284 November 2021 by Walking New Zealand Ltd

RECREATION WALKING and CYCLING TRAILS New Zealand Walk:

The Pakihi Track

for total seclusion

NOVEMBER 2021 ISSUE NO 284

Need2Know:

New pocket maps app helps walkers explore

New Zealand Walk:

A Winter beach walk south of Waitarere High Achiever:

Ronnie gets back on the bike at age 72

NZ $8.50 inc GST

High Achievers:

Unlikely couple meet and live their dream www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

Banks Track Akaroa

bankstrack.co.nz

A multi day walk over the volcanic hills of Banks Peninsula. Cliff tops, secluded ocean bays, lush forest, tree ferns, waterfalls and birdsong. Penguins and NZ fur seals. Gaze into our magnificent night skies.

2 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

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CONTENTS

Issue 284 - 2021

2 Banks Track 3 Contents 6 New Zealand Walks: Five exhilarating walks in the Tongariro/Kaimanawa area 9 High Achiever: Ronnie gets back on the bike at age 72 10 New Zealand Walk: A Winter beach walk south of Waitarere 12 New Zealand Walk: The Pakihi Track for total seclusion 18 High Achievers: Three women take up 1000km challenge 20 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 22 High Achiever: Q&A with accommodation provider and trail legend Bill Trolove 24 High Achievers: Unlikely couple meet and live their dream 27 Need2Know: New Pocket Maps app helps walkers explore 28 New Zealand Walk: Waterfalls a feature of Upper Nihotupu Dam Walk 33 New Zealand Walk: Plans for City to Sea pathway taking shape 34 Need2Know: Everyday planning for everyday people 36 Subscription page 37 My Favourite Walks: A day tramp in Akaroa Curry Track/Purple Peak Track 40 Event: New direction for the Front Runner Hoka Christchurch Marathon 42 Index of previous 14 issues 43 Coming Events: New Zealand 47 Coming Events: Australia 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 48 New Zealand Country Breaks 51 Pak A Roo Jackets 52 Goldfields Cavalcade

Cover Photo: Miriam Lancewood living her dream in

the great outdoors. See story page 24.

WALKING New Zealand Published Monthly

PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Frank Goldingham: Phone 06-358-6863, 027-274-0726 CONTRIBUTORS: Lyn Hooton, Bob Hodgson, Jim Robinson, Mark Weatherall, Alex Msall, Olivia Murray, Mike Giri, Yvonne van Eerden and Michael Jacques ADVERTISING MANAGER: Frank Goldingham 0800 walking (925-546) 027-274-0726 Email: walkingnz@xtra.co.nz COMING EVENTS ADVERTISING: Frank Goldingham 0800-walking (925-546) Email walkingnz@xtra.co.nz SUBSCRIPTIONS: Phone 0800-925-546 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: New Zealand Residents; 12 issues $84.50 posted, 24 issues $159.00 posted, 6 issues $51.00 posted DIGITAL $29.00, 12 issues Australia: 12 issues: $122.00 Rest of World: $138.00 NEWSAGENT DISTRIBUTION: Ovato Ltd WALKING NEW ZEALAND LTD, P O Box 1922, Palmerston North Telephone 06-358-6863 - Fax 06-358-6864 E-Mail: walkingnz@xtra.co.nz

Website: www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

The information and views expressed by contributors are not necessarily agreed to by the editor or publisher, and while every effort will be made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility will be taken by the editor or publisher for inaccurate information.

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

Recognising champion outdoor access women

Wellington plans to build 124km bike network

Wellington has a dream and it’s to be a city where it’s easy for people of all ages and abilities to choose low or zero carbon transport options. Where kids can get themselves to school in ways that are great for their health and the environment. Where people can easily choose to live without a car if they want to, and where suburban streets are quiet, safe places. To achieve this vision, an additional 124km of safe bike routes will be created over the next decade connecting the city centre to the majority of surrounding suburbs including Tawa, Johnsonville, Karori, Owhiro Bay, Island Bay, Lyall Bay, Seatoun and Miramar. Currently Wellington has 23km of bike paths and lanes. The cycling budget was agreed in May and increased from a proposed investment of $120 million to $226 million following an amendment by Councillor Tamatha Paul. Councillor Paul said the bike network was needed to help cut Wellington’s emissions as currently 34% come from road transport. The draft Bike Network Plan 2021-31 was approved for consultation in September and consultation will happen later this year. In the meantime, the Council plans to get on with making two key connections safer – the rides between Newtown and the city, and the Botanic Garden and the city. From the 2nd of each month you can now view the latest issue two weeks before stores.

Walking New Zealand magazine online for USD.99c at http://www.pressdisplay.com/ pressdisplay/viewer.aspx

4 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

The Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa is calling for nominations of people and groups who champion public access to the outdoors. Nominations for the 2022 awards are open until 1 November 2021. This year, the commission wants to see communities take the time to nominate their women who make it easier to access the outdoors. “Most previous winners have been men,” says the commission’s chief executive Ric Cullinane. “And we know that does not reflect the many dedicated, hardworking NZ women who are building new tracks and trails, securing new legal access, or championing public rights of access.” The Outdoor Access Champion Awards have been running since 2013. They recognise individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to public access to the outdoors. “These awards thank some of New Zealand’s amazing kaitiaki who open up the outdoors to the public,” says Cullinane. “Think about the champions in your local community both individuals and groups - and nominate them for an award,” says Ric Cullinane. “We want to recognise all these people and we want to make a special effort to recognise some of the women who have gone unacknowledged in previous years.” Anyone can make a nomination by downloading a nomination for or completing the nomination online, before 5pm on 1 November 2021.

Keep Lake Waikeremoana area pristine or risk limiting access

People have a duty to care for the land and its kaitiaki when they visit it, says Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa Chief Executive Ric Cullinane. Cullinane says news that freedom campers and visitors are dumping rubbish and felling trees at Lake Waikaremoana is deeply saddening. “Te Urewera is a unique and beautiful place. It now holds its own legal personhood status. We should treat it with the same respect and care that we treat people,” says Cullinane. Cullinane says Ngāi Tūhoe, who care for the land, should not be picking up after disrespectful recreational users. “If we do not treat land with respect then the people who care for that land will increasingly call to limit public access,” says Cullinane. The Commission’s role is to increase and support public access to the outdoors. Advocacy for better public access is much more difficult if people do not show respect and care with the access they already have. One of the responsibilities of the Commission is promoting rights and responsibilities of recreational land users and landholders. It publishes an Outdoor Access Code and regularly provides advice and education for recreational land users. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walk talk

Active transport key part of Hamilton’s newest suburb

Hamiltonians living within the new Peacocke neighbourhood will be able to walk, bike and scoot more easily as the transport network is being designed to encourage active transport choices. Last month Hamilton City Council’s Strategic Growth Committee approved an investigation into the next stage of the Peacocke transport network which includes the design for the east-west arterial road (Whatukooruru Drive) and the likely creation of a new shared walking and cycling pathway using two bridges on top of wastewater pipelines across gullies. The full scope of the new work will include two kilometres of off-road paths, two gully crossing bridges with connection to existing shared paths in Sandford Park and beyond. Path users will be able to enjoy the protected gully areas safely, without impacting the native fauna or environment. Above: Conceptual visualisation of a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists on top of gully bridge crossing as part of the wastewater pipe network in Peacocke. Photo by Hamilton City Council.

Get Outdoors Week is here!

Get Outdoors Week is a national campaign that encourages Kiwis to get out and explore the great outdoors, and it has started.! Taking place on 14-22 November, Get Outdoors Week is the perfect opportunity to go on a local adventure and explore the natural wonders that Aotearoa has to offer. There’s no limit on how you can get involved, whether it’s a short bush walk with the kids, a swim in the ocean or a picnic in your local park! Recreation Aotearoa CEO Andrew Leslie said, “There are some fantastic prizes on offer for people that share their #GOWeekNZ adventures with us! Take a look at the daily photography challenges and post your photos on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #GOWeekNZ and tagging @getoutdoorsweek”. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Te Araroa walkers get creative to complete the trail

Jenny and Gerard Wells are among 600 people who have registered to walk Te Araroa Trail this summer. Thousands more walker s will complete small sections of the trail throughout the season. Te Araroa Trail is a 3000km walk from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Summer weather typically makes it the busiest season for walkers as the walk can take 4-6 months to complete. More than three quarters of those registered for Te Araroa are planning to start from Cape Reinga and walk south. However, with alert level 3 restrictions currently in the upper North Island, walkers are coming up with creative ways to finish the journey. Many who have already started the trail, have chosen to start around the restricted regions and come back to the missed regions later. Jenny and Gerard are a few days into their south-bound journey and have been looking forward to this journey for a long time. Some popular Te Araroa tracks for first time Te Araroa walkers to try are: North Island:-Mangawhai to Pākiri, Massey to Levin - Burtton’s Track, Rangituhi/Colonial Knob, Tongariro Alpine Crossing South Island:- Pelorus River Track - Maungatapu Road End to Captain Creek Hut, Arthur’s Pass to Rākaia River - Klondyke Track, East Ahuriri Track, Wakatipu Track, Long Hilly Track - Loop track available for day-walkers Te Araroa Executive Director, Mark Weatherall says people walking Te Araroa Trail this season need to understand what the Alert Levels mean for walking in the outdoors and do their part to prevent any potential spread of COVID-19. In regions at Alert Level 3 all DOC huts, campsites and facilities, including toilets, are closed. Overnight tramping is off limits, says Weatherall. Walkers should maintain physical distancing of two metres wherever possible, including in huts, and should regularly wash or sanitise hands. They should carry cleaning supplies and a tent with them, in case a hut is too crowded to allow for physical distancing to take place. Walkers should keep updated on trail status and alerts at TeAraroa.org, use the NZ COVID Tracer App to scan QR codes where available and make sure Bluetooth is switched on to make contact tracing easier. You can now view and enjoy the latest issue of

Walking New Zealand

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

New Zealand Walks

Five exhilarating walks in the Tongariro/Kaimanawa area

By Lyn Hooton

leven members from Mangatoi Walking Group had a great week in the Tongariro/Kaimanawa area doing five exhilarating walks recently. On the way down to our base at Turangi we stopped at Taupo and scaled Mount Tauhara. This mountain is 1088 metres high with the track starting at 550 m above sea level, with a pretty steep gradient. The view was rather hazy unfortunately, and some flying insects prevented us from having lunch at the summit as planned. On Tuesday we did the 15km Tongariro River Trail flat walk before going for a soak in the Tokaanu Hot

Pools. Here we did the 20 minute thermal walk which was devoid of thermal activity. Last time I was here the mud was bubbling ferociously. Wednesday was one of our highlights, tramping from the Desert Road up to Waihohonu Hut then onto the Ohinepango Stream. The track was very scenic with Mount Ngaruahoe in all its glory displayed before a delightful clear blue sky. Our track was initially through tussock then bush and native flora, and alongside gushing streams. Our lunch spot at the new Waihohonu Hut was very special. A couple of us had stayed in a previous hut when we had walked right around Mount

6 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

Ruapehu in 2006. The new hut has 40 beds and is very grand. We went on to explore the historic hut where coaches used to stay overnight before the main trunk train line was constructed. This is the oldest hut in New Zealand and was built in 1901. It has been lovingly cared for by various organisations. The second hut was built in 1968 and this new one in 2010. We carried on to the source of the Ohinepango Stream where beautiful clear water erupted from under a crust of lava with great gusto. We also spied a whio duck here. We Above Walking across the bridge over the Ohinepango Stream. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

New Zealand Walks

retraced our steps back to the new Waihohonu Hut then the 5.6 kms back to the van very pleased with our day. Another highlight was on Thursday when we went to Tree Trunk Gorge initially. We stopped on the bridge to admire the spectacle of the Tongariro River squashing through the narrow chasm. We lingered here for ages absorbing the beauty. Our walk along Tree Trunk Gorge Track to Urchin Campground followed an old Tongariro Power Scheme road through mainly red beech trees. A wall of sheer blue rock was captivating and only one stream had water in it. Above A delightfull walk to Waihohonu Hut. Below left: A fascinating tree on the Kaimanawa Walk.

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Your favourite walk could win you a free subscription

We are looking for readers’ favourite New Zealand walks. Many of us go out regularly walking on a route which we class as our favourite, for a number of reasons. Perhaps because for it’s scenery, it’s safe, it’s challenging, it’s flat, it’s hilly, it’s varied, or for whatever reason. We would like you to tell us in your own words what is you favourite walk and why. Email us a story from say 250 up to 1200 words including a photo or photos. We will now give you a FREE subscription (six months or more, depending on the article), or extension to Walking New Zealand magazine for walks published. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

You can also post an article to Walking New Zealand, Freepost 78863, P O Box 1922, Palmerston North, or fax 06-358-6864. If sending a photo by email please make sure photos are in high resolution.

