Waikato/King Country

Lots of pastureland and lots of rain in this region, as well as mud especially in the Hakamiratas and Mount Pirongia near Hamilton.

TA Day 29, Mercer to Rangariri - 27 km
The trail is through soggy bottomland and over electric fenced farmland to Rangariri.
TA Day 30, Rangiriri to below Hakamarita summit - 29 km
It's easy tramping to Huntly and a beautiful sculpture garden, then up steeply into the Hakarimata Range.
These roots were made for tripping.
TA Day 31, Hakarimata to Hamilton - 28 km
The Hakarimatas is a muddy bushwalk to beautiful stairs, the Te Awa Cycleway and Hamilton.
TA Day 32, Hamilton to Whatawhata - 10 km
It's farms, the cool Taitua Arboretum and finally Whatawhata, where the Backyard Bar allows camping.
TA Day 33, Whatawhata to Pahautea hut - 33 km
The trail is through swamp up into the Kapamahungas and muddy, moss covered Tawa on Mount Pirongia.
It's always best just to go straight through the mud as Floris does wearing his rain
TA Day 34, Pahautea hut to Kaimango Road - 18 km
I'm rescued by a trail angel after a 5-hour hike from the hut down Mount Pirongia in deep mud.
TA Day 35, Kaimango Road to Waitomo - 29 km
Under threatening thunder, the walk is in farmland, muddy bush and across a swollen stream.
The cavers from Kaitaia practice their technique for getting in (and out) of tight spots.
TA Day 36, ‘zero day’ Waitomo
Waitomo is the perfect day for a "zero mile" rest day at the Hamilton Tomo Hut.
TA audio narrative: a ‘walking holiday’
This long thru-hike is less a "walking holiday" than a full-time job.
Chairs awaiting campers at a bend in the river.
TA Day 37, Waitomo to Mangaokewa Reserve - 31 km
Wet farmland and the glorious Pehitawa forest is followed by a river sidling nightmare.
TA Day 38, Mangaokewa Reserve to Mangaokewa Road - 17 km
Out of Mangaokewa Reserve, Blissful is picked up by trail angels and learns how a farm works.
TA Day 39, Mangaokewa Road to Ngaherenga campsite - 33 km
More rain, but finally the sun is up and the sky is pink. I am starting to doubt my capacity
TA Day 40, Ngaherenga campsite to Timber Trail - 27 km
I wake up to an absolute cacophony of bird song, the wildest yet. We’re at about 500 meters and it
TA Day 41, Timber Trail - 33 km
All my gear is neatly laid out as I wait for the sun to peak out over the trees. He’s
TA Day 42, Timber Trail to Ongarue campsite - 26 km
Good decision to sleep in the tent, so cozy and much less dew this morning. Tuis call each other over
TA Day 43, Ongarue to Taumarunui - 27 km
Up early just as the sun is coming up, my favorite time of day. I’m happy to have found a
TA audio narrative: into each life...
https://youtu.be/8zjutfuIukI
TA Day 44, Taumaruni to Whakapapa River - 25 km
To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself. – Søren Kierkegaard The day starts
TA Day 45, Whakapapa River to Te Porere Redoubt - 35 km
Gray and ominous this morning; foggy, but no rain. Obviously I’d like ideal weather for the crossing – and my