TE ARAROA
Whanganui
The thru-tramper enjoys two Great Walks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Whanganui River, where they put down their hiking poles for a paddle.
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TA Day 46, Te Porere Redoubt to Mangatepopo track – 27 km
The weather is perfect for the spectacular volcanic Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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TA audio narrative: best birthday present ever
Good weather and good friends add up to one of the best birthdays in memory.
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TA Day 54, Hipango Park to Whanganui, (30 km) + 7 km
It’s a short paddle into Whanganui where Blissful meets George and Rob, her ‘guardian’ trail angels.
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TA Day 55, Whanganui to Koitiata, 33 km
It’s road from Whanganui to Koitita beach, massive driftwood on black sand and a magical sunset.
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TA Day 56, Koitiata to Mount Lees Reserve, 37 km
A bit of beach walk then river cross leads through pine forest to Bulls and finally a lovely reserve.