The chorus of birds on both the Te Araroa and the Pacific Crest Trail were glorious. Hear them for yourself!
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North Island
The North Island of New Zealand has a hugely varied landscape of beaches, volcanoes, bush and farmland, plus cities. The Maori culture is strong here.
TA audio narrative: north down, south to go
New Zealand’s North Island is slightly longer and more varied than the South on the Te Araroa.
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TA Day 70, ‘slackpack’ Wellington, 15 km
It’s up steep Mount Victoria and Albert before visiting Shorland Park at the end of the island.
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TA Day 69, Wellington
Blissful takes a “nero” walking through the Botanic Gardens and visiting bays strung like pearls.
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TA Day 68, Camp Elsdon to Wellington, 29 km
It’s steep up Colonial Knob, then quiet Ohariu Valley and Mount Kaukau with Wellie views.
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TA Day 67, Paekakariki to Camp Elsdon, 28 km
The Escarpment Track rises steeply with fabulous views of Pukerua Bay and the Tasman Sea.
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TA Day 66, zero day
Trail Angels Rob and George insist I take a zero day and they give me Veet to finally clean up my legs.
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TA audio narrative: weather window
The most important lesson I learned is if the weather is good, keep moving.
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TA Day 64-65, Side trip! Mt. Taranaki
Blissful climbs Mount Taranaki to greet the sunrise on New Year’s Day as the first to summit.
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TA Day 63, Waikanae to Paikakariki, 21 km
After tough mountain walking, it’s easy along the river, an estuary and the grogeous beach.
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