Category: TA Trail

Three months have passed since I completed the trail. I had no immediate plans on finishing but that was immaterial as Covid-19 restrictions were dictating life for us all, certainly in New Zealand. I heard from the Mary Potter Hospice that the March fundraising appeal letter and email, in which they included Jenny’s and my … Continue reading Post Trail Update

24 Mar. My South Island walk had three purposes: me, Jenny and charities. For me it was a transition journey back to some sort of normal life after Jenny’s illness and passing. For Jenny, it was for her spirit to be with me in the natural world she loves. And for charities, it was to … Continue reading Journey Reflections

21 Mar. With the rain forecast to worsen later in the day, we went for an early start from the Tuatara Lodge Backpackers at 07:30. The Subway next door was open so Richard and I picked up a sub for a later lunch. The trail out of town follows the Estuary Walkway for about 11km. … Continue reading Invercargill to Bluff – Last Day Walking

20 Mar. Today we had to wait for the tide. The route along Oreti Beach to Invercargill has a small estuary about mid way which is difficult to cross at high tide, which today was about 11:00. So Richard, Josh, Nina and I met at the Postmaster Bakery just after 10:00, where Richard and I … Continue reading Riverton to Invercargill

19 Mar. It was going to be a short walking day, so we had a slow start from the campsite bunk room and we were walking at 08:40. In the group were Richard, Josh and Nina. Down to the beach and then along the bay for about 6km. Much of that was pebble beach walking … Continue reading Colac Bay to Riverton

18 Mar. It was good to be walking at 08:20 in the fresh air after a night in a hut strongly smelling of rat urine and droppings. However as we found out from Roy and Sirkka later in the day, even camping in Longwood Forest, the rats try to chew their way into tents. They … Continue reading Martins Hut to Colac Bay

17 Mar. It was a very cold night and with the rain yesterday, my tent was soaked with condensation. Richard and I were up at 05:45, and the hut occupants were up soon after. We all got away at about the same time, 07:25. The first 12km was a 700m climb to Bald Hill, initially … Continue reading Merivale Hut to Martins Hut

17 Mar. Despite the forecast, there was little rain overnight, but the temperature was near frost levels. Svenja and Daisy had decided to take a rest day and avoid the rain. Richard and I were off at 08:40. After about 3km of road walking, the track took us across farmland to climb the Twinlaw hill … Continue reading Birchwood Hut to Merivale Hut

15 Mar. The weather forecast had rain due in the afternoon, and as it was going to be a long day walking, Richard and I decided that an early start would be worthwhile with the hope of a dry finish. So the morning alarm set for 05:45. It was a cold damp night so tents … Continue reading Telford Campsite to Birchwood Hut

14 Mar. I was up at 06:00 for a 07:30 start as we faced a long day. The imperative was to overnight at the Telford Campsite (just has a long drop toilet), as the following day was 8-9 hours over Mt Linton Station which is private farmland and access was only allowed during daylight hours. … Continue reading Aparima Hut to Telford Campsite