coast of North Island. Takes about 8 hours to complete the trail takes you on Maori land and through beautiful forests to dramatic views of the ocean. Walking along the top of the cliffs, you can watch the underwater world. We stay a jump in deep water cove offering you a rest before the steep road leading to the lighthouse.
As the road crosses private land, is paid a fee track maintenance needs. The Cape Brett Lighthouse Keeper houses were serviced DOC hut with 23 people and has mattresses and cooking facilities are to convert. The breathtaking view from the house is worth more than the house fee.
Herekino forest
On the north coast of New Zealand’s spectacular North Island is a course that requires an above average fitness to perform the following 15 km hike. The Herekino forest road is rugged, but beautiful and takes you through a mature podocarp forest, past several state giant Kauri for incredible views of the sea.
Herekino forest is home to many threatened and endangered species Kauri snail, North Island Brown Kiwi, and Long-tailed bat. The forest is a very important nature reserves in New Zealand because of the ecosystems and history. The diverse landscape makes the road on foot a joy.
With approx. Take 9 hours to argue this way is a challenge. You can search for accommodation in the area and ask to arrange, as shipments will be there and back in the morning.
Hauturu Highpoint Track
The Waimes Forest is a forest which has been fantastic on high cliffs, plants that do not occur elsewhere, and assumed that a relic from the Ice Age. In this forest walks are different, however, is High Point Hauturu track among them. Although it is only 3.3kms each way, it will be at least 5 hours to complete the hike. Through this site may be punished by a foot wide, and is not for those with less than average fitness.
The view from the top is totally awesome and well worth the effort. Starting the hike soon there are no tracks that you want in the declining light
Tags: Bay of Islands, Brown Kiwi, Cape Brett track, DOC, Hauturu Highpoint Track, Herekino forest, Kauri, Maori, North Island | Posted in Walks | 4 Comments »
How did you rate the Tongariro Crossing??
Friday, March 19th, 2010
The Tongariro Crossing is rated as the best one day trek in New Zealand and listed by many in the top 10 day treks in the world.
Big raps! But like many movies I watch, what the critics give 5 stars too, I don’t rate and vice versa.
So my question to you is simply – How did you rate the Tongariro Crossing? All comments appreciated
Tags: Tongariro Crossing, treks | Posted in Walks | 14 Comments »
Motatapu section of Te Araroa covered in 7 hours!
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
I see that two “adventure athletes” – Darren Blackhurst and Chris Dagg – covered the 49Km from Wanaka to Macetown along the Te Araroa trail in 7hrs 25minutes. That is an amazing effort, and it was not just them that were impressive – they only won by a couple of minutes, and about 34 teams finished the event!
The Motatapu event had previously “just” involved running/walking or mountain biking along the valley floor, but this year an additional event was included: running/walking the mountain trail that was established as the link between the Wanaka and Queenstown areas on Te Araroa, our national trail.
This “new event” consists of a trail described as “3-4 days”, and featuring 3 new huts – all established when Shonia Twain purchased the surrounding land a few years ago. The deal whereby this trail was established, deemed to be open “24×365″ and with three new huts was in fact initially suggested by Te Araroa Trust – so all credit to them, as they say. Given that fact, it is a shame that the Motatapu event organisers did not include “Te Araroa” in the title of this new event. But I digress!
So, mountain runners can cover a “3-4 day trail” in less than the amount of time most of us consider to be one working day, and this trail has almost 3000m of vertical climbing! Needless to say, they didn’t need to use the huts – unless nature called, in which case they did have other options!
All-in-all, a great event in a great part of the country – even if the competitors didn’t have time to fully appreciate the splendour of the area! That, of course, is why the rest of us take our time!
City Walker
Tags: Macetown, Motatapu, national trail, Queenstown, Te Araroa, Wanaka | Posted in Walks | 1 Comment »
Kauri Glen Reserve
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
This morning I was put onto an inner city trail by a friend of mine. I have lived and worked on the North Shore of Auckland for many years and have often travelled within metres of this Reserve without knowing it even existed.
