Friday 2nd April – 27.5 km – 5.75 hours Met up with the chooks again at Taitua Arboretum, on a cooler morning, heading westward via quiet country roads with frequent views in all directions. These took me to the Raglan road, through Whatawhata, across the Waipa River, then picked up the Waipa River Walk. Some [...]

29.2 km – 5.25 hours The next section of Te Araroa involves some walking on a busy stretch of SH1, waiting for a walkway to be built along the south bank of the Waikato River. My scout had been sent out earlier to check out the new walkway, but nothing much happening, so my alternative [...]

Finally real mountain track, tough, muddy, but clear of brush. Amazing boardwalk section as well. Views from the top of mt pirongia of about 2 metres in the clouds. Met a group of hikers at the hut who all seemed fascinated by my gear. I’ll have to do a write up soon about what I [...]