Our email address is: walkingnz@xtra.co.nz. Please put “My Favourite Walk” in the subject line and include your name and postal address.

Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

New Zealand Walks

Five exhilarating walks in the Tongariro/ Kaimanawa area

8 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

From Urchin Campground we walked the Kaimanawa Road Forest walk with it’s variety of fascinating tree formations. The track was only one km long but extremely rewarding. After lunch we walked through mainly kamahi, totara and red beech trees to the swing bridge where we were supposed to view the “Pillars of Hercules”. We found the swing bridge but not the pillars. We drove along Kaimanawa Road to again admire the Tongariro River as it surged spectacularly through yet another gorge and down the Waikato Falls to the Poutu Dam. We were all enthralled by the beauty of the area and spied another whio duck. Extra entertainment was provided by pupils from Avondale College jumping down a cliff face to be retrieved into a rubber ducky. What a fantastic day. Friday was our home day but first we walked around the beautiful Lake Rotopounamu. This is a loop track through lovely forest over the Ponanga Saddle off SH 47. We all thoroughly enjoyed yet another get-away in our amazing country side. Above left: The new Waihohonu Hut. Above right: A blue duck whio in the Tongariro River chasm. Middle left: Mt Tauhara - our destination. Below left: Intrigued by the chasm below. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

NZ Shared Pathway

High Achiever

Ronnie gets back on the bike at age 72

here are a few wobbles when Ronnie Kelly’s feet first hit the bike pedals, but they quickly pass. As a youngster Mr Kelly was an assured rider, but it has been 10, maybe 15, years since the grandfather of three was on a bike and he is still regaining his confidence. “The reason I wear gloves isn’t because of the cold – it’s to protect my hands from gravel rash if I fall off,’’ the 72-year-old confides as he pulls on his gloves and fastens his helmet in readiness for a ride along the Coastal Pathway in Christchurch. “I’m a bit wobbly when I first get go-

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how he feels. He has lost some weight and his blood sugar levels have been improving. Biking also help assuage some of the guilt that Mr Kelly feels when he takes his treasured Mustang GT out for a drive. “It doesn’t balance it out, but I do feel little bit less guilty about taking the Mustang out for a drive now that I’m doing some cycling,’’ he says. Maybe, one day, he might even love his bike more than he loves his Mustang? “Not a chance,’’ he says with a chuckle. The benefits of cycling Christchurch City Council believes that getting more people cycling is key to creating healthier communities, reducing congestion, and addressing climate change. That is why it is going to spend $242.8 million over the next 10 years on making the transport network safer for people who want to cycle. “We want to make going places by bike a safe, convenient option for people of all ages,’’ says Lynette Ellis, the Council’s Acting Head of Transport. Results from the Council’s Life in Christchurch 2020 survey show that 27 per cent of respondents aged between 65 and 79 are now travelling by bike at least once a month – up from 5 per cent in 2019. Fifty-one per cent of the survey respondents aged over 65 say they find it easy or very easy to travel by bike in Christchurch. “The network of major cycleways that we are building is changing how people move around the city. I particularly love it when I see young kids, or people who haven’t been on a bike for years, riding on the cycleways because it shows the investment is making a difference,’’ Ms Ellis says. ““Many older people will recall biking everywhere as children and young adults. It was the way people got around. That has changed though as cars have become cheaper to own and run. “We want to see the pendulum start to swing back the other way so that biking again becomes a popular way for people to get around. People don’t need to make every journey by bike – just one or two a week could make a huge difference,’’ Ms Ellis says.

ing, but I get better. I bought a bike that is just a little bit too big for me. I’m ok once I’m on it and travelling along at a reasonable speed, but going really slowly or getting the bike started is still a little bit of a problem.’’ Mr Kelly, who originally hails from Scotland, is a diabetic and it is largely for health reasons that he has bought a bike and started going for short bike rides. He is determined to lose some weight and improve his fitness. He is starting off small, going for short, gentle rides that allow him to build-up his cycling skills. But he plans to do more as the weather improves and his confidence grows. A liking for things with two wheels “I’ve always enjoyed biking, but I got out of the habit of it,’’ Mr Kelly says. “I like the pace of it and being able to look around. It’s quite a leisurely thing. I’m not out to go really quickly or anything like that. I just like the feeling of it. I did have a motorbike for a while so I guess I have a liking for things with two wheels on them.’’ Mr Kelly has taken a few rides along the Coastal Pathway and has also been on some of the city’s other off-road cycle ways. He feels safe on them as he doesn’t have to contend with other traffic and can take his time. “Before there were cycle paths everywhere, I would have thought twice about You can now view back issues of buying another bike. But there are just so Walking New Zealand magazine, many opportunities for cycling now,’’ Mr Kelly says. two issues back from the latest, While he has only been biking for FREE at : about a month, Mr Kelly believes it is http://issuu.com/walkingnewzealand. already starting to make a difference to Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021 9

My Favourite Walk

A Winter beach walk south from Waitarere

ost of the coast of the Manawatu consists of sandy beaches with small settlements near the mouths of the many large and small rivers and streams. The beaches are mostly fringed by pine forests used both to stabilise the sand dunes and as a source of timber. Walking the coast offers the alternative of walking the beach or tracks in the forests. A good example is the Waitarere Forest. This extends south from the mouth of the Manawatu River about 10km to the Waitarere settlement and

then a further 6km on to the Hokio Beach settlement at the mouth of the Hokio Stream. Starting from Waitarere there are satisfying walks to both the north and the south. On the tramp described here we chose to go to the south….. On Wednesday 8th September the grey dawn was greeted with enthusiasm as 35+ Manawatu Tramping and Skiing Club (MTSC) trampers readied themselves for their Wednesday outing. The heavily overcast sky con-

Above left: The site of the Hydrabad.

10 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

firmed the forecast of impending rain and possible thunder. After 20+ days of lockdowns we were undaunted! On the way to our liaison at the Waitarere Beach By Bob Hodgson Surf Club car park, we travelled through extremely heavy and squally rain to, surprisingly, arrive in damp, cool but fine conditions. As the wind-swept beach then had little immediate appeal, our leader chose to first tramp along the forest tracks towards Hokio. In the dense, flat, forest, the rolling, sandy tracks required careful navigation. Fortunately two of us, Ewen and Anne had recently made a reconnaissance so were able to guide us through. Sadly, after about forty minutes of tramping, one of us who we know to be an experienced and doughty tramper, had a nasty fall. As she later wrote “Yesterday was a reminder as to how easily things can go wrong. After slipping on the track I now have a non-displaced fracture of my right ankle so am in another forced lock down complete with moon boot!” She also acknowledged her helpers and the sympathetic response from all. Shortly after the accident, morning tea was taken in gloomy conditions

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in the beach-fringing forest. We then continued our meandering progress to Hokio. With a backdrop of unsuccessful white-baiters, one having only a large eel in his net, our lunch picnic was taken on the tables of the small stream-side park. After our social lunch, most chose to return along the beach on a high but falling tide. With the wind at our backs and improving, and dry conditions, we tramped along the beach. Excitement was provided for some by a dead cow and an inspection of a large blue post, the memorial to the 1878 wreck of the Hydrabad. Nearby: some of the wreck remains visible though most of it has been swallowed by the encroaching sand. All in all, our near 14km walk over about four and a half hours, was a suitable return to tramping. On a day in which the clagged-in tops were best avoided, the combination of the damp pine forest and the invigorating beach was enjoyed by (almost all ) of us. About a year ago the club made the alternative tramp from Waitarere to the mouth of the Manawatu River and back; this was also enjoyed but lacked the excitement of a dead cow and a ship wreck. Both are good generally safe winter walks. We were then a most welcome

seasonal rush at the Waitarere Store & Café where coffee and slices were enthusiastically consumed. History of the Hydrabad The Hydrabad was an iron ship built in Glasgow in 1865, which operated as a cargo vessel principally between England, Australia and India. It had ten successful voyages before being wrecked on the Horowhenua Coast in June 1878. At the time of the vessel’s loss, the Hydrabad was carrying a cargo of railway locomotives and components rendered surplus in New Zealand by the national standardisation of railway infrastructure, and destined for use in South Australia. The vessel and cargo were insured separately, and the conflicting priorities of saving one over the other confounded attempts to salvage either. This was exacerbated by unobliging weather and a string of bad luck which dogged four major salvage attempts between 1878 and 1881. Salvage of the vessel in one piece was abandoned in February 1881 after the vessel was gutted by fire, with the intense heat warping the hull plates and destroying salvage equipment. Moreover, by the time the cargo finally arrived in South Australia in 1880, two years after the wreck event, it had been rendered practically unusable. The remains of

the Hydrabad are located on Waitarere Beach 600 metres to the south of the Waitarere township, near Levin. For many years the Hydrabad was an iconic landmark for the Horowhenua Coast and has contributed significantly to the identity of the township at Waitarere Beach. In 1978, one hundred years after the wreck event, the Hydrabad was the focus of a public centennial and formally recognised by NZHPT with the erection of a commemorative memorial plaque. The wreck site is now almost completely buried beneath the advancing dune sand, but still attracts numerous visitors and a prominent marker has recently been erected at the site to continue to indicate its location as it disappears from view.

Above right: Morning tea in the gloomy forest. Below right: Lunch at Hokio with the pine forest as the background.

Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

New Zealand Walk

The Pakihi Track 12 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

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New Zealand Walk

for total seclusion

By Jim Robinson

n the search for total seclusion, pristine native forest, crystal clear waters, and easy walking, few people will dispute Eastern Bay of Plenty’s Pakihi track is where you’ll find it. As part of the Motu Trails, Pākihi Track is an historic stock track through the most impossibly sheer mountainsides, deep forest, sparkling rivers, and undeveloped hinterland - all this on a gently graded track just over half an hour’s drive from Opotiki. The 20.3-kilometre Pākihi Track can be walked either up-and-back from the Pākihi Road (the northern trail exit is 23 kilometres south of Opotiki), or getting a drop-off at the top of the track on the Motu Road (about two hours’ drive from Opotiki) to walk it one way in five to eight hours. The first thing you’ll notice is the well-formed nature of the track - it’s a delight in such a wilderness setting. Dug painstakingly by pick axes, shovels, and explosives in the early 1900s, this twisting trail was intended to provide a route for Otara Valley farmers to move their cattle and sheep to the railhead near Matawai on the other side of the Raukumara Ranges. It was once almost two metres wide the entire way. Along the trail you’ll see the major efforts made to create the gentle gradient, as you walk between the occasional mosscovered banks of deep wide channels that were sliced into ridges. By the 1970s, the track had become blocked by debris and dropouts, so explosives and shovels were again used with New Zealand Forest Service teams (now DOC) reinstating the track for hunters and trampers. Local DOC ranger Pete Livingstone was part of those working Left: Hikers on the well formed track.

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

New Zealand Walk

The Pakihi Track

for total seclusion Above left: The Pakihi Track is popular with runners. Below left: A hikers stops to admire one of the many tall trees.

. 14 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

crews, and recounts living in portable cabins along the track, staying out in the wilderness for months at a time. Years passed and again the track fell into disrepair, and after another massive effort by DOC the jungly track was reopened in 2012 as part of the Motu Trails. Recently, the trail has had very regular maintenance by a Motu Trails Charitable Trust team led by trail manager Jim Robinson. Because the terrain is so dynamic, Robinson rides the trail most weeks to check for rockfalls, windfalls and slips, with maintenance sessions most weeks. You’ll also find there is barely any mud on the path whatever the weather, owing to the free-draining rock. Beginning your walk high up on the Motu Road, the track drops off the road and meanders downhill through dense subtropical forest under a shady canopy - this is prime Urutawa Conservation Area, with majestic tawa, rimu, beech and ponga in every direction, as well as lichens, ferns and, lower down, pockets of bright green nikau. Patches of the critically endangered New Zealand forget-me-not and endemic herb Myosotis pottsiana exist off the path deep in the forest, and Livingstone has recently found New Zealand mistletoe pirirangi near the start of the track (it has declined since the 1990s nationwide – being a favorite snack for the introduced possum). If you’re lucky, you might see karearea/New Zealand falcon, kereru, North Island robin, wild deer, and a pair of whio on the river. You’re unlikely to see the perfectly camouflaged Hochstetter’s Frog, but it’s there – in fact, the Raukumara Rangers are the home of a genetically distinct population of this ancient frog. As you walk, there is no sound pollution from civilization whatsoever: it’s just you, the sounds of the forest, and further down the valley the music of the dozens of gurgling, rushing creeks that feed the Pakihi River, which you’ll cross on some 24 www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

New Zealand Walk

wooden footbridges. In the dry this water trickles, but after rain it roars. Be sure to watch your step too, the path itself may be gentle but the country is steep: look over the side of the track and see the bush disappearing to impossible depths. You can imagine how challenging it would have been to brave the tortuous horse track that existed between Motu and Opotiki from the 1870s, prior to the cutting of the Pākihi, or the Te Kowhai /or local name of Kohia route before that which was used by Māori. Once you’ve dropped about 300m, over 11 kilometers, you’ll come to a short sidetrack to the Pākihi Hut - just in time for lunch. This basic 6-bunk DOC hut was built in the late 1960s for hunters and walkers, and after a refurbishment it now has a covered-in veranda, a picnic table in the sun, and a water tank. The grass clearing around it makes for a gorgeous spot to rest, with tall, lush forest rising up around you in

Above right: Tw o h i k e r s come out of a shaded area. Below right: The track goes beside the stream.

BE SET FREE

Great walking on the Pakihi and other tracks.

www.motutrails.co.nz

Facebook/Instagram: Motu Trails Cycleway email jim@motutrails.co.nz to have a brochure mailed to you free (NZ only) www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

New Zealand Walk

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The Pakihi Track for total seclusion every direction. One option is to prepay for a hut pass to stay overnight (a bargain at $5 per night), enjoying the woodfire and keeping an ear out for calls of weka. This area is the only remaining natural population of North Island weka (and were a source for translocations elsewhere) – and numbers are currently rocketing, with these weka now extending as far west as Whakatane and Taneatua. According to Livingstone, overnighters at the hut can sometimes hear the calls of North Island brown kiwi. He has also picked up the echolocation calls of long-tailed bats (with the use of a bat detector), and says they can occasionally even be seen from the hut, just on dark over the summer period. The remaining 10km of Pākihi Track continues with the water theme, beginning with a small but powerful waterfall in a shady gully, and it’s not long before you come across the modern 35-metre-long suspension bridge that spans the rushing Pākihi Stream. This site is where the first stock bridge was constructed in 1914 to complete the track, only to be heart-

16 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

breakingly destroyed by a flood just four years later in 1918. To the frustration of those local farmers, this was the nail in the coffin for the Pākihi Track as a stock route, and the Motu Road and then the Waioeka Gorge Road became the main routes between Opotiki and Motu instead. As you cross the suspension bridge you’ll see the wooden remains of the supports to that old bridge on the far bank, with a hole where the strong cables were anchored. You’ll follow the boulder strewn Pākihi Stream, staying about five to 15 metres above it, on track cut by explosives into the rocky bank. In summer, take one of the short side paths down to the river for a dip in the clear, waist-deep water. Search the mossy river banks and you might find the carnivorous paua slug, a ‘semi-slug’ Schizoglossa gigantia found only in this region of North Island (you’ll see their tiny paua-shaped shells scattered right through the Urutawa). When you’ve experienced the remote and wild environment of the Above: This shelter is popular as place to have lunch and meet others. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

New Zealand Walk

Pākihi Track, you’ll recognise this is true Barry Crump country: the famous bushman author spent 10 years in the Pākihi Valley, where he wrote Wild Pork and Watercress (which inspired Taika Waititi’s movie Hunt for the Wilderpeople). In fact, you can stay in Crump’s infamous A-frame hut at the northern end of the trail: local couple Christian and Kelly Subritzky, who own Weka Wilds, took Crump’s neglected hut from the bush, which Crump built in the early 1980s and left in 1991. The couple restored it and now offer it as an accommodation option in addition to their standard guest quarters. Weka Wilds is a great place to stay when walking the track - Christian and Kelly can whip you up a homecooked meal or woodfired pizza, and if you’re keen on hunting or fishing can advise you where to go (they’ve lived in the valley for 20 years). There are also places to stay in Motu, Opotiki, and nearby Te Waiti. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Pākihi Track is part of Motu Trails, which is one of 22 Great Rides on Ngā Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trails. The other sections are, the Dunes Trail in Ōpōtiki, Motu Road, and Rere Falls Trail, which is an onroad journey to Gisborne. Pākihi and the Dunes Trail are shared use, with walkers about half the total trail use. Mobile coverage is patchy at best on Pākihi Track, and a personal locator beacon is recommended. With a difference of 400 vertical metres from start to finish (the Motu Road Pakihi Track entrance is at 500m), dressing warm in layers is key.

Find the Motu Trails Cycleway on Facebook/Instagram, or at www. motutrails.co.nz. For a brochure/map and booklet, posted to you free anywhere in New Zealand, just email jim@motutrails. co.nz or message the Facebook page with your address. Skye Wishart is an outdoors-loving freelance writer who authored the 2019 book ‘The Brilliance of Birds’, and specialises in science, environment and tourism content. Above: The Pakihi Stream runs through a forested area.

Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

Three women take up

1000km

challenge

hree women have travelled many extra miles during September to raise funds for ovarian cancer awareness and research during Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month. Amanda Mitchell, Carmen Lintsen and Laura Carleton set a goal of cycling, running and walking a total of 1,000 kilometres to support Step Up for Ovarian Cancer in September. The trio were inspired to do the challenge by their friend Kate Spackman who was diagnosed with cancer in November 2019. Kate had returned from her son’s wedding in Columbia in August and realised something was wrong. “I went skiing and was really tired. I’d been doing Pilates for 16 years but had no energy, my arm was sore and my tennis coach noticed something

wrong with the way I was holding my racket,” Kate said. “I had always been active, enjoying cycling, golf, tennis, tramping and sailing, I knew my body and I knew something wasn’t right.” When Kate got an intense pain in her abdomen she marked where it was with a pen and went to her doctor. After a transvaginal ultrasound, a five centimetre tumour was found in her left fallopian tube directly under the pen mark. She had surgery which included a hysterectomy and paraaortic nodal dissection and was diagnosed with stage 3 high-grade serious ovarian cancer. In January 2020 she started six cycles of chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel every three weeks. Kate’s surgery was at Christ-

18 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

High Achiever

church Women’s Hospital but health insurance enabled her to have chemotherapy at St George’s Cancer Care Centre. There she was offered help from a dietician, physiotherapist and psychologist. “I’d encourage anyone going through this to see someone like a psychologist. It helped me understand it was normal to feel what I was feeling, the sadness, grief and anxiety.” Within days Kate began to get side effects. “Chemo is brutal. I lost all my hair, including my eye brows and eye lashes. It hurt, like someone was pulling each hair out because the follicles were very sensitive. Nerve endings in my feet and hands were affected, causing numbness and my jaw was really painful, I mostly ate soup so I didn’t have to chew, and my joints were really painful. Kate recovered from the chemotherapy but earlier this year she became very tired, and was feeling something wasn’t right when she found a lump on her pelvis. A scan showed a cancerous lymph node on her pelvis. After surgery her doctors recommended another six rounds of chemotherapy - this time carboplatin on its own, starting in April. A nurse recommended soaking in a warm bath to ease the joint pain, so in between treatments Kate would retreat to her second home in Wanaka which has a bath, unlike her Christchurch home. “The warm water really does help” says Kate. Her sixth and final chemotherapy session was scheduled for mid August and Kate felt it was déjà vu when lockdown was announced because the country was locked down before she had completed her treatment last year. Her daughter

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High Achiever

Sally had been keeping her company throughout the treatment but once lockdown struck, Kate had to go by herself. “Five hours is a long time to sit with your arm in one position but I could read, use my iPad and chat with the other patients to pass the time. The room has big windows, a view to a lovely garden and comfortable chairs.” “The nurse reassured me that, as with last time, I could travel from Wanaka to Christchurch for my medical appointments during level 3 and 4. Last year we were stopped twice, but the police were very sympathetic.” The Covid level change also created challenges for Kate’s friends Amanda, Laura and Carmen who planned to cycle, run and walk 1000km during September for gynaecological cancer awareness month. “Carmen, Laura and I were going to be training for the six hour Spring Challenge. Committing to Step Up was a good way to motivate us and help raise funds for awareness and research too, “Amanda said. They had planned to do a lot of the training together but lockdown prevented that. “We had to train by ourselves, but the Step Up challenge helped us motivate each other, checking in to share what we were doing and how far we were going. “It was a really good motivator, giving us a reason to go out on the bike or for a run.” “We set a goal of $1,000, a dollar for each kilometre, we’ve passed it and trying to push as far as we can” Cycling is a passion they share with Kate. “I find chemotherapy gives me painful joints, especially in my knees and cycling is helpful. I’d been planning a trip to Sweden and since I You can now view back issues of

Walking New Zealand magazine, two issues back from the latest, FREE at : http://issuu.com/walkingnewzealand. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

couldn’t go there I bought an electric mountain bike and named it Sweden. “It enables me to exercise and means I can keep up with my friends” Kate said. On the weekend of October 1st – 3rd she’ll be supporting from home as her friends participate in the Spring Challenge. Kate is currently battling with chronic fatigue. Carmen Laura and Amanda will be wearing Cure Our Ovarian Cancer t-shirts pre, and post race, to raise awareness and honour their friend. “We’ll be one of 450 teams taking part, rafting, cycling and on our feet. We’re a super veteran team with a combined age of 150 plus. We’re competing in the six hour challenge. Last year it took us nine hours. “It’s a team effort, and there’s a lot of synergy with Stepping Up. There’s always someone in the team who’s feeling stronger or experiencing an energy dip or not doing so well and we all help each other.” The funds raised from their Step Up efforts support Cure Our Ovarian Cancer NZ’s Step Up Challenge which encourages people to get active to inspire, empower and celebrate women during September. Cure Our Ovarian Cancer NZ’s founder Jane Ludemann said people taking part in the challenge during September h a ve r a i s e d a l most $14,000 for ovarian cancer. “We are so grateful to participants like Kate and her friends who kept going through lockdowns. We d o n ’ t g e t any government funding so their support makes a real difference to kiwis with ovar-

ian cancer,” she said. Ovarian cancer is the 5th most common cause of female cancer death in New Zealand, killing more women than the road toll. The survival rate is less than half breast and prostate cancer. Cure Our Ovarian Cancer NZ is the only charity in NZ dedicated to ovarian cancer and has a crucial role in supporting women with the disease and improving survival. They recently received an Impact Award from the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition recognising their efforts. Oncologist Kate Gregory, Chair of the New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group says “Cure Our Ovarian Cancer NZ have done an amazing job at raising awareness of this disease. It is vital that women are more aware of the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. Increased funding for research and treatments is essential to improve outcomes for New Zealand women.”

Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

Photo Contest

We are looking for the best digital photos each month depicting walking Now the time to get your digital camera out or look through your digital images and enter the

Walking New Zealand Digital Photo Contest

The image could be a scenic scene, a walk on the beach with the dog, a bush walk, a street walk or anything walking that takes your fancy. The rules are simply: there must be a person or persons walking in the picture either front, side or back on, and can be in the distance. We require an emailed image in high resolution mode, in jpeg format as an attachment, and NOT embedded in Word or in the email, and NOT a link to a website to be downloaded. The subject line must have the words “Walking New Zealand Photo Contest” and the email must include the NAME, POSTAL ADDRESS and phone number of the person who took the photo and a small caption. In this contest ONLY ONE emailed photo accepted per month. Entry in the contest automatically allows us to print the image. The person who has their photo published will receive a six month subscription or a renewal to Walking New Zealand magazine of six months. If a picture is chosen for the cover page the person will receive a 12 month subscription or renewal.

PHOTO CONTEST

Above: Finally made it to the Top of Mt kaukau (pre lockdown) with the help of hubby. Photo by Helena and Clair., Johnsonville, Wellington. Below: Whitecliffs Walkway - Mark and Helen from the Upper Hutt Walking and Tramping Club enjoying these stunning Taranaki Cliffs. Photo by Judith O’Leary, Clouston Park, Upper Hutt.

Email your entries to: walkingnz@xtra.co.nz with s u b j e c t l i n e “ Wa l k i n g N e w Z e a l a n d P h o t o C o n t e s t ” Only EMAILED entries will be accepted.

20 NewZealand, Zealand, issue - 2021 20 Walking Walking New issue no no 284284 - 2021

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Photo Contest

Above left: On the Mount Aubrey track at Whangarei Heads. Photo by Heather Whelan, Kensington.

