TA Day 53, Flying Fox to Hipango Park, (34 km)
It’s a day of rain and interesting cliffs to mysterious Hipango Park with oddly scattered long drops.
TA Day 52, Tieke Kainga to Flying Fox, (52 km)
We paddled 3 sets of rapids including 50/50 which ejects half those who dare paddle through.
TA Day 51, John Coull to Tieke Kainga, (32 km)
From the Bridge to Nowhere, it’s not far to a powhiri welcome at the Maori community, Tieke Kainga.
TA Day 50, Whakahoro to John Coull, (38 km)
We learn to paddle rapids, repack our barrels and set off through cliffs, falls and see three bats.
TA Day 49, Katieke War Moument to Whakahoro – 24 km
It’s a long road walk to the Blue Duck Station where canoes await at Wade’s landing.
TA Day 48, National Park to Katieke War Monument – 27 km
It’s easy walking down with a view of the conical Mt Taranaki to the Retaruke Valley and camping.
TA Day 47, Mangatepopo track to National Park – 30 km
Blissful awakens to a snow-covered Ruapehu and the storms don’t hit until she’s in town.
TA Day 46, Te Porere Redoubt to Mangatepopo track – 27 km
The weather is perfect for the spectacular volcanic Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
TA Day 45, Whakapapa River to Te Porere Redoubt – 35 km
On the steep, and deeply rutted Waione/Cokers Track Blissful accepts a ride with a trapper.
TA Day 44, Taumaruni to Whakapapa River – 25 km
It’s a gorgeous country road to the Whakapapa where Blissful sees two rare whio.
