Here’s the first section of video from our walk across New Zealand, I’ll be uploading the rest as I get them finished. From Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island we walked down 90 Mile Beach, across to the east coast via the Herekino and Raetea forests, along the Bay of Islands and then through the Russell Forest.01. Far North
Here’s the first section of video from our walk across New Zealand, I’ll be uploading the rest as I get them finished. From Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island we walked down 90 Mile Beach, across to the east coast via the Herekino and Raetea forests, along the Bay of Islands and then through the Russell Forest.Thar she blows! Cape Reinga, the start of the walk
Brilliant to finally see the famous light house out in front of us and knowing the real adventure is about to start. But also feeling quite apprehensive suddenly. I think about the isolation, and being so far from people and help ( although I know that i’m in the expert wilderness-trained hands of Cookie of course ) and I know everything will be totally fine - but I think the remoteness of the location and the magnitude of the task in hand is starting to sink in! And, as they say in Bad Boys II, “This shit just got real!”.
The famous signpost & Cape Reinga Lighthouse
This marks the start of the Te Araroa trail, Only 1800 miles to go!
Start of the Te Araroa Trail
Destination -> Bluff
Don’t listen to what the sign says, we’re not taking the as-the-crow-flies route ;)
Bluff is the southernmost tip of New Zealand which hopefully we’ll be reaching before our tourist visa runs out, just shy of 6 months time!
And we’re off!
It’s a bit windy up here at the Cape but the sun is shining and it feels great to finally start the walk. Not far to go today because it was about 3.30pm by the time we finally stopped taking pictures and video at the lighthouse.
First sight of our first beach
Nicky gives it the once over, “just like Cornwall… but MASSIVE” she says.
Nipped around this bit just before the tide came in
This is an old lava flow that we’re walking along, apparently the top end of New Zealand used to be a separate volcanic island which has been joined onto the north island by the ocean currents pushing sand up the coast. There’s certainly plenty of sand about.. Gets everywhere!
Nicky walking along Te Werahi Beach
The first beach. Excited to be by the seaside.
First Camp
Slept amazingly well here actually. Surprised how well for a night in a tent, but I think jet lag, a few drinks the night before, the fresh air plus carrying those heavy rucksacks helped to knock us out!We didn’t get very far on the first day due to the late start, camped near Te Werahi Stream, just above the beach. The water from the stream was a bit brackish, just used it for cooking to conserve our drinking water.Climbing up Herangi Hill
Blimey it’s like the Sahara Desert here!
