Like Minded People

[Wand'rin Star]

Are there any people from Tauranga who may be interested in walking thev Te Araroa

[Mary Hansen]

Hi Wand'rin Star, I am not from Tauranga but from Te Aroha just over the Kaimai Range and have been walking Te Araroa in sections, about 4 days at a time because of family and business commitments. I am hoping to walk my next stage at the end of this month from the Omahuta forest through the Puketi [with the densest kiwi population in NZ] and onto Kerikeri, it will take 4/5 days. It is great fun to keep going back to where you left off and continuing the trail. It gives you time to research the route and particular needs for each stage as they vary greatly. eg walking Ninety Mile beach is very different from the forests, water avaliability is an important issue, it is heavy to carry but a vital necessity.It is difficult to find walking companions that are able to fit into your agenda but the walk is an amazing adventure and well worth the effort. Do you have a copy of the new book launched at the offical opening recently, it is very good and the maps and info on the website are great but do download and print them out on A4 to get the details. I was told by Peter Griffiths a northern bushman and track volunteer that 'it is as much about navigation as it is about walking ' and he is right I've found...it is far from a beaten trail! Are you through walkers or doing it in sections? I am happy to share info on what I have done so far and maybe we can overlap somewhere! I am still looking for companions for January! Good luck with your plans it is a wonderful challenge, full of neat experiences...flora and fauna, land and seacapes, interesting geology and wonderful people. Kia kaha, bye Mary 

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From: tear...@googlegroups.com [mailto:tear...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Wand'rin Star
Sent: Wednesday, 4 January 2012 2:24 p.m.
To: tear...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Like Minded People