The Last Push

The coastline north of Wellington

It's really hard to believe we are here. We have made it to Wellington. The north island is finally complete and I can offiicially check that item off my list of things to do. I feel as though since Alex and I arrived on January 18, a huge weight has lifted from my shoulders. We are here. Life is good.
And life has been pretty good since Palmerston North onwards. Alex and I had arrived there January 9 and were more than pleased that we'd be able to access all the outdoor gear stores in attempts to trade in our faltering gear. Everything was breaking down all at once which left us wondering if we'd even be abel to complete our journey through the south island to Bluff.

Our boots were the major worry as it was no longer an issue of wear and tear. It was only a matter of time before our toes were going to start sticking through the fast developing holes, let alone the fact that our feet threatened to just simply break through the soles of our boots. All the KMs walked and constant change in weather conditions had taken its toll.

On route to the center of Palmerston North Alex and I happened to cross paths with a Hunting and Fishing shop. We crossed our fingers that we could sort out Alex's boots without too much trouble.



Jody, me, Paul and Alex in Macpac

 We walked in there still wearing all our trekking gear (and probably bringing a lovely green cloud of stench with us) and attempted to discreetly put our packs down out of the way. Alex then took her boots off and brought them to the front counter all dirty, sweaty, smelly and completely falling apart. Within a few minutes of conversation on what we have been up to and why the boots need replacing, Alex was handed a new pair of which she promptly put on her feet and then we walked out of the store. I only hoped all our gear issues could be solved in the same way.

Apparently they could. The following day Alex and I marched into Macpac first thing to sort out our deflating sleeping mats and my thermal pants that were beginning to look like moths had gotten at them. It was there we met Jody and Paul who were so excited about our adventures that we ended up hanging out for a couple of hours in the store just chatting it up about everything under the sun. By the time we left Macpac, not only were we sorted for new gear, but we'd also managed to stock up on Em's Cookie Bars and snag a dinner date with Jody and her family later that evening.

Te Araroa silently directs us

From Palmerston North Alex and I walked our way down Burttons Track where we learned of Jim Burtton. He was the one who originally built the track as he lived and farmed ont he land there. It was only when a terrible accident of his swing bridge across the river collapsed with him on it that Jim had to crawl his way on the path to get help. 12hrs later he did but by then it was too late and he died. There was something morbidly surreal about walking the same route a dying man trekked in 1941 to get help from his closest neighbors. Put me off wanting to ever live reclusively in the bush.

By January 13 Alex and I met up with some locals to walk the Makahika track into Makahika. As they worked for Sally at the Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Centre (our food drop and sponsor) we were able to unload our packs with Sally and take minimal gear into the forest for the 15KM trek. Needless to say, we were practically running the trail with the non-existant loads on our backs and took great joy in being able ot fly down the trail at record speed.

Once at Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Alex and I were welcomed wih open arms into Sally's family. We had such an amazing time that we couldn't bare to leave first thing the next morning. So we stayed another day. And then another. The way things were, it's a wonder we even chose to continue walking Te Araroa Trail. Between hot showers, real beds, stacks of books, a spa pool, great company and mouth-watering food - well - we were in heaven.


Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Centre

 Eventually we tore ourselves away and continued downt he western coastline into Wellington. By January 18 we had made it. 96 days from beginning our journey and Alex and I have finished the north island. Halfway donw and halfway to go. I can only imagine the adventures that await us.

And so - right now - Alex and I have been busy making final preparations for the south island. I managed to get my boots exchanged at Biviouac (thanks guys!) so that I can continue trekking without worry that I may have to eventually barefoot it in order to finish. Alex was able to snag an awesome Macpac pack to replace her well-used and now retired pack. Both of us traded in our cardboard t-shirts for an upgraded merino version. New maps have been printed and our gear has been downsized to the bare minimum in order to avoid weight. The best has been that we have been able to do everything from the comforts of another fellow trekker's home. Thanks to David we have been able to sort out everything without the hassle of a hostel, campsite or other money-draining accommodation. Instead we have found common ground on comparing Te Araroa notes and planning for what is to come once we leave Wellington. And with that in mind - only one more sleep to go and then we set sail to continue the rest of our epic adventures with Te Araroa.