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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →