Take a look at our crazy map detailing our entire journey here:
http://mrcocard.followmyspot.com/jaz-and-cody-new-zealand
March 18th: Late night on the Keplar
The only bus to Te Anau was going to arrive in town at 6:30 in the evening. Unfortunately this meant that the "short" 2 hour walk to the tent site was going to be done in the dark.
This worked out well for us since we were able to hear plenty of Kiwi calling to each other as we stumbled through the dark.
Have I mentioned that I picked a REALLY bad time to loose my glasses.
We ate dinner at around ten, and fell asleep by 11. Tomorrow was going to be an early wake up call, we had a full 9 hour day of vertical ascents and steep declines.
March 19th: Jaw dropping beauty on the Keplar
We woke up at 6:30 am- ugh! Neither of us wanted to get out of the tent; it was a cold, dark morning.
But we made it, and were rewarded by a lovely sunrise across the lake.
The track was very well kept, it took us through dense forest, and high alpine ridge line.
It was quite a bit chilly but thankfully not the freezing temperature that was forecast the previous evening. Still, it was enough to leave frost on the ground.
This is the largest hut we've come across. Sleeps over 50 people!
The best part was hiking up the ridge to an alpine cave, located near a very impressive 50 person hut.
We had been staying in huts all over the South Island, but none were as grandiose as this. It was starting to irritate us how much money they spent on the huts compared to how little was used in trail maintenance. On the TA the difference was striking, at least on the Keplar Track the hut quality matched the superb trail. We didn't stay in the huts on the Keplar, the 50$ per person price tag was enough to keep us confined to the tent sites.
But back to the cave...is it normal for caves to have lava in them?
Did you buy that?
Well the campsite warden did for a minute at least. But he figured it out the same as you I'm sure.
Cody was the one who had the bright idea of shining our red headlamps on the cave formations. We had a little too much fun.
After the cave came the ridge line, and with the ridge the beautiful views of the Sounds appeared
As we hiked, we heard Kea calling while they flew above us. If you don't know what they sound like you should look it up, they make a friendly chortling call as they fly. Most Kea are very intelligent and humorous. They are considered to be the "Clowns of the mountains". More importantly they are the only high alpine parrot. Sadly for us we weren't visited by any Kea up close and had to enjoy them from a distance.
It was perfect weather to be up on the ridge, no clouds or wind.
After the climb along the ridge, we started our decent down.
It was a long way, and Cody's knee was not appreciating it. But we made it without seeming to do any extra damage to his knee.
We got to the campsite at a more reasonable hour this time, which aloud us to cook dinner and get to bed at a decent time. We had another 9 hour day to complete the loop track back to Te Anau.
We heard more Kiwi that night, this hike was definitely the best we've done in New Zealand. The trail was wonderful, views stunning, and we heard more kiwi and Kea here than we have in 4 months of hiking the length of New Zealand.
March 20th: Hiking out
The hike out was through lush, undulating forests that were filled with ferns. I love ferns!
After a few hours, the walk became very flat and we made it to Rainbow Reach in no time. Managing to get a very lucky hitch into town right as we neared the car park.
We prepared for a bus ride the next day that would take us to Invercargill. From there we'd spend one day hitching to Bluff, then flying out the next day.
March 22nd: Bluff
We hitched a ride from Invercargill with a friendly tourist named Leo. He reminded us a lot of the nice guy who had given us a lift at the start of our journey to Cape Reinga.
For those unfamiliar we were heading to the end of the Te Araroa trail. A place called Bluff which is the southern most point in New Zealand. This would have marked the end of an 1800 mile journey, had we walked all the way. Our adventure was now officially over, and although we enjoyed New Zealand immensely, both of us were looking forward to heading home.
After Bluff we headed into town and saw the sights... Can you guess what this is?
March 25th: Longest Day ever
We started out with a 4 hour flight from Auckland to Nadi, in Fiji. Unfortunately I got the seat in front of a nightmare child that kept screaming and kicking my seat. There was no hope as we were surrounded by many other screaming babies in the cabin. I guess spring really is in the air.
We were stuck in a 5 hour limbo period in Fiji where we both tried not to go insane as the airport staff made trivial announcements over the intercom every ten minutes.
The Fiji airport is really strange. We were nervous enough not to drink any of the water because it was clear we were in a developing country. The Fiji airplanes however, were top notch. Having spacious seats, and quality food which was served by attentive staff.
Finally were were able to board at 9:40 pm Fiji time. Once we were served dinner, Cody and I tried desperately to fall asleep for the 11 hour plane ride to Los Angeles. I had taken a Sea Legs prior to the flight; to ensure drowsiness and no vomiting on this trip. It worked! But the screaming baby to our right ensured that we got little sleep.
March 25th...again!
Let me tell you, time travel is brutal!
Both of us were running on practically no sleep, but we were with it enough to still be hungry.
Just like I'd promised, we had Mexican food immediately after checking into our hotel. It wasn't just any Mexican food... It was my favorite restaurant El Tarasco! Luckily there was one near the airport. Great way to complete our trip.
After pigging out, I introduced Cody to Trader Joe's; he bought us a delicious dessert while we were there.
I bought a cheap, but cute dress to remind Cody after 5 months of hiking that I was still a girl. He liked it :)
Both of us will be parting ways after this, Cody will be spending time with his friends and family in a bunch of different states. And I will be enjoying my family in California.
After thoughts of hiking in New Zealand...
The trail tested us in ways I never expected.
I would say to anyone thinking of hiking that it's not just physical ability that will ensure completion of the TA. We saw an amazing hiker taken down by severe shin splints.
Twisted ankles, tendinitis, and hurt knees are common ailments on the TA. The hikers we knew that experienced these were strong, confident twenty somethings.
Patience, plenty of time, and complete understanding of what this trail is actually like before commitment is essential.
This trail tested my patience, and my courage. I was thankful to have Cody by my side to experience all the beautiful, and frustrating moments on the trail. He is a very brave, and determined man.
To everyone who gave us rides, invited us into their homes, and hiked with us on the trail...Thank you. You all contributed to a truly special experience that we had during our travels.
Before we left for New Zealand, Cody and I wondered if the trail would change us.
We have changed.
Hiking the trail gave us both the time, and space to think about our lives back home. Both of us are inspired by new dreams we have discovered, and refreshed from our break from reality.
Thank you everyone who read this blog, sent us touching emails, and encouraged us as we moved along the length of New Zealand. We appreciated all of your love and support.
I will do a couple of blog updates about our gear and general thoughts about the trail in the weeks to come. But for now, consider this the final post that chronicles our adventure.
Thank you, and good night. Both of us are on Kiwi time, hopefully we can coax our confused bodies to go to sleep.
http://mrcocard.followmyspot.com/jaz-and-cody-new-zealand
March 18th: Late night on the Keplar
The only bus to Te Anau was going to arrive in town at 6:30 in the evening. Unfortunately this meant that the "short" 2 hour walk to the tent site was going to be done in the dark.
This worked out well for us since we were able to hear plenty of Kiwi calling to each other as we stumbled through the dark.
Have I mentioned that I picked a REALLY bad time to loose my glasses.
We ate dinner at around ten, and fell asleep by 11. Tomorrow was going to be an early wake up call, we had a full 9 hour day of vertical ascents and steep declines.
March 19th: Jaw dropping beauty on the Keplar
We woke up at 6:30 am- ugh! Neither of us wanted to get out of the tent; it was a cold, dark morning.
But we made it, and were rewarded by a lovely sunrise across the lake.
The track was very well kept, it took us through dense forest, and high alpine ridge line.
And it even has solar power
The best part was hiking up the ridge to an alpine cave, located near a very impressive 50 person hut.
We had been staying in huts all over the South Island, but none were as grandiose as this. It was starting to irritate us how much money they spent on the huts compared to how little was used in trail maintenance. On the TA the difference was striking, at least on the Keplar Track the hut quality matched the superb trail. We didn't stay in the huts on the Keplar, the 50$ per person price tag was enough to keep us confined to the tent sites.
But back to the cave...is it normal for caves to have lava in them?
Did you buy that?
Well the campsite warden did for a minute at least. But he figured it out the same as you I'm sure.
Cody was the one who had the bright idea of shining our red headlamps on the cave formations. We had a little too much fun.
Into the belly of the beast
Very cool formations
Heading back out of the cave
After the cave came the ridge line, and with the ridge the beautiful views of the Sounds appeared
It was perfect weather to be up on the ridge, no clouds or wind.
Can you guess which one of us was nervous about heights?
The trail takes the ridge for a long time
After the climb along the ridge, we started our decent down.
Beautiful craftsmanship on these trails
It was a long way, and Cody's knee was not appreciating it. But we made it without seeming to do any extra damage to his knee.
This is a gas powered wheel barrel used for trail maintenance
A nice fall to greet us near our campsite
We got to the campsite at a more reasonable hour this time, which aloud us to cook dinner and get to bed at a decent time. We had another 9 hour day to complete the loop track back to Te Anau.
We heard more Kiwi that night, this hike was definitely the best we've done in New Zealand. The trail was wonderful, views stunning, and we heard more kiwi and Kea here than we have in 4 months of hiking the length of New Zealand.
