Maori Boat

Moari Boat

CookieSaw this boat going up the river, was quite impressed with his speed for a gondala type thing until I zoomed into the photo and saw the outboard motor in the middle of the canoe!

Ferry to Russell Peninsula (across Veronica Channel)

Ferry to Russell Peninsula (across Veronica Channel)

CookieThis is a totally legit bit of public transport I’ll have you know! I think the final route (when complete) won’t go this way, but for the time being this is the official route. We’re staying at a lovely campsite in Orongo Bay with speedy internets tonight. Heading off to do the Russell Forest Walkway tomorrow, hoping this forest isn’t as jungly as the last..

Finally we set sail!

Boat across to Marsden Point

Need to cross a river? You need Paddy Power!

our hero Paddy

NickyBetween Orewa and Brown’s Bay there were two sizeable river mouths in our way. Now, this can be a bit of an issue when you’re a tiddler like me ;) Especially if you forget to research what the tide is doing… !

So first up was Weiti River. Again the trail notes say to ‘just hitch a ride with a local boatie’ which can be easier said than done as we found out a few days before :)

But along came our hero Paddy! A southern irish fellow, genuinely named Paddy. What were the chances?

Crossing Weiti River

Crossing Weiti River

Back in Auckland

Back in Auckland

NickyWe Made It! 600km In The Bag. I cannot bloody believe I’ve managed to get in a plane and fly somewhere, then walk all the way back. That’s just plain silly…

But i’m *well chuffed*. And I could never have made it without the help of the amazing Cookie!! He’s been leading the way, carrying aaaaall the weight, the food, the water, the tent and the kitchen; lifting me up high steps when my little legs were too short; feeding me sugar when I was flagging. So thank you Cookie! Can’t believe you’ve got me through it ;)  … WeyHey!

( Only 2400km left eh ;) ) haha! Getting fitter though! Surely!

Voyage of (360) Discovery to Coromandel

Voyage to Coromandel

Across the Cook Straight on the Interislander

Across the Cook Straight on the Interislander

Cookie on the Cook straight

Cookie on the Cook straight

Picton to Endevour Express

Picton to Endevour Express