PHOTO CONTEST

Above right: Noel emerging from the tunnel at Tunnel Beach, Dunedin. John, the son of the founder of Dunedin (William Cargill), had the tunnel dug to this hidden beach in the 1870s - supposedly so that his family could have a private place to bathe. The Tunnel Beach walk provides spectacular coastal views including a natural archway/ land bridge alongside a buttress-like headland covered in coastal turf. Photo by Claire Woodhall, Havelock North. Below right: Walking the Windows walk in the beautiful Karangahake Gorge. Photo taken by Alex Ferguson, Wanganui. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 284 284 -- 2021 2021 Walking

21 21

Te Araroa Trail

High Achiever

Q&A with accommodation provider and trail legend Bill Trolove By Mark Weathrall

ill Trolove is a man of the mountains. He’s also a bit of a legend amongst the Te Araroa community. Bill owns The Sanctuary – a bunkhouse on Arthur’s Pass with the byline: “quiet enjoyment of the mountains”. It provides a refuge for backpackers, trampers, and casual visitors, with his main clientele being Te Araroa trail walkers. The thing that really makes Bill tick is the people he meets. He puts them at the heart of everything he does, offering hot showers, good company, a place to lay their heads, and all the home comforts a weary traveller could want. He even volunteers his time maintaining and clearing dangerous parts of the trial,

to help keep people safe on their journey. We were lucky enough to catch up with Bill and interview him about his time working on the trail. Here’s what he had to say… How long have you been hosting Te Araroa walkers at The Sanctuary, and how many do you think you have hosted over the years? The Te Araroa community crept up on me. The first walkers came through about six years ago, just two or three people. This suddenly grew to significant numbers, so I decided to jump in and tailor my services to them. I’ve hosted many thousands over the years. Do you provide any services tailored specifically to Te Araroa walkers? How popular is the bounce box/ resupply box service?

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22 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

I have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at the Te Araroa market to cater to their needs: cheap dorm beds, tent sites, inexpensive private rooms, a $2 hot shower, laundry and hot water, USB charging stations. For the past three years, I have been promoting the idea of “slack packing” the Goat Pass section of the trail, where people can hand off their pack and do the section unimpeded. It cuts a two day slog into a nice outing, with a soft bed, cozy restaurant, and lots of beer on offer at the end. This summer, I will run a return bus service to Morrisons Footbridge to facilitate the slack packing of Goat Pass, so I’m encouraging walkers to get their satellite communicator pre-programmed with a text message to book a ride. In terms of bounce boxes, these are very important to the business, because even though I lose money on them, I have the opportunity to sell other services. They’re also very important to walkers, and I make sure to give them 24/7 access. Pre-covid, we did close to 400 boxes per season. What percentage of your business do Te Araroa walkers make up? 95%. That is how important the community is to this business. With the rise of campervans, bootpacking, and AirBnB, the backpacker www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

High Achiever

Te Araroa Trail

accommodation industry has been in decline. It was a slow natural death brought on by changing markets, so the Te Araroa community has been a lifeline. What is different about hosting Te Araroa walkers, compared to other people who stay with you? That’s an interesting question. The biggest difference is that the Te Araroa walker is part of a tight-knit community. The through walkers have been on the trail for near three months, forming friendships along the way. Is there one particular Te Araroa walker that sticks in your mind? What was it about them that made them unforgettable? All the walkers I have met are special - all different and unique people. This may sound trite but everyone has stories that are interesting. It has been a privilege to meet them and help them along the way. Has it been different hosting Te Araroa walkers since the Covid-19 pandemic began, with many of the walkers passing through being Kiwis? It’s a completely different market with the closed border. Numbers fell 80% for accommodation and 60% for bounce boxes. I suspect many people are now just doing sections of the trail. Also, Kiwi walkers have family and mates scattered round New Zealand, so when they get to the end of a section, they make a call to stay with them for a hot meal, bed and catch up. It’s understandable. The Kiwi walker is different to their international contemporaries - the young are more relaxed and more casual, whereas the seniors are far more vocal and opinionated. I understand you also do a lot of working maintaining and helping out with the trail in the Arthur’s Pass area. What are some of the most challenging or unusual things you have had to deal with? Five years ago a young woman came stumbling out of the trail at www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Morrisons Footbridge and she was completely broken; shattered and in tears after struggling in the bush all night. She wasn’t the first, being one of many that summer with a similar experience because the flood route section of the trail along the Otira River was near impassable. Thinking that the Te Araroa Trail would not survive if word of such experiences became commonplace, I started to maintain the trail between Kiwi Hut and Morrisons Footbridge. This flood route is notoriously bad and I spend at least ten days annually keeping it in order after each major weather event, but in that first winter it took three solid weeks to clear and improve. It’s an activity I am happy to do as it gives me an excuse to get into the hills and give something back to the community. In the pioneer days, the term “The New Zealand death” was a colloquialism for death by drowning. Both the Taramakau and Otira rivers need the greatest of respect. I hope that one day the Department of Conservation will reinstate the swing bridge over the Otehake River so that walkers don’t need to place a toe in the water. What do you love about most about Te Araroa? The people, the people, the people. What I really love is seeing as many young people as possible experiencing the mountains and wilderness, for these youngsters will be the politicians and decision makers of the future. It’s important that they know just how precious and unique our outdoors are. I hear that The Sanctuary is on the market? This is true. It was pragmatic decision, because if the border remains closed, this business has no future. Also, with age, some things are inevitable. However, the good thing is that I don’t have to sell, so I will place a big price on the place and hope our politicians open the border soon. I am still good for a few years yet.

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

Te Araroa Trail

High Achiever

Unlikely couple meet and live their dream

By Alex Myall

or more than 10 years, Miriam Lancewood and Peter Raine lived free from society as hunters and gatherers in New Zealand’s remote mountains. They survived happily without timepieces or timetables, but now the couple have to adapt to the changes wrought by time. Their story is almost unbelievable. They grew up more than 18,000km apart, Raine in rural New Zealand, the son of a sheep farmer. Lance-

wood (her pen name) was born three decades later in the Netherlands, the middle of three siblings born within three years. Lancewood’s home was lovingly filled with music and theatre. In adolescence, her athletic career took off. For six years, she represented her country in pole vaulting and competed in the youth Olympics. She established a fitness acumen that helped her for years, and not just in sport. At the same time, she learned early the perils of a full

24 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

schedule. Revolt against scheduling “My life in the Netherlands was based on time, running around the clock, jamming my studies and training and seeing friends, all in one day. It was stressful,” Lancewood told ExplorersWeb. “But because it is so normal in modern society, I never questioned it.” Her parents introduced her to the joys of nature. Sometimes they camped wild near a river, sleeping under the stars. “That, I loved,” Lancewood recalls. “I always dreaded going back to my flat and crowded home country.” By contrast, Raine spent much of the 1970s living in the forest, protesting against commercial logging operations, which were a national concern in New Zealand back then. He bought land on the West Coast, preparing for a nuclear apocalypse which never came. He married and studied for a Ph.D. in environmental studies. Shaped by the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, Raine believed that people didn’t need government or authority for survival. When Raine encountered Raimon Panikkar’s Cosmotheandric Intuition (a theory that dissolves the idea of separate realities between man, God, and world), his view on reality transformed. He quit his job as a university professor in New Zealand and moved to

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Te Araroa Trail

India to live like a “modern nomad”. That’s when Raine and Lancewood’s worlds collided. Lancewood had just completed her university degree and was in India after a year in Zimbabwe. With a chessboard under her arm, she was looking for company when she met Raine in a local chai shop. Thirty-year age difference The connection was instantaneous. The 30-year age difference was no barrier. His stories of adventure captivated Lancewood. What Raine had in intellectual curiosity, she complimented with physical prowess. Despite inner words of caution, Lancewood moved in with Raine the following day. The pair then spent years traveling together through India, climbing mountains, and exploring South East Asia and Papua New Guinea. Eventually, they settled in Marlborough, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. They briefly settled into a house. Lancewood taught phys ed for atrisk youth while applying for New Zealand residency. But they soon knew that this wasn’t a lifestyle they aspired to. They decided to see how they would cope with living in the wild, away from society. They sold their

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High Achiever

belongings and headed into the mountains, armed with little more than a tent and bow and arrow. “We spent a lot of time tramping in the wilderness, but then we decided we wanted to be a part of it, not just observers. We decided to spend four seasons [there] and see how we’d survive,” says Lancewood. Seven years in the bush The experiment lasted seven years. “We saw no reason to come back to town or to settle. We felt completely at ease in the wild mountains of New Zealand. Sometimes we didn’t see anyone for months,” Lancewood recalls. “I never missed anything.” I can’t help but be enthralled by Lancewood and Raine. New Zealand has plenty of self-sufficient, off-grid stories, but Lancewood and Raine’s style is vastly wild and authentic. Outwardly, they embody health. There’s no strain or sadness shown on their faces. No filth in their clothes, although Lancewood promises that all their belongings smell of campfires. They lived in small, compact tents. Their few possessions fit into one backpack each and they spent their days hunting and gathering. In a bit of a gender turnaround, Lancewood took responsibility for hunting while Raine cooked and gathered wild food. Miriam Lancewood and Peter Raine spent more than seven years living in the New Zealand wild. Hunting hare and possum with a bow For the first two years, Lancewood hunted exclusively with a bow and arrow. She mostly stalked hare or possum (an unprotected animal in New Zealand), which were easy to carry back to camp. Later, she acquired a rifle. When they first entered the bush, they left their pasts behind and had no plans for the future. They said goodbye to schedules and calendars. Not knowing what time, day, or month it was, they found it easier to focus on the present. “Peter and I made a radical shift in our thinking and therefore in our

life,” Lancewood said. “We went off the beaten track, to live an adventure. Not just going on a challenging holiday and returning home. Every year, they approach their lifestyle differently to break up the monotony. One year, they walked the 3,000km Te Araroa Trail, which spans the length of New Zealand. Sometimes they spent one night in each place, sometimes four months. Occasionally helicopters dropped them food buckets in the rugged Southern Alps. It was a change from possum and a thrill to see visitors. Lancewood isn’t like anyone I’ve encountered before. She’s a breath of fresh air. Her 38-year-old skin is flawless, without a wrinkle. Her effortless smile could appear in a toothpaste ad. Her shiny hair bounces enviably. She’s personable, grounded, and somehow relatable. When she speaks, her words make sense even to mortals like me, even though she barely spoke English when she and Raine first met. Not for everyone Raine worries about what will become of Lancewood when he is gone, although she certainly has a survivor mentality. In general, Raine is not as public or open as she is. Although she enjoys life without distractions, she also wants to share their lifestyle for others to learn from. Scores of people write to her, saying that they want to do the same. But Lancewood knows that the challenges aren’t for everyone. “Last summer was pretty cold,” she admits. “Sometimes it’s hard to keep warm in the snow in the

Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

High Achiever

mountains. Worst thing is endless rain. Our year on the West Coast was hard. Rain is no good when you live in a tent.” To put her words into context, the West Coast is one of the wettest regions in the country. Annual rainfall regularly exceeds 10,000mm, and their lifestyle is at the mercy of the weather. When it’s sunny, they walk, exploring lakes and waterfalls. When it’s raining, they read in their tent. During their first winter, spent up at 1,200m, even the waterfalls sometimes froze. Lancewood says that one of the major benefits of their lifestyle has been improved senses. But learning to do nothing has been one of her biggest challenges. “It takes about two weeks for the mind to slow down in order to meet with the rhythm of nature. And in that time, you go through a period of boredom and restlessness,” she says. Bestselling author In 2017, after seven years, the couple left the New Zealand back-

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country. Before they left, Lancewood penned her first book, Woman in the Wilderness. It became an international bestseller, translated into five languages. The title made her a reluctant celebrity, especially in her native country. Since then, she’s been invited to book festivals around the world, including Dubai and Hong Kong. Although the festivals are exciting, she says that she can’t ever see herself returning to life in a city. They next flew to Europe and began a new adventure, walking 2,000 km across the continent, then on to Turkey. Lancewood has always known that her days with Raine are a blessing. But in Turkey, the physicality of their life began to show on Raine’s then 64-year-old body. They were having a bite to eat. Then Lancewood stood up and put her pack on, ready to continue walking. Raine didn’t do the same. The strain of shouldering his pack further was showing on his older body. When they went on to the Australian desert, things took a drastic turn. “Peter got kidney failure in the desert in Australia,” Lancewood said. “The doctors told him to live near a hospital in town and go on dialysis. He said, ‘I rather die.’ ” Dialysis? “I’d rather die,” he said Medics told Raine that he had a three percent chance of survival without a new kidney. When Lancewood offered hers, he declined. They told Lancewood to say her goodbyes. “I have much respect for Peter’s courage, he is not afraid to die,” Lancewood said. Raine wanted his remaining time to be in the wild. A three-hour walk from cellphone coverage isn’t the smartest idea for someone with serious health concerns. So instead, they elected to recover in a hut back in New Zealand. For the couple, the hut was restricting. Suffocating even. Diminishing their heightened senses and preventing the breeze from brushing over their cheeks. Last November, Lancewood released her second book, Wild at Heart.

26 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

Te Araroa Trail

It adds to her life story of living in remote areas of New Zealand and walking long routes, such as the 2,000km across Europe. Eventually, when Raine’s health improved earlier this year, they returned to the backcountry. But they recognized that they had to adapt their lifestyle for the sake of Raine’s health. “It’s too cold at night, even with a possum duvet and yak blanket,” says Lancewood. Even in the height of summer, they were snowed in for five days. Raine can’t walk with a pack anymore, but they have found a new way of living. Against medical advice, they flew to Bulgaria last year. For the summer, they lived in a shepherd’s cottage that they purchased in the Rhodope Mountains three years ago. They lived off-grid at 1,200m, a 2.5km walk from the nearest village. Their closest neighbour was a bear. A wild cat shared their hut, wolves scouted the mountains, and the couple ate from their vegetable garden. From hunter-gatherers to nomads Their new plan is to become nomads. Where? They don’t know yet. But Raine’s kidneys prefer warmth, especially in winter. “One day we will end up in Tajikistan, or living in a hut in the Himalaya,” Lancewood said. “The main thing for us is to live free. To live without obligations, without many possessions. The more stuff I have, the more stuck I feel.” Despite an innate fascination for survival in extreme conditions (Lancewood is currently reading One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, by Alexander Solzhenitsyn; Raine is rereading Nietzsche), their future will likely involve buying small cottages in different countries, and moving between each. Lancewood says that although it takes more planning to live that way, they are happy, and it’s another adventure. “Living without security is healthy for the mind,” she insists. “That is what keeps me sharp, alive, and happy. It is, by the way, also the secret for a long-lasting relationship.” www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Need 2 Know

New Pocket Maps app helps walkers explore By Olivia Murray

apping and GIS Analyst Danica Torres has loved GIS since she was at university. There she discovered its ability to help her fellow students find dry, north facing flats with good access to public transport. From there it became her career. Now she works for Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa the New Zealand Walking Access Commission building maps of public access areas and walking trails around the motu. So, when she started seeing requests from map users around the country to take the maps offline and use them outdoors, she was inspired to help. Danica says the commission receives many requests from trampers, hunters, anglers and mountain bikers to have the ability to download maps for offline use. Luckily, a recent update in the commission’s GIS system made this possible. Danica used this new technology to create a new app in collaboration with the commission’s GIS partner, Eagle Technology. The app, called Pocket Maps, brings offline public access maps of New Zealand to the pockets of Kiwi walkers and recreationists, anytime and anywhere. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Danica has been developing, testing, and perfecting the app for eight months. The 2021 lockdown made app creation even easier as it allowed her to focus on just the app and make sure it was perfect for launch. Pocket Maps lets you search your exact location by region and through the map layers to understand what type of access land you are currently on or looking to walk, hunt, fish or mountain bike. The app can help to limit accidental trespassing and provide users with knowledge about new areas. As well as helping users identify private and public land, it can also show walkers where nearby NZ road parcels, reserve land, walkway easements and other easements, esplanade strips and reserves, and Department of Conservation public land are located. Other features allow people using

the app to draw and measure their own routes and position themselves on the map using their phone GPS. “It’s great to give users something they have been asking for and see them enjoying it. And people also have the option in the app to give their feedback so we can continue to make improvements for the users,” says Danica. Pocket Maps is available to download now from the Apple App Store and Android Play Store. Please note that Pocket Maps is not a substitute for a GPS unit and should be used in conjunction with one if going into an outdoor situation that requires it.

New Zealand Walk

Waterfalls a feature of Upper

28 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

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New Zealand Walk

Nihotupu Dam walk

By Mike Giri

ne Sunday morning in February, my son Sudeep and I decided to walk to the Upper Nihotupu Dam as a part of our occasional nature walks in the Waitakere Ranges, in the Auckland Region. It was a beautiful and warm sunny day. The drive from Auckland city is about 17 kilometers, The carpark is 1.6km on the left, from the start of Piha Road, Waiatarua. If a sign post is missed it is a bit difficult to locate without GPS. After passing this sign post in about 100 m on the right side, there is Ian Wells Track. After finding a space to park our car we proceeded to start our walk from the start of the trail which was at the southwest corner of the parking lot. Our walking distance was from one red star to another. The walking trail runs under the canopy of tall trees, surrounded by green bush composed of isolated kauri trees, tree ferns and other Left: This cascade of water falls on a pool below. Can also see the bridge at the far end. Below right: a father and son on the trail.

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

New Zealand Walk

Waterfalls a feature of Upper Nihotupu Dam walk After that the reservoir started

shrubs along an uneven gradient. Here we heard the tui’s call. It took us about ten minutes to reach the broad gravel road which is part of the service road for the dam and water supply project. Only permitted vehicles are alAbove left: Starting point of the walk at the southwest corner of the parking lot. Below: The catchment area of the reservoir.

lowed to pass through this road. This gravel road runs along green vegetation on both sides and it is very pleasant to walk through its twists and turns. After walking along this gentle sloping road for about 15 minutes along Nihotupu Stream, I saw a trail diverting from the road. I thought it would be a short cut passage or something, but it led us to see this cascade of waterfalls with a cool water pool down below. We could also see the bridge at the far end. Then we came back to the road, and a little ahead, crossed through the bridge over the same stream and kept going. Five minutes after crossing the bridge, we saw this beautiful and refreshing waterfall which was visible from the road. We stopped and went close to it and took photos. It must have been six to seven meters high.

30 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

building and kept increasing in size, that is, its width. The bluish colour of the reservoir was well blended in the green vegetation covered rolling hills and looked very beautiful in this serene environment. While trying to catch all the beautiful sceneries in your eyes, you just do not know when you cross the entire length of the road and reach the grand old dam. Waitakere Ranges includes Auckland Centennial Memorial Park and Waitakere Ranges Regional Park and the Nihotupu Dam is in the later one. Upper Nihotupu Dam is one of the five dams in the area and was completed in 1923 as a concrete gravity dam. Further downstream there is Lower Nihotupu Dam. The dams and the reservoir are managed by the Auckland City Council for water supply to the city. As we approached the dam, there

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New Zealand Walk

Above left: There were many walkers along the road, some with family.Above right: This is a beautiful, cool and refreshing waterfall just by the side of the road.. Below right: Looking at the reservoir on one side and the service passage to the other side of the dam. was a small information centre with posters and information posted on the board. Some data of the dam are given in the picture. We walked along the top of the dam for a few minutes collecting information and catching the sceneries in the camera. It was stunningly beautiful scenery and a calm atmosphere. We were looking at a large artificial lake on the northwest side

Fact File

Upper Nihotupu Dam Walk Location: Auckland City Location: 1.6km from the start of Piha Road, Waiatarua, Auckland. Distance: 17 kms Time needed: 4 Hours 30 Minutes Round Trip Difficulty: Medium Wheelchair Access: No Route: Round Trip Elevation: 310m Wet Feet: No Toilets: Yes Dogs: No Mobile Coverage: Yes As at November, 2019 www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

and on the other several metre drop at the bottom of the dam. I did notice, though, that the water level in the reservoir was below the usual mark, perhaps, it was an effect of drought caused by the less rain Auckland received in the last couple of years. The scene of the reservoir surrounded by green vegetation is so beautiful. From the dam, on the south-east side, we could see the valley between two hill locks. Below, at the base, there was what seemed like a control station and some water was being

released. Continuing walking downhill to the end of the service road below, we saw a nice picnic area, and nearby, there were remains of the old tramway service. From there, the walk to the base of the dam is only a few minutes’ walk. From the base to the dam we climbed the steel ladder to come to the top again. It could be scary for some to look down from the ladder. After resting a bit to drink water and have some snacks, we were ready to get back. We had a fantastic time and good walk, and came to

Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

New Zealand Walk

Waterfalls a feature of

Upper Nihotupu Dam walk

Above left: Looking at the valley on the southeast side. know about yet another destination for day walk. It was so beautiful. The number of walkers was good. We passed by individuals, couples, families and groups of people, every now and then. At the end of the road, when we were finishing, this gentleman with his son on his back was starting his walk. I requested him to allow me to take a photo and he obliged me by posing. It is a wonderful photo. He must have been an avid walker. The car park was not too far from there.

We cleaned our walking shoes and drank water and were ready to drive back home. The total time we spent starting from home to reach the destination and back was three hours and a half including time of resting and looking around the dam. It is an easy walk along the service road. That is why it is good for families with kids as well. In good weather, planning a picnic with family and friends together with a walk is quite enjoyable in such a beautiful and serene environment.

32 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

Above right: Below at the base of the dam water is being released. Also showing a steel ladder system to come to the top.

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Need 2 Know

Plans for City to Sea pathway taking shape

The wheels are in motion to progress a new City to Sea pathway that will connect the central city of Christchurcvh to New Brighton. The eight-kilometre long, recreational shared-use pathway will start at Barbadoes Street and largely follow the course of the Avon River through the regeneration area to the sea. The project is estimated to cost between $22 million and $26 million. “The route we’ve mapped out for the City to Sea pathway meets the Regeneration Plan’s objective of transforming the Avon River Corridor into a destination for all,” says Christchurch City Council Head of Parks Andrew Rutledge. To progress the City to Sea pathway, avoid an estimated $12.6 million in stopbank repairs, and allow for wetlands and ecological restoration, the Council is considering stopping (and eventually closing) a 900-metre section of Avonside Drive between 748 Avonside Drive and Wainoni Road, and a 100-metre section of Kerrs Road, between the northernmost house and Avonside Drive. “The road closures, if approved, wouldn’t happen until after construction starts on the pathway in 2023. We’ve started talking to the local community about the idea, which we believe will make the area quieter and safer for the communities, improve access to the new Snell Street footbridge and potentially allow us to upgrade the Avon Park facilities in the future,’’ Mr Rutledge says. Next month a report on some key

Above: The Avon River Corridor. decisions required to enable the City to Sea pathway will be presented to the Council. As part of the same report, the Council will consider a proposal from Christchurch’s flatwater sports groups to straighten the course of the Avon River north of Kerrs Reach. Canterbury Rowing manager and flatwater sports spokesperson, Logan Keys, says the preliminary technical advice they’ve received indicates that adding a cut to the river and creating an island would improve the safety and capacity of flatwater sports groups who regularly use the river. “We’re in dire need of a safe training space and the preliminary advice suggests this cut would improve the health and safety issues we face,” he says. “The advice also indicates that the island could establish an ecological sanctuary and improve the area’s īnanga spawning habitat.” Mr Rutledge says the Regenera-

tion Plan encourages looking at ways to increase the capacity of flatwater sports so these groups can use the river safely. “The proposal meets several objectives of the Regeneration Plan, such as practising mahinga kai, regenerating nature and living with water. It’s still in its very early stages, but we’re keen to understand the full effects and benefits the proposal could provide for the community and the native flora and fauna.” The Council is also in discussions with flatwater sports groups to relocate their onland facilities to more suitable land directly across the river from their current base at Porritt Park. The relocation would also enable the Council to repurpose the Porritt Park site for a future riverside landing. The flatwater sports proposal is not related to a previous campaign for a 2.2km international rowing lake in the Avon River Corridor Regeneration Area.