Kauri Glen Reserve flanks Onewa Road – a bush walk I reckon would be about 2-3kms long. You can access it from various points along Onewa Rd – I did at Kauri Glen Ave (at the back of Northcote College)
What a great walk! With metres of the start you are on a great single trail – that could literally be anywhere. The only sounds are those of the birds and the stream that runs through the park, and the mature bush really gives you an out-of-the-city feeling. There appear to be a number of little side trails – that I imagine take you back into the real world – but today I walked the length of the pathway and back, which took about 45 min.
Congrats to North Shore City (or ARC or DOC or whoever it is that maintain this) A great space, with really cool little bridges that criss cross over the stream.A great walk for the whole family.
I am now on the look out for more. Love thoughts on other inner city walks like this?
Phil
Tags: ARC, DOC, inner city walk, Kauri Glen Reserve, Kauri Glen Track, North Shore | Posted in Walks | No Comments »
Funding walks? Plain sailing!
Monday, March 15th, 2010
City walker pits Cycle way vs Trail walking. Me I am for both!! What I cannot understand is how the government can look at putting $20 million into Team NZ in the off chance that they may
a. get to race
b. them win the challenger series
c. to then get the chance to race in the final series
A lot of if’s I would have thought! I like Yachting – but $20 mill. could do a whole lot of good on a sure bet that is trail walking. Why a sure bet. Well there is clearly a load of people walking here – and a stack of tourists that come here and do that. No gamble here – the figures support it. Lets just make it an experience like no where else.
Over and out
Capt Salty
Tags: cycle way, Trail | Posted in Walks | 1 Comment »
Walking Trails vs Cycleways?
Monday, March 15th, 2010
Why are Cycleways getting so much Government support compared to walking trails?
I am not against Cycleways, or the Government funding of them – but why cycling and not walking? Is it just because cycling is more “trendy”?
The stated reasons for the funding of Cycleways go something like this:
- Attract tourists. But for every tourist who comes to New Zealand and cycles while they are here, there are 50 that walk (Ministry of Tourism data)
- Create jobs. But surely building trails and providing services to trails and the people who use them is the same for walking as for cycling?
- Stimulate regional development. But this is the same for both, except that there are many more walkers than cyclists.
Am I missing something here?
I have no doubt that the Government funding of Cycleways is great. One of the main reasons is the flow-on effect – interest has been stimulated, and now there are cycleways being built by local communities without depending upon Government support. This is a major role for Government – it is called leadership.
One effect of the “cycleway funding” is the designation of trails. The Waikato River Trails are now positioned as “Cycleways” because that is where the funding lies – but I wouldn’t mind betting that there will continue to be more people walking on these trails than cycling.
Te Araroa is a great initiative – a walking trail from one end of New Zealand to the other. It is nearly finished – 10% of the money committed to the Cycleways could finish Te Araroa, and there would be no need for significant spends in “feasibility studies”.
It seems that all Cycleway funding is currently being spent on these “feasibility studies” – in other words, paying bureaurocrats to do more work.
Te Araroa will deliver more benefits than the Cycleways because of the greater numbers of walkers, and it will happen more quickly because Te Araroa is nearly finished.
The Cycleway Projects have been described as “Quick Starts” – Te Araroa could be a “Quick Fnish”. It could deliver benefits within the current election cycle – something that the Cycleways will not.
So Government, provide some funding for Te Araroa – it is actually in the country’s interests and it is also in your interests. Show some more leadership!
City Walker
Tags: cycleway, Te Araroa, tourists, trails | Posted in Walks | 1 Comment »
Great Walks – Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Friday, March 12th, 2010
New Years Day, 2010 – what a great day for a great walk!
I had just read in the NZ Herald that the Tongariro Crossing was rated by Lonely Planet as the greatest one-day walk in the world. What a way to set up a disappointment – how could it possibly live up to that rap?
Well, for me it exceeded that rap!
It helped that it was a stunning day – one of those “not-a-cloud-in-the-sky” days that you dream of for such an occasion. It also helped that we delayed our start to 1pm – let the winds die down, and the effects of our New Year celebrations settle down!
Well – what a great day out. There were moments that brought tears to our eyes – such was the dramatic appeal of the views and scenery.
To say that it is a “must-do” is an understatement. Go and do it – while this great weather is still with us. Easter weekend might just be the time!
Check out these photos!
So just go and do it!
City Walker
Tags: Lonely Planet, Tongariro Alpine crossing | Posted in Walks | 2 Comments »
Great walks – Feature 3. Tora Coastal Walk
Friday, March 12th, 2010
A good friend of mine did this privatly operated 3 day walk recently. In Murrays words – “I have done a few walks around this county – this would be as good as any of them”. Some of Murrays photos are attached – evaluate the walk for yourself.
The Tora Coastal website states the following:
“The Tora Coastal Walk celebrated 10 years of operation in 2005 and continues to be one of the best-loved privately run walks New Zealand has to offer.
We are situated in the Southern Wairarapa just outside Martinborough –
a town renowned for it’s fantastic restaurants and fine wineries.
The three-day walk encompasses a variety of stunning and diverse scenery:
expansive farmland, native bush, river valleys and the spectacular Tora coastline.
Spend each night enjoying the rural ambience of our three unique cottages
whilst dining on the finest produce our region has to offer.
Our walk is family owned and operated. You will experience warm,
rural hospitality from the people who own and farm the land.”
Sounds like one
to check out next time I am in that neck of the woods
Tags: Martinborough, Tora Coastal Walk, Wairarapa, Walks, wineries | Posted in Walks | 6 Comments »
Milford Sound featured in USA Today
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
What a great advertisement for walking and for New Zealand.
OK, so this article is a year old, but I hadn’t seen it and you may not have – and anyway, it doesn’t date. It is as great now as it was then!
So – get a “Stateside” perspective of arguably our greatest Great Walk.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/01/18/travel/18explore.html?ref=travel
Enjoy
City Walker
Tags: Great walk, Milford Sound | Posted in Walks | 1 Comment »
Great Photos of Walking in New Zealand
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
So, what are the best photos you have taken, or seen of walking in New Zealand?
Check out:
http://www.trinasustersicphotography.com/p463377600
Some great shots here, even if they are all taken outside of our cities!
If you have any great shots, submit them – let’s share some of our best walking photos.
Cheers
City Walker
Tags: New Zealand | Posted in Walks | 2 Comments »
NZ’s best swing bridge?
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Having just completed a round trip of the South Island, I came across NZ’s longest swing bridge. near Murchison in the Buller Gorge. . They have a swing thing alongside it that the kids loved. 
Having also been on a very cool one over the Waimak a few days earlier, it got me thinking about these structures. I also find something special about finding and walking over a swing bridge. Maybe it really speaks to the outdoors for me – not sure – but it certainly stirs / conjures up something special inside.
It also got me thinking – what is the best swing bridge in New Zealand – I honestly have no idea! I would welcome your thoughts / views and pictures. I seem to remember a good one on in the Coromandel – but can’t remember where.
Tags: Buller Gorge, Coromandel, Murchison, South Island, swing bridge | Posted in Walks | 610 Comments »
What is the Best Walk in Auckland?
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
The great weather just continues! What amazing weather for getting out and about, and what better way to take advantage of these great summer days than enjoying some of this city’s great walks.
What is the best walk in Auckland?
As a dedicated city walker, and a strong Shore man, my vote would be the North Shore Coastal Walk. At a really low tide you can get from Devonport to Long Bay and only have to leave the water’s edge once! But if the tide is high, then you have to do some city-walking – it is still a great walk.
In December I walked from Devonport to Long Bay in just over 4 hours, and that included a nice coffee in Browns Bay. What a great way to spend a Sunday morning – especially in summer.
On that day we carried on – after walking the Long Bay Reserve, we timed it right to get across the Okura estuary at low tide and eventually finished the day with a cold Lion Red outside the Puhoi pub. After 57Km we needed a cold beer. We carried on the next day – walking a section of Te Araroa – and finished our 100Km weekend in Matakana for another Lion Red!
Bit out of my comfort zone for a city walker – so next time I will stick to the city, and maybe even venture over the bridge ….. or perhaps somewhere out west! Now that would really be outside my comfort zone!!
City Walker
Tags: Browns Bay, Devonport, Long Bay, Matakana, North Shore Coastal Walk, Puhoi | Posted in Walks | 6 Comments »