These last 2 backpacking trips we'd planned to do fulfilled everything we love about hiking. There was inspiration, fabulous open views, and great weather. This was the perfect way to conclude our south island tramping tour. Valley looking back towards St Arnaud Most rivers have clear, cool water and swim hole pockets that satisfy. The … Continue reading Te Araroa #6 – Richmond Range and Abel Tasman Great Walk
Author: Zip and Jobie
Doing our thing! Right on!
Te Araroa #5 Arthur’s Pass to St. Arnaud
After a few days exploring Christchurch we started back on trail near Arthur's Pass. We got dropped off by an Intercity bus (very conveniently), walked across the road and tramped up to Goat Pass. This involved (as usual) following rivers up to the height of land. The footpath was a combination of river rocks, flat … Continue reading Te Araroa #5 Arthur’s Pass to St. Arnaud
Te Araroa #4 Two Thumb Track and ponderings
While hiking our last section of the TA into the town of Wanaka, we asked the fellow hikers coming south which parts of the trail were their favourites. The Two Thumb Track came up so we changed our itinerary to priorize it. Wow! We are glad we did! The redisovery that the world is a … Continue reading Te Araroa #4 Two Thumb Track and ponderings
Te Araroa # 3- Rees Valley to Dart Glacier- The Motatapu Track
From the tourist laden town of Glenorchy we took a shuttle bus to the trailhead of the Rees track. This is a popular hike with locals as it allows an accessible walk up to view a glacier. Following the lovely, meandering Rees river valley hikers make their way up to Shelter Rock Hut. The grasslands … Continue reading Te Araroa # 3- Rees Valley to Dart Glacier- The Motatapu Track
Te Araroa #2 Te Anau- Glenorchy
The Kepler Track was our initiation to NZ's Great Walks. It did not disappoint! Abundant and varied ferns! Athough there was elevation gain the trail was gently graded and level. It took a half day on either end of 1 full climb and descent day. Several shelter huts allowed a break from the winds. Well … Continue reading Te Araroa #2 Te Anau- Glenorchy
Te Araroa # 1 The start
We are in Auckland New Zealand, North island. Tomorrow we fly to the south of the South Island to begin a 2 month hike that we have been piecing together this winter. Hiking, or "tramping" as Kiwis call it, comes in a variety of forms. "The Great Walks" are the most famous, cultured, expensive form … Continue reading Te Araroa # 1 The start
CDT # 12 East Glacier MT to Waterton AB Canada THE END!
"Now don't cha be forgettin' what your goin' afta." Quoted from a childhood story tape from the American south. We are so keenly aware of coming to the completion of the CDT that our emotions are on alert and jumbled up all at once. But what a way to finish this trail!! Glacier National Park … Continue reading CDT # 12 East Glacier MT to Waterton AB Canada THE END!
CDT # 11 Darby MT to Benchmark Wilderness Camp to East Glacier Village MT
Choosing to be on a long trail like this carries an acceptance of risk and a relinquishing of control. When you leave the resupply town packed with the next 5 days worth of food, you don't know exactly what you will encounter. There is a level of excitement and freedom in this choice, as well … Continue reading CDT # 11 Darby MT to Benchmark Wilderness Camp to East Glacier Village MT
CDT # 10 West Yellowstone WY to Lima MT to Leadore ID to Darby MT
The Divide snakes its way between Idaho and Montana as it curves west. At first it is dry land with groves of trees, wide open grasslands and the big BIG sky. So often we felt as if we were walking inside a peaceful landscape painting. Hell Roaring canyon with its rock accent appeared as a … Continue reading CDT # 10 West Yellowstone WY to Lima MT to Leadore ID to Darby MT
CDT # 9 Pinedale WY to Brooks Lake Lodge to Old Faithful Village WY to West Yellowstone MT
On leaving Pinedale we climbed gently up around rocks and lakes with mountains in the distance. The setting was stunning! The glacier fed Green river is similar in colour to the Kicking Horse and Athabasca rivers back home in BC. As we leave the last of the Wind Mountain range behind it clouds up and … Continue reading CDT # 9 Pinedale WY to Brooks Lake Lodge to Old Faithful Village WY to West Yellowstone MT
Zip and Jobie Go Hiking 