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

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Everyday planning for everyday people

reated from the motivation to inspire quality trip planning before heading out to explore New Zealand’s hills, forests and mountains is the world-first trip planning app, Plan My Walk. The new free app, developed by the NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC), boasts convenience by bringing together the key information a day walker or multi-day tramper needs when planning a local trip outdoors, including track information, gear lists, alerts and weather forecasts. All of this can be shared with group members and an emergency contact. New Zealand’s tramping culture is unique to this part of the world, from chatting to strangers in a hut, exchanging notes on track conditions to sharing experiences online or in stories. Our great outdoors is so much

more than just a place to explore, it’s part of the fabric and culture of New Zealand. This culture sits at the heart of Plan My Walk and is the driver for many of its unique features. The concept of the app was triggered by the results of on-going in-depth incident analysis conducted by MSC over the last five years. It clearly indicated that a concerning number of trampers who either sustain an injury, require search and rescue assistance, or tragically never make it home, are mostly avoidable prevented or their seriousness reduced. The solution was thorough trip planning and preparation, and sound decision-making while out in the hills, MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley said. “It’s really easy to underestimate the importance of quality planning and preparation, there are lots of

34 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

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Need 2 Know

little things that can be easily overlooked, or if you’re new to tramping how do you know where to start and how do you effectively make a trip plan. “When combined these small gaps in planning can have a big impact on your safety, conversely, it’s often the little details that go a long way to improving your safety,” Daisley said. The research found that being ‘unprepared for the weather conditions caused 12% of tramping related search and rescues (SAR), a ‘lack of warm layered clothing and/or a waterproof jacket’ caused 13%, and an ‘overambitious choice of route, lack of sufficient fitness and taking longer than expected to reach the destination’ caused 30% of tramping related SAR, over a seven-year period from 2012 to 2019. Through these insights, combined

with several other bespoke research projects which explored the subject of ‘trip planning and preparation’, MSC considered a range of prevention solutions that could effectively

reduce safety incidents that were caused by ineffective planning which ignited the Plan My Walk spark. Now that Plan My Walk is live, Daisley and the MSC team are excited by its potential. With over 1000 tracks all with MetService weather warnings and watches, weather forecasts, track information, tramper reviews and suggested gear lists, it’s easy. Combined with the ability to create a trip plan, including a daily schedule, add trip notes, documents and group members, you can easily save your plan and share with others, like your trusted emergency contact. “PMW is a world-first product that we believe has very real potential to improve the safety of thousands of people, which perfectly aligns with our vision and overall purpose,” Daisley said. Download the app, Plan My Walk, from your preferred app store, or check it out online at www.planmywalk.nz. Select a track, enter your trip dates and find alerts, an interactive gear list, weather forecast and much more. Create a trip plan, assign an emergency contact, share it and you’re ready to go! A new app version will be released mid-October, as at the time of publication MSC are deep into another round of development to add a range of new features and functions, all of which have come from user feedback. If you have questions or comments, feel free to get in touch with the team at MSC. Your input is hugely valued, and we encourage users to tell us about their experience using the app. Plan My Walk has been built for trampers, by trampers, and we’re 100% committed to adding new features that make planning better!

Kiwi on the Camino by Vivianne Flintoff 900kms along an ancient pilgrimage trail in Northern Spain Available from independent book sellers or directly from author E-mail : vivianneflintoffbooks@gmail.com Web: http://www.vivianneflintoffbooks.com/ www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

36 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

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Mt Favourite Walk

A day tramp in Akaroa: Curry

Track/Purple Peak Track By Yvonne van Eerden

e have all been through lockdown again and our tramping group started venturing out of Christchurch after a couple of weeks in Level 2. We headed to Akaroa for a days tramping. It was a very nice day and the

forecast was for cool weather with possible light winds and a high of 12 degrees. That was good enough for us. It was an adventure to just head out of Christchurch. We started from the main road in Akaroa where we parked our cars and headed up the hill via Rue Grehan which was still a hike to the

start of our walk via Grehan Link Track joining the Curry track to the Heritage Park where we had spectacular views, This was definitely well worth the slight detour as the regenerating native bush along the way was incredible to see with the totara, the very old fusia trees in a little grove Above: A great view of Akaroa Harbour from the track.

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

Mt Favourite Walk

A day tramp in Akaroa: Curry Track/Purple Peak Track Above left: The group before the walk. Above right: The sign says it all. Middle left: Time for lunch.

■

and also the kahikatea (white pine). The signs were very educational to us all, as we made a point of stopping and looking. We then headed back up the Curry Track which was rather steep but we took one step at a time making good progress and we had all day. We were all reasonably quiet on the way up the steep grade as we were

38 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

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Mt Favourite Walk

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all saving our breath and energy to get to the top and eventually we realised we were at the top of the Curry Track. We continued from the top to the other side where we knew there was a picnic table for lunch. Everyone had time to recharge after our climb with a good lunch and many had taken some fantastic photos. The weather was perfect for tramping. We had the views of Akaroa and beyond and once we got to the top and had lunch we had the views of the other side facing Stony Bay and Hinewai. We headed down via Purple Peak Track with stunning views once again. All of us were pleased at what we had achieved. It was a great day had by all and extra special as we had not been tramping for some weeks.

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Above: The Akaroa Harbour with Akaroa in the middle. Below left: A tree with roots spread around a rock.

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

EVENT

New direction for the Frontrunner Hoka

Christchurch Marathon

The fast, flat course is renowned as New Zealand’s fastest road race, but Race Director, Chris Cox, says, “The success of the Christchurch Marathon has been catering for runners and walkers of all age and ability. “People come to running from different fitness backgrounds, with different goals and from different walks of life,” says Cox. “A good event should reflect that, and part of that picture is partnering with entities that understand and appreciate what you’re trying to do. “In the past five years our focus has been on bringing the Christchurch Marathon back to its traditional central city home,” says Cox. “This has been very successful and ASB has played a big part in that as the principal sponsor for the past four years. “We can’t thank ASB enough as their support came at the hardest point in the event’s history. They gave us some stability during the move back to the central city and then helped us get through 2020’s COVID cancellation. “The focus now is taking the event into the future and having principal partners who are as immersed in the running community as we are is a great way to kick that off.” “Frontrunner and the Christchurch Marathon have both been major parts of the running community for more than 40 years, so it’s a

hristchurch’s premier marathon is headed in an exciting direction with new title sponsors - Frontrunner and Hoka. The City of Christchurch International Marathon Trust has announced renowned running brands, Frontrunner and Hoka as their new principal sponsors for what will be known as the “ Frontrunner and Hoka Christchurch Marathon”. In 2021 the Christchurch Marathon celebrated its 40th event and Christchurch International Marathon Trust Chairman, Daniel Reese, says the new partnership is the first step in the next 40 years. “The Christchurch Marathon has always been about runners first and foremost. So, partnering with well-known specialist running brands such as Frontrunner and Hoka is a great way for the event to move into the future.” Inspired by the 1974 Commonwealth Games Marathon, the Christchurch Marathon was established in 1981 and quickly became the South Island’s premier running event. The Christchurch earthquakes saw it pushed to the outskirts of the city and the 10 years since have seen the event battling the same rebuild challenges as the city. Back since 2019 on its traditional course and Town Hall venue, the focus now shifts to the future.

40 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

natural partnership,” says Frontrunner Principal, Laurie Blyth,. “It’s very much a case of both parties getting back to their roots.” Indeed, local Frontrunner franchisee Oska Baynes is a four-time winner at the Christchurch Marathon, and sharing the naming rights with international running shoe brand Hoka is another part of that picture. “One of strong points of this event,” says Cox, “is that since day one it has been organised by runners. The 2022 Frontrunner and Hoka Christchurch Marathon event will take place on Sunday 10th April. Entries for the full marathon, half marathon, 10km and Kids’ Mara’fun are now open at www.christchurchmarathon.co.nz <http://www.christchurchmarathon.co.nz> .

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

CONTENTS for previous 15 issues OCTOBER 283 2021

2 Banks Track 3 Contents 6 New Zealand Walks: Queen Charlotte Track - It’s time to awaken your adventurous soul 10 New Zealand Walk: Port Ligar a truly unique experience 14 New Zealand Walk : Nikau palms and sea stacks at Point Elizabeth 16 Walking Access Commission: Trust to develop and support walking and cycling trails 17 New Zealand Walks: Over 50 walks in this year ’s Waiheke Walking Festival 20 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 22 Event: Tois! Whakatane’s stunning trail challenge 24 Need2Know: The faster you walk, the better for long term health especially as you age 26 New Zealand Walks: Cobb Vally region - one of the most interesting in the country for trampers and naturalists 32 New Zealand Walks: Papamoa’s two great recreational areas 36 Subscription page 37 Covid-19: What you can and connot do in Level 3 37 Book: Cheers Mate! Walkabout in Australia 38 New Zealand Walk: Pukeiti - a garden of national significance 42 Index of previous 14 issues 43 Coming Events: New Zealand 47 Coming Events: Australia 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 48 New Zealand Country Breaks 51 Pak A Roo Jackets 52 Goldfields Cavalcade

SEPTEMBER 282 2021

2 Queen Charlotte Track - Wilderness Guides 3 Contents 6 New Zealand Great Walk: Great Walks myth busting 14 New Zealand Wlks: The best of Opotiki: 5 easy walks in the eastern Bay of Plenty 20 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 22 New Zealand Walk: Sea lionsand seals an attraction at Sandfly Bay. 24 Subscription page 25 Need2Know: Indoor pathways improve people’s mental wellbeing 26 Australian Walks; Murray River Safari the latest edition to Australian Wildlife Journeys 29 Banks Track 30 New Zealand Walk: Grovetown Lagoon - a great conservation effort in Marlborough 32 Overseas Walk: Explore Rarotonga’s mountainous interior 34 New Zealand Walk: Withering Heights -Tawarau Conservation area, King Country 39 Need2Know: New lookout for Bennetts Bay now open 40 High Achievers: Thames Hospital staff scrub in Hauraki Ranges 42 Index of previous 14 issues 43 Coming Events: New Zealand 47 Coming Events: Australia 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 48 New Zealand Country Breaks 51 Pak A Roo Jackets 52 Taupo events

AUGUST 281 2021

2 Queen Charlotte Track - Wilderness Guides 3 Contents 6 New Zealand Walk: Bannockburn Sluicings NZ’s own ‘wild west’ 8 New Zealand Walk: Cable Bay Walkway for coastal views 11 New Zealand Walk/Bike: Walking and biking around Napier 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 New Zealand Walk: Hooker Valley Track offers awe inspiring landscapes 23 Need2Know: Asking politely will protect outdoor acccess for others

24 Subscription page 25 Need2Know: Locked gates over unformed legal roads 25 Need 2Know: Walking as a sport in 1878 26 My Favourite Walk: Taking time on the Tongariro 28 Te Araroa : Q&A withTe Araroa walker and Wellington trustee John Craig 29 Banks Track 30 New Zealand Walk: Ghosts of the past: Historic trails across the Kaimai-Mamaku Park 33 Shared Pathway: Unique boardway opened in Waitara 37 My Favourite Walk: Three tramps in the Ruahine Forest Park 40 Australian Walks: Footing it in Tassie 42 Index of previous 14 issues 43 Coming Events: New Zealand 47 Coming Events: Australia 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 48 New Zealand Country Breaks 51 Pak A Roo Jackets 52 Taupo events

JULY 280 2021

2 Queen Charlotte Track - Wilderness Guides 3 Contents 6 New Zealand Walk: Comarderie on the Whareama Coastal Walk 12 Event: Walkers see the new Manawatu Tararua Highway taking shape 14 New Zealand Walk: Rotokawa Scenic Reserve - now a predator free area 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 New Zealand Walk: Fantail Falls an easy West Coast walk 22 Subscription page 24 Virtual field trip for school children showcases Te Araroa 24 My Favourite Walk: Linderman Loop - in the historic Kaimais 28 Around the Clubs: Clubs find advantage in sharing great walks 30 New Zealand Cycle Tour: Best Dam cycling trip in the world - Busting the 315km trail from Mt Cook to Oamaru 38 Australian Walks: Alice Springs for gorges, water holes and red desert landscapes 42 Index of previous 14 issues 43 Coming Events: New Zealand 47 Coming Events: Australia 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 48 New Zealand Country Breaks 51 Pak A Roo Jackets 52 Taupo event

JUNE 279 2021

2 Queen Charlotte Track - Wilderness Guides 4 Walk Talk 6 New Zealand Walk: Ship Cove walks in old swamp forests 8 New Zealand Walk: Muruwai Walk in Coromandel 10 New Zealand Walks: Somes Island - The MIQ experience 149 years ago11 New Zealand Walk: Somes Island Track 12 My Favourite Walk: Banks Peninsula Track - an unique scenic 3 day trip 14 Need2Know: Egmont National Park tracks upgraded 16 High Achiever: Havelock man’s marathon dream of link to Picton 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 Australian Walks: Ten best walks and hikes in Tasmania 24 New Zealand Walk: Gabriels Gully interpretation walk 26 Te Araroa Trail: Walking the Te Araroa Trail as a hotographer and film maker 30 New Zealand Walk: Mt Taranaki summit climb -not for the faint hearted 35 New Zealand Walk: Palliser Vineyard Walk 36 Directory of New Zealand Walking Groups 40 Subscription page 41 Index of previous 14 issues 42 Coming Events: New Zealand 47 Coming Events: Australia

48 New Zealand Walking Tours 48 New Zealand Country Breaks 51 ECHO Walking Festival 52 Taupo Marathon

MAY 278 2021

2 Pak - A - Roo Walking Jacket 4 Walk Talk 6 New Zealand Walk: Franz Josef - a must do 9 Need2Know: Health and Safety when crossing private farms 10 New Zealand Walks: Kaikoura - a popular spot for walkers 14 My Favourite Walk: Motorimu Shelter walk in the Tararuas 15 Event: Christchurch Walking Festival has many avenues for walking 16 New Zealand Walk: Tackling the Tirohanga 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 Australian Walk : Umpherston Sinkhole 22 My Favourite Walk: Western Loop Walkway for bush, river and open farmland 26 My Favourite Walk: A walk around Mangatawhiri Reservoir 30 My Favourite Walk: Counter clockwise on the Tongariro Circuit 36 Directory of New Zealand Walking Groups 42 Coming Events: New Zealand 47 Coming Events: Australia 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 48 New Zealand Country Breaks 51 ECHO Walking Festival 52 Taupo Marathon