March 20th: Hiking out
This is what it takes to build great trails in New Zealand
Found a Hobbit hole
Scared some tourists from my den
The hike out was through lush, undulating forests that were filled with ferns. I love ferns!
We started seeing some really cool mushrooms during this section of forest
After a few hours, the walk became very flat and we made it to Rainbow Reach in no time. Managing to get a very lucky hitch into town right as we neared the car park.
We prepared for a bus ride the next day that would take us to Invercargill. From there we'd spend one day hitching to Bluff, then flying out the next day.
March 22nd: Bluff
We hitched a ride from Invercargill with a friendly tourist named Leo. He reminded us a lot of the nice guy who had given us a lift at the start of our journey to Cape Reinga.
For those unfamiliar we were heading to the end of the Te Araroa trail. A place called Bluff which is the southern most point in New Zealand. This would have marked the end of an 1800 mile journey, had we walked all the way. Our adventure was now officially over, and although we enjoyed New Zealand immensely, both of us were looking forward to heading home.
After Bluff we headed into town and saw the sights... Can you guess what this is?
It's the worlds fastest Indian
March 25th: Longest Day ever
We had quite the view from our hotel room in Auckland
That evening we awoke to loud booms from a fireworks display. Later on we learned it was celebrating a cricket game. This was rather touching since we had a magnificent fireworks display our first night in New Zealand. Which was also a surprise because neither of us were familiar with the Guy Fox holiday. What a send off!
Flying out of Auckland
We started out with a 4 hour flight from Auckland to Nadi, in Fiji. Unfortunately I got the seat in front of a nightmare child that kept screaming and kicking my seat. There was no hope as we were surrounded by many other screaming babies in the cabin. I guess spring really is in the air.
Landing in Fiji, the air was very hot and humid compared to chilly New Zealand
No barrier between us and the enormous plane
They must have heard we were coming and organised the band
We were stuck in a 5 hour limbo period in Fiji where we both tried not to go insane as the airport staff made trivial announcements over the intercom every ten minutes.
The Fiji airport is really strange. We were nervous enough not to drink any of the water because it was clear we were in a developing country. The Fiji airplanes however, were top notch. Having spacious seats, and quality food which was served by attentive staff.
This is not the type of audio book I'd want to listen to during take off
Finally were were able to board at 9:40 pm Fiji time. Once we were served dinner, Cody and I tried desperately to fall asleep for the 11 hour plane ride to Los Angeles. I had taken a Sea Legs prior to the flight; to ensure drowsiness and no vomiting on this trip. It worked! But the screaming baby to our right ensured that we got little sleep.
March 25th...again!
Let me tell you, time travel is brutal!
Both of us were running on practically no sleep, but we were with it enough to still be hungry.
Just like I'd promised, we had Mexican food immediately after checking into our hotel. It wasn't just any Mexican food... It was my favorite restaurant El Tarasco! Luckily there was one near the airport. Great way to complete our trip.
After pigging out, I introduced Cody to Trader Joe's; he bought us a delicious dessert while we were there.
I bought a cheap, but cute dress to remind Cody after 5 months of hiking that I was still a girl. He liked it :)
Both of us will be parting ways after this, Cody will be spending time with his friends and family in a bunch of different states. And I will be enjoying my family in California.
After thoughts of hiking in New Zealand...
The trail tested us in ways I never expected.
I would say to anyone thinking of hiking that it's not just physical ability that will ensure completion of the TA. We saw an amazing hiker taken down by severe shin splints.
Twisted ankles, tendinitis, and hurt knees are common ailments on the TA. The hikers we knew that experienced these were strong, confident twenty somethings.
Patience, plenty of time, and complete understanding of what this trail is actually like before commitment is essential.
This trail tested my patience, and my courage. I was thankful to have Cody by my side to experience all the beautiful, and frustrating moments on the trail. He is a very brave, and determined man.
To everyone who gave us rides, invited us into their homes, and hiked with us on the trail...Thank you. You all contributed to a truly special experience that we had during our travels.
Before we left for New Zealand, Cody and I wondered if the trail would change us.
We have changed.
Hiking the trail gave us both the time, and space to think about our lives back home. Both of us are inspired by new dreams we have discovered, and refreshed from our break from reality.
Thank you everyone who read this blog, sent us touching emails, and encouraged us as we moved along the length of New Zealand. We appreciated all of your love and support.
I will do a couple of blog updates about our gear and general thoughts about the trail in the weeks to come. But for now, consider this the final post that chronicles our adventure.
Thank you, and good night. Both of us are on Kiwi time, hopefully we can coax our confused bodies to go to sleep.
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