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!
Start of the Te Araroa Trail
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!
Cookie with Cape Maria van Diemen in the background
The cape in the background was named by Abel Tasman after the wife of his patron, Anthony van Diemen. It is - along with the Three Kings Islands - one of only two geographic features in New Zealand to retain the names given to them by Abel Tasman. Cheers Wikipedia! Well I’m not sure if Maria was a looker, but the cape named after her isn’t too shabby.