APRIL 277 2021

walkers and cyclists 27 New Zealand Walk:The Terrace Walk, Franz Josef 28 Auckland Walks: Take a hike on these great Auckland walks this summer 30 New Zealand Walk: Gebbies Pass to Packhorse Hut 32 New Zealand Walk: Kahikatea Country - the Pehitawa section of the Te Araroa Trail 34 NZ Cycling Trail: The diverse Kaikoura Trail 35 Shared Pathway: Shared Kaikoura pathway connect loop 36 Event: Back to the future for ASB Christchurch events 38 New Zealand Walks: Mangatoi Walkers tackle the Coromandel walks 42 Coming Events: New Zealand 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 48 New Zealand Country Breaks 51 Wilderness Guides 52 Manawatu Walking Festival

FEBRUARY 275 2021

2 Pak - A - Roo Walking Jacket 3 Contents 4 Walk Talk 6 New Zealand Walk: A wander around Waioronga- mai Valley 11 Te Araroa Trail: New partnerships keep track of walkers on trail 12 New Zealand Walk: Hidden treasures in Wai-O- Tapu Forest 15 Need to Know: Advantages of replacing fizzy drinks with water 16 New Zealnd Farm Walks: Hill farm walks in the Rangitikei 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 High Achievers: Volunteers add value to Mt Somers experience 22 New Zealand Walk: Seven walks on Mt Somers 24 New Zealand Walk:Locals proud of Kawatiri Coastal Trail 26 New Zealand Walks: Plan your next adventure with New Zealand Walks 29 High Achiever: Award to Mangawhai builder of walking tracks 30 New Zealand Walk: Happy holiday humping 37 Book: Enhanced access grant supports bikepack- ing Aotearoa book 38 Need2Know: Enjoying the outdoors responsibility 41 Index of previous 14 issues 42 Coming Events: New Zealand 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 48 New Zealand Country Breaks 51 Wilderness Guides

2 Pak - A - Roo Walking Jacket 4 Walk Talk 6 New Zealand Walk: Omarama’s Clay Cliff spectacular landscape 8 New Zealand Walk: On a clear day you can see f o re ve r O t a w a to Otane-Wainuku Ridgeline 10 New Zealand Walk: Huatoki Domain - for a delightful walk 12 New Zealand Walk: Three coastal walks at the bottom of the South Island 14 Shared Pathway: Hikers and bikers share the Timber Trail 16 High Achievers: Te Araroa legends Ceorge Mills and Rob Firmin 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 Shared Pathway: Little River Trail Hike it, bike it like it! 25 Shared Pathway: New off road shared path gathering use 22 New Zealand Walks: Tongariro National Park short walks to suit all fitness types 32 Te Araroa Trail: New Invercargill to Bluff section, cyclists off road 32 New Zealand Walk: Rob Roy Track reopens 34My Favourite Walk: Day walks in 52 Event: Manawatu Walking Festivall West Coast’s JANUARY 274 2021 Oparara Basin 2 Pak - A - Roo Walking Jacket 34 NZ Cycling Trail: The diverse 3 Contents Kaikoura Trail 4 Walk Talk 35 Shared Pathway: Shared Kaikoura 6 New Zealand Walk: Round the pathway connect loop rugged rocks - Roaring Meg 36 Directory of New Zealand WalkPack Track ing Groups 9 New Zealand Walks: Top 20 Welly 41 Index of previous 14 issues Walks in the Capital 42 Coming Events: New Zealand 13 High Achievers: All walks of life 48 New Zealand Walking Tours celebrate 20 years of commu48 New Zealand Country Breaks nity talks 52 Great Forest Events 14 NZ Walking Access Commission: Walking the dog MARCH 276 2021 16 Event: New Zealand’s larget an2 Pak - A - Roo Walking Jacket nual multi-sport event welcomes 3 Contents walkers 4 Walk Talk 6 New Zealand Walk: Tauranga to 17 New Zealand Walk: Walking along the banks of the Ohura River Okere Falls on a shared trail 10 New Zealand Walk: Branch Road 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest Walkway - once an ancient Maori 20 New Zealand Walk: Rimutaka Rail route Trail for tunnels and waterfalls 14 New Zealand Walk: Blue Pools Walk - Mt Aspitring National Park 21 New Zealand Walk:Rimutaka Rail Trail popular with both walkers 16 Cycling Trails: New section of Alpsand cyclists 2Ocean Cycle Trail opens 17 New Zealand Walk: Hollyford Track 23 News: Survey highlights motivations for time in nature reopens 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly 24 Overseas Walk: Singapore Orchid Gardens for a walk among flora Photo Contest 20 Need2Know: Motu: Magnificent 34 Need2Know: Exercise helps to reduce back pain isolation 24 New Zealand Walk: Alexandra to 36 Australian Walks: Australia’s best one day walks Clyde River Track - attracts both

42 Walking New Zealand, issue noissue 283 - no 2021 42 Walking New Zealand, 284 - 2021

39 Event: Ashhurst to Esplanade Walk could go wrong 41 Index of previous 14 issues 24 Lockdown Activities: Nature is 44 Coming Events: New Zealand good for us 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 26 New Zealand Walk: An Architec48 New Zealand Country Breaks tural Walk 51 Wilderness Guides 28 My Favourite Walk: Along the 52 Event:Manawatu Walking Festival walkway at Macan- drew Bay DECEMBER 273 2020 30 Cycling Tours: Trip through the 2 Pak - A - Roo Walking Jacket tulips 3 Contents 34 New Zealand Walk: Nydia Track 4 Walk Talk something for everyone 6 New Zealand Walk: Punakaiki Gateway to dramatic limstone country 38 New Zealand Walks: Exploring the scenery of the Far North 13 Walking Access: Walking from 42 Te Araroa Trail: Te Araroa Northland town to town Trust revitalised 14 New Zealand Walk: Audrey Gale 43 Index of previous 14 issues Reserve beautiful in all seasons 16 New Zealand Walk: Snow Daze 45 Coming Events: New Zealand Golden Crown Ridge Ruahine 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 48 New Zealand Country Breaks Forest Park 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly 51 Event:Manawatu Walking Festival Photo Contest 20 New Zealand Walk: Mangatangi Track walk with great view points 22 New Zealand Walk: Doug Walker Memorial Walkway popular 24 New Zealand Walk: Four P’s in a pod! Paku, Pauanui, Parakiwai, Puketui 26 Te Araroa Trail: Paekakariki Escarpment Trail for magnificent views 30 Overseas Walk : A walk ever y day with the Norwegian Coastal Express 34 Overseas Walks: Lamma Island paved wilderness walkways 39 New Zealand Walks: 100km Coast to Coast Walk 42 Subscription Page 43 Index of previous 14 issues 44 Coming Events: New Zealand 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 48 New Zealand Country Breaks 51 Wilderness Guides 52 Event: Manawatu Walking Festival

NOVEMBER 272 2020

2 Pak - A - Roo Walking Jacket 3 Contents 4 Walk Talk 6 New Zealand Walk: An amble by Lake Hakanoa 9 New Zealand Walk: A trail that reconnects us to the Waikato River 10 New Zealand Walk: Tongariro Alpine Crossing: best one day walk in NZ 16 New Zealand Walk: Time to explore Nydia Bay 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 Australian Walk: Five of the top walks in Melbourne 22 Te Araroa Trail: Te Araroa Auckland Trust plan to enhance walking experience 24 New Zealand Walk: “Views to die for” on Waipu Cove Walkway 27 New Zealand Walks: Seven day walks around Queenstown 30 Overseas Walk: Whitburn to South Shields in the north east of England 34 New Zealand Walk: Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove full of history 38 New Zealand Walks: Track work making strides in Auckland regional parks 38 New Zealand Walks: Walk New Zealand before you walk the world 40 New Zealand Walk: Rotorao Island an unique island sanctuary 43 Index of previous 14 issues 44 Coming Events: New Zealand 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 48 New Zealand Country Breaks 51 Wilderness Guides 52 Event:Manawatu Walking Festival

OCTOBER 271 2020

2 Pak - A - Roo Walking Jacket 3 Contents 4 Walk Talk 6 New Zealand Walk: Ducks, Gnomes and Dinosaurs: Just a normal day in the Whirinaki Conservation Park 8 New Zealand Walk: Castle Hill: a walk through huge boulders 13 New Zealand Walk: Much loved Spraggs Bush Track reopens 14 New Zealand Walk: The Tinui ANZAC Walkway: a memorable walk 16 News: Te Araroa partners with NZ Walking Access Commission 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 New Zealand Experience: Our Routeburn experience: Water, floods and everything else that

52 Wilderness Guides

SEPTEMBER 270 2020

2 Pak - A - Roo Walking Jacket 3 Contents 4 Walk Talk 6 New Zealand Walk: Palmers Track - Great Barrier Island 12 John Fensham Memoral Sanctuary - a lowland forest walk 15 New Zealand Walk: Invigorating winter tramp on the Mania Track 15 Kawerau Accomodation: Firmin Lodge 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 Short walks to get you off the couch 23 Lockdown Activities: A morepork and the Milky Way 24 Northland Experiences: Two wheels and Shank’s Pony 28 New Zealand Walks: A week of walks on Chatham Islands 36 Event: Bay of Islands Walking Weekend - A real mix - hiking, biking trains and walks for non walkers 40 Event: Delightful dozen walks at Warkworth Weekend 2020 43 Index of previous 14 issues 45 Coming Events: New Zealand 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 48 New Zealand Country Breaks 51 Event: A great view from one of the Warkworth’s Walks 52 Wilderness Guides

AUGUST 269 2020

2 Pak - A - Roo Walking Jacket 3 Contents 4 Walk Talk 6 New Zealand Walk: Cook’s Cove Walkway to an historic monument 10 Queen Charlotte Track: Testing our limits on the Queen Charlotte 16 Lockdown Activities: Helping walkers along the way. Waitangi Regional Park. 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 Rotorua Walks: Short walks around Rotorua 22 Rotorua Walks: Ten great Rotorua walks and trails 23 Rotorua Walks: Tarawera Trail a great nature walk 24 Rotorua Walks: Firmin Lodge 26 Bay of Islands Walking Weekend: Mana, missionaries and mayhem 28 Need2Know: Pop goes my pelvis 30 New Zealand Walk Birdlife and song highlight of Bushy Park 31 New Zealand Walk: Bushy Park sanctuar y a top restoration project 32 New Zealand Walk: Curio Bay experiences 34 New Zealand Walk: Ballroom Overhang Track - Fox River West Coast 36 Need2Know: Baldwin Street steepest street again 37 Walking Access Commission: Trust saves public access to beach 38 Northland Experience: Monica cycles the Cook to Kupe Tour for a real Norhland experience 40 Need2Know: Tactical Unbanism gives cheap solutions for Auckland pedestrians and cyclists 43 High Achiever: Pre-schoolers delight at compe- tion win 44 New Zealand Walk: Big plans for walking and cycle paths along Avon River corridor 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 48 New Zealand Country Breaks 52 Walkers on the Tuki Tuki River Trail

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Coming Events

NEW ZEALAND SEPTEMBER 2021

5 North Shore Marathon, Milford, Auckland 5 Gizzy Trail Run Series: Pouawa Farm, Gisborne 5 XTERRA Auckland: Riverhead Forest, Auckland 11 Foundation Clinic Mauao Half Marathon, Mt Maunganui 11 Peak to Peak, Queenstown 11 Iron Maori Half Marathon, Napier 11 Kaikōura Whale Run, Kaikoura. POSTPONED 11 Kinloch Off Road Challenge, Kinloch, Taupo 11 Marton to Wanganui Relay or Solo Ultramarathon, Marton 11 Race Tekapo, Tekapo 12 Emerson’s Dunedin Marathon, Dunedin 12 Tāmaki River Half Marathon, Farm Cove, Auckland 12 Whangarei Run/Walk Festival, Whangarei 12 Hutt Marathon, Petone

Please note that because of the Covid-19 lockdown some events advertised in New Zealand may be rescheduled, postponed or cancelled. 12 Wild Auckland: Tawharanui, Tawharanui Regional Park, Auckland 12 Sri Chinmoy Cherry Blossom Marathon, Christchurch 18 Governors Bay to Lyttelton Scenic Road Race, Governors Bay, Canterbury 18 Queen Charlotte Relay, Picton to Havelock 19 4 Paws Marathon, Bottle Lake Forest, Christchurch 19 Cambridge Half Marathon, Cambridge 19 Hatuma Half Marathon & 10K Fun Run, WWaipukurau, Central Hawkes Bay 19 Shoe Science Tauranga Marathon, Tauranga 19 Wild Auckland: Tawharanui, Auckland

