TA Day 103, Twizel to Freehold Creek, (29 km) + 6 km
At some point in life the world’s beauty becomes enough. —Toni Morrison The stars were spectacular overnight and I slept deeply in my little single bed in the Hobbit House. It’s a lazy morning on Denise’s porch – typical Kiwi with an enormous outdoor living space under a corrugated plastic roof. I lose myself in […]
TA Day 102, Tekapo to Twizel, (54 km)
I slept poorly last night with all the rustling about, phones going off and generally being stressed out knowing I need to slow down and enjoy, but somehow unable to just yet. So many friends responded with incredible words of kindness and encouragement when I posted my breakdown video on social media. It is the […]
TA Day 101, After Washdyke Stream to Tekapo, 26 km
The path is clear to road, past farms and down to the radiant turquoise of Tekapo under a cloudy sky.
TA Day 100, Royal Hut to after Washdyke Stream, 26 km
Stag Saddle is the highest point on the Te Araroa with a 360-degree view from Beuzenberg Peak.
TA Day 99, Crooked Spur Hut to Royal Hut, 16 km
I break down (briefly) on the steep Two Thumb Track from heat, exhaustion and mean Kiwis.
TA Day 98, Potts River Bridge Car Park to Crooked Spur Hut, 17 km + 14 km
A side trip to Mount Sunday starts the day before a crossing the braided Rangitata and up the Two Thumbs.
TA Day 97, Manuka Hut to Potts River Bridge Car Park, 33 km
Running out of food, the local ranch owner gives me enough food to cross the Rangitata.
TA Day 96, A-frame Hut to Manuka Hut, 28 km
This section is magical on river-as-trail and over a saddle to a valley of giant clouds.
TA Day 95, Harper River Camping Area to A-Frame Hut, 32 km
A couple gives me a ride around the impassable Rakaia river and become lifelong friends.
TA Day 94, Hamilton Hut to Harper River Camping Area, 20 km
It’s a hot and short walk along rocky riverbed that’s hard on the feet with multiple river crossings.