19 Run Auckland: Millwater Estuary, Silverdale, Auckland 25 Blue Lake 24 Hour Challenge, Blue Lake, Rotorua 25 The Mudder, Marton 26 4 Paws Marathon, Bottle Lake For-

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Coming Events

est, Canterbury 25 Sandy Point Classic, Invercargill e Lake Forest, Christchurch

OCTOBER 2021

1 Spring Challenge: South Island, Greymouth 2 Aoraki Mt Cook Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, Aoraki Mt Cook Village 2 Takahe-Akaroa Road Relay, Christchurch 2 Island Ultra, Nelson 2 Sprig & Fern 10K: Motueka 2 Rakiura Challenge Trail Run, Oban Stewart Island 3 Great Barrier Island Marathon,

Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Great Barrier Island 3 Harcourts Cooper & Co Devonport Half Marathon, Auckland 9 Abel Tasman Coastal Classic Trail Run, Kaiteriteri 9 Marina 2 Marina, Picton 9 Motu Challenge, Opotiki 10 3 Lakes Trail Run, Kai-iwi Lakes, Northland 10 Wairarapa Country Marathon, Masterton, postponed to 7 November 10 Southland Festival of Running, Invercargill 15 Spring Challenge: North Island, Napier

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15-17, Bay of Islands Walking Weekend, Russell, Northland 15-24 South Island Masters Games 2021, Marlborough 16 Jackson Holmes Salmon Run, Rakaia, Canterbury 16 Sprig & Fern 10K: Mapua 16 Cross Recreation Centre Half Marathon, 10K & 5K, Balclutha 16 Taupō Ultramarathon, Whakaipo Bay, Taupo 16 The Mudder, Marton 17 Run Orewa, Orewa 17 Crater Rim Ultra 2021, Christchurch 23 Kaikoura Mountains to the Sea, South Bay, Kaikoura 23 Twizel Hard Labour Weekend, Ben Ohau Station, Canterbury 23 Pirongia Trail Run, Mt Pirongia 24 Cromwell Half Marathon, Cromwell 24 Wild Auckland: Tāpapakanga, Tāpapakanga National Park, Auckland 28 Waikato Breast Cancer Research Trust Pink Walk & Button Run, Hamilton 30 Kawerau King of the Mountain, Kawerau 30 Shepherds Shemozzle, Hunterville 30 Mission Mt Somers, Staveley

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

Coming Events

30 Pūtauaki Prince & Princess of the Mountain, Kawerau 30 Kawerau King of the Mountain , Kawerau 31 Auckland Marathon, Devonport, Auckland 31 Omokoroa Coastal Challenge, Omokoroa, near Tauranga 31 Gizzy Trail Run Series: Eastwood Hill Arboretum, Gisborne 31 Mangonui Lions Fun Run and

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Walk, Mongonui to Coopers Beach, Northland 31 Turning the Tide Fundraising Walk, Muriwai Beach, Auckland 31 Peak Trail Blazer, Havelock North 31 Ashhurst 2 Esplanade Half Marathon and Fun Run, Palmerston North

NOVEMBER 2021

5-21 Waiheke Walking Festival, Waiheke Island CANCELLED 6 Feilding Festival of Running, Feilding 6 Lochmara Lodge Half Marathon, Queen Charlotte Track, Picton 6 Pink Ribbon Walk: Christchurch 6 T airua Trail & Tides Run & Walk, Tairua 6 Woodbury Hill Country Challenge, Woodbury, South Canterbury 7 City to Surf and Surf to Surf, Tauranga 7 Emerson’s Dunedin Marathon, Dunedin 7 Mitre 10 MEGA Walk, Hastings to Napier 7 Wairarapa Country Marathon, Masterton 7 Selwyn Running Festival, Leeston 7 The Nelson Half Festival of Running, Nelson 12-14 Warkworth Walking Weekend, Warkworth

CANCELLE

13 Pohangina Downhill Walk, 14km, Pohangina, Manawatu 13 Cole Murray Cape Kidnappers Trail Run, Clifton Bay, Hawkes Bay 13 Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon, Kerikeri 13 Rimutaka Rail Trail Fun Run and Walk, Upper Hutt 13 Santoft Forest and Beach Adventure Run/Walk, Scotts Ferry 13 The Taniwha on the Waikato River Trails, Whakamaru Mi-Camp, Waikato 13 Waitomo Trail Run, Waitomo 13 Walking Stars Night Walk: Auckland 13 Pink Ribbon Walk: Wellington, Wellington 14 Tois Challenge 10km & 6km Fun Walk, Whakatane 14 Round the Bridges, Hamilton 14 Kāpiti Half Marathon, Paraparaumu Beach 20 New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Queenstown Marathon, Queenstown 20 Pink Ribbon Walk: Auckland 20 The Coastal Five, New Plymouth 20 The Molesworth Run, Marlborough 20 Waitetuna Wind Farm Trail Run, Raglan 20 Walking Stars Night Walk: Tauranga, Tauranga 20 XTERRA Trail Challenge Waihi, Karangahape 20 Walking Stars Night Walk: Wellington 21 Cambridge Half Marathon, Cambridge 24 Cromwell Half Marathon, Cromwell 27 L ove2Run Waihi Beach 27 Mount Maunganui Half Marathon, Mt Maunganui 27 Run the Vines Paritua, Hawkes Bay 28 Longbeach Coastal Challenge, Ashburton Available from Rangitawa Publishing,

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46 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

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Coming Events

28 Rotary AllFit Coastal Run, Duder JJANUARY 2022 Regional Park, Auckland 8 Aotearoa Ultra Marathon, Little 30 Bell Hill Challenge, Baldoon Farm, River to Halswell Quarry, ChristCanterbury church 30 Kawerau King of the Mountain, 8 King and Queen of the Withers, Kawerau Blenheim 30 Mission Mt Somers, Staveley, Can- 11 Manawatu Striders Super Seven terbury Series, Palmerston North 31 Auckland Marathon, Devonport, 15 Good Home Taranaki Off Road Auckland Half Marathon, Lake Mangamahoe, near New Plymouth DECEMBER 2021 15 Ian Priest Memorial Hutt River 4 Greytown Rail Trail WAI NOT? Trail Events, Hutt Valley Greytown 15 Race The Train, Kingston, Otago 4 Hanmer Holiday Homes Alpine 15 Wine Run, Lone Goat Vineyard, Marathon Burnham, near Christchurch 4 Iron Maori Half, Napier 16 8th Continent Marathon and Half 4 The Kepler Challenge and Luxmore Marathon, Auckland Grunt, Lake Te Anau ‘ 4 The Manuka Trail Run, Man- 16 Women’s Half Marathon, Mangere, Auckland gamingi, Taranaki 18 Manawatu Striders Super Seven 4 The Poronui Passage, Poronui, Series, Palmerston North Taharua 22 Mount Run, Mt Maunganui 5 Parihaka Kill-Hill Challenge, Whan22 Tauranga Half,, Mt Maunganui garei 22 The Goat Adventure Run, Ton5 Wild Auckland: Piha, Auckland gariro National Park 11 3 Bridges Marathon, Wanganui 25 Manawatu Striders Super Seven 11 Crush the Cargill Dunedin Series, Palmerston North 11 Race Tekapo, Lake Tekapo 29 Jumbo Holdsworth and Hooper 11 Raglan Karioi Trail, Raglan Loop Trail Races, Holdsworth 11 Speights West Coaster Trail Run & Lodge, near Masterton Walk, Bethells Beach, Auckland 30 Vine Run at Pegasus Bay Winery, 12 Canterbury Half Marathon, PegaPegasus Bay Winery, Waipara Valsus, Canterbury ley, North Canterbury 12 Omaha Half Marathon, Omaha, Auckland

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

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48 New Zealand, issue 284 - 2021 48 Walking Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 -no 2021

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

GISBORNE

TARANAKI

Dave & Carol Digby Ph: 06-765-7482

GREAT COUNTRY BREAKS NELSON

Fully licensed owner/operators (since 2001)

TRAMPING - CYCLING - TRANSPORT

HIKES THROUGHOUT NZ

* Heaphy Track * Abel Tasman * Cobb Valley * Old Ghost Road

‘Carry less, enjoy more’ Come explore with us! www.kahurangiwalks.co.nz

Phone 03 391 4120 CANTERBURY

NATIONAL PARK

WAIRARAPA

Whakapapa Holiday Park Unique walking experience over private farmland and Wairarapa Coastline, with two or three day options. Awesone scenery, rustic accommodation and delicious meals. For further information visit www.oruiwalk.co.nz

Whareama Coastal Walk offee Onsite C trailer and Food

Fully serviced campground nestled in the heart of Tongariro National Park, surrounded by beautiful native trees and rivers. Plenty of bird life. We have powered sites, cabins, tent sites, backpacker rooms and a lodge that sleeps 32.

Whakapapa Village, Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park 3951 PH 07 892 3897 - info@whakapapa.net.nz

Fully catered 2 Day Walking Adventure over private farmland with isolated Wairarapa coastline views.

Phone (06) 372 3722

www.whareamawalk.co.nz

Please tell our advertisers you saw it advertised in Walking New Zealand magazine. WAIRARAPA

MARLBOROUGH

KAIKOURA COAST TRACK Awesome 2 days getaway to go home refreshed

Discover new landscapes Farm accommodation Bags transferred daily Hike into nature

03 319 2715 www.kaikouratrack.co.nz

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue no 284202149 49 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

AKAROA

MT VERNON LODGE

GREAT COUNTRY BREAKS

SOUTHLAND

MACKENZIE/South Canterbury

Set on 6 hectares in the heart of Akaroa, Mt Vernon Lodge offers a variety of accommodation, from economy rooms to cottages and cabins/chalet with full facilities.

A unique four days walk or mountain bike ride in idyllic South Canterbury

Phone 03-685-4848 Email: info@walkfourpeaks.co.nz

STEWART ISLAND

* Freedom $245 * Prime $545 * Guided $1695

SOUTHLAND

Manicured lawns and mature trees coupled with amazing views and great facilities make Mt Vernon Lodge your only choice for your stay in Akaroa.

Contact David & Amanda Kinnaird 33 Purple Peak Road, Akaroa

03 304 7180 info@mtvernon.co.nz www.mtvernon.co.nz

Please tell our advertisers you saw it advertised in Walking New Zealand magazine. NORTH CANTERBURY

Please tell our advertisers you saw it in Walking New Zealand magazine.

NORTH CANTERBURY

Kiwi on the Camino by Vivianne Flintoff Self guided private walking track * Choose between 3 or 2 day options. * Lodge style accommodation with fully serviced kitchens, BBQ, hot showers, comfortable bunk-beds and pillows. * Dogs welcome, kennels available at lodgings. * Pack transport each day makes for a stress free adventure.

Check our availability calendar online www.islandhillsstation.com Walking New Zealand, issue no 284- no 2021 50 Walking 50 New Zealand, issue 284 - 2021

900kms along an ancient pilgrimage trail in Northern Spain Available from independent book sellers or directly from author E-mail : vivianneflintoffbooks@gmail.com Web: http://www.vivianneflintoffbooks.com/

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PAK - A - ROO

Walking Hiking Jacket Wicking Lining

Only

$129.00 plus $7.00 P&P

To order:

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz Freephone 0800 925-546- walking THE

WALKING NEW ZEALAND MAIL ORDER

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

SHOP

WALKING NEW ZEALAND Ltd, P O Box 1922, Palmerston North, 4440 Phone 06-358-6863: fax 06-358-6864 or freephone 0800-925-546

Colours: Red, Navy, Dark Olive, Brown Sizes XS - S - M - L - XL - XXL Weight approximately 800gms

Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

52 Walking New Zealand, issue no 284 - 2021

284 November 2021

Articles inside

My Favourite Walks: A day tramp in Akaroa

Index of previous 14 issues

Event: New direction for the Front Runner Hoka

New Zealand Walk: Plans for City to Sea pathway taking shape

Need2Know: Everyday planning for everyday people

High Achiever: Ronnie gets back on the bike at age

New Zealand Walks: Five exhilarating walks in the

High Achievers: Three women take up 1000km

Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest

High Achiever: Q&A with accommodation pro vider and trail legend Bill Trolove

Need2Know: New Pocket Maps app helps walkers

High Achievers: Unlikely couple meet and live

New Zealand Walk: The Pakihi Track for total seclu