Author Archives: Kiwihobos

On the old forestry Road with gravel we had a barely secure tent. In the night we lost two sides which wasn’t a surprise. Rowan got up both times in the wind and rain, I did the very important inside job of holding the leki poles. Apart from the tent on our faces we slept well. The next day we had some savoury oats for breakfast and packed up slowly. With only a 3km walk ahead it wouldn’t take us long to be at Dome Valley. I aimed for lunchtime as Clare said she could pick us up and I could use the car, then come get her when she finished work. Finally setting off, it only took us a bit over an hour to get there. Clare picked us up and we set headed back to Warkworth. We decided to go straight to Subway in Wellsford. Once we had some lunch we got to her house and enjoyed a hot shower. After unpacking we headed to the local shops where we restocked at the pharmacy & 4 Square. There may or may not have been a Hospice Op Shop that we visited too. I found a practical light bag for toiletries as I have teared through two zip lock bags and Rowan found some jewellery, (You can visualise him walking with pearl earrings). Time flew by and it was time to pick up Clare & Skylar. We had Indian takeaways for dinner and enjoyed being inside Clare’s cosy warm home. We will have a zero day tomorrow, getting a chance to wash our clothes and rest our feet.

Day 5 staying alive!

13km done today, which we are pretty proud of. Our feet have so many blisters and the last 3km was a killer for us. We set off from the reserve and followed a bush track we made really good timing. Out the other side I went to the first house I could see and asked for some water. It was this amazing earth home, made from recycled everything. They have a charitable trust called Earthskin. The guy who got us some water was only house sitting so I didn’t take any photos. Then off along the road until we found a spot to have some lunch. From then on the walking got harder. Rowan gave me some chocolate at one point which gave me a good boost. I have put some antiseptic on and bandaged up Rowan’s blisters, I hope they get better soon. Pip in Puhoi told me that a French lady was putting needles and thread through her blisters and leaving the thread in. So I have been doing that on any new blister I get as long as it hasn’t popped it appears to be doing the trick. We aim for a few more kms tomorrow to hit the Dome Cafe where a lovely sister of mine will take me in. I can’t wait for a hot shower these cold whore washes are okay but nothing like the real deal. We will need to stock up a few items too.

Mud, mud, mud and more mud

I said to Rowan “I hate mud.” He replied, “no you don’t, what you have is a mild dislike bordering on apathy.” Well I guess I better get used to it but I really don’t like walking in mud! You will be pleased to know I had a better sleep last night, not amazing but better. The camp site had picnic tables and a shelter, which was very handy. We ended up leaving fairly late it is amazing how fast time goes. We headed straight up a ridge line following a farmers fence, all the way to Dunn’s Bush. It was really pretty, most of the tracks are closed but one track is open for TA hikers. We then got out onto a road and did a little road walking. When we got to the next bush track you could see dirt bikes go through it regularly, which makes it incredibly uneven and muddy. We got about 100m in and found a spot for some food. It is only about 2km, but we are exhausted. 2kms of slow steep mud walking. Today was the first day that I have felt I didn’t want to go on. We made it to camp about 4pm. Which gave us heaps of light to set up and eat. Tomorrow is looking mostly downhill so I better prepare my blisters, I mean toes

I had a non existent sleep again, exhausted and frustrated. All I can hope for is that the moon is the cause of these sleepless nights. I get up to pee and I tell Rowan I am going to attempt to sleep some more. So we relax in the tent till 8am. We end up chatting to Pip for a few hours while having some breakfast and tea. We lay out all our gear and I attempt to remove as much mud as possible. There isn’t much sun but it seems to be enough to dry out most items. We finally get packed up and walk a kilometre into town and have some lunch. We had already decided we will only be walking a small distance along the Puhoi Track to Reminger Road, as there is a new council camp site there. It felt longer with a lot of up and downs, boots covered in mud through the farmland. The forests were beautiful but were very quiet I saw hardly any birds. The swing bridge near the end was covered with some debris from the floods a week ago but still good. The last 1km slog to the camp was the hardest. We got here with some light left in the sky, quickly pitching the tent. Then we pulled out clothes and had a wash with a cloth under a tap, wasn’t too bad. I set the inner tent up with all the gear while Rowan made us some soup. I think this will be the quietest camping spot so far. I have decided to try wearing my buff like a eye mask to see if it helps me sleep tonight.

Well that was stupid!

We successfully stealth camped and woke up to rain in the night. We were so tired and lazy that we didn’t bother to pitch the tent properly, low and behold we had rain. Now I did check my bag but I didn’t look at my boots, which now had some lovely puddles inside of them. I also had barely any sleep, I am not sure why but it was rather noisy. On the brightside Rowan had water in his boots too so we both got to put our feet into soggy boots. We wandered over to a picnic table and had some breakfast, garlic pita breads with some salami. It was really dry and on the upside it repeated chronically throughout the day. We set of for Wenderholm Park knowing we had lots of time as we needed to wait for the tide. The weather was ho hum, with regular showers. We arrived at Wenderholm around 11am, made a hot lunch of noodles and set in to relax. Here is where we went wrong…

The camp site was shut so we thought we would wait for low tide (2pm) and packraft up as it came in. In our heads it sounded much more preferable than walking along the main road. So we relaxed and killed some time in the park. Meantime we got in touch with a trail angel who said for $20 we can pitch on her lawn and have a hot shower! We kept an eye on the water but not much was happening. All of a sudden the time was 3.45pm so we quickly got up and started getting the raft ready. Now the water had finally turned we could paddle up easier. I said to Rowan, is it too late, do we need to just stay here? He said let’s just do it. So 30min later we had shoved all our gear in and we headed off. The raft did really well and we only got stuck on a sand bar a few times. Once Rowan had to get out and move us. Now the problem is this estuary river is a long bloody river, the sun was setting faster than I could paddle. I had the worst pains in my hips and my back but we persevered. When we could see the motorway I got really excited. I wish I knew at the time that meant I was only half way haha. I am pretty sure that shower is the only thing that kept me going. When we hit the bridge I was so happy, we were aiming to get out at the kayak hire. It got to the point where we couldn’t easily see so we decided the next easy bank on the left we would hop out. Luckily for us it was the kayak hire. I hoped out first and sank into Puhoi mud knee deep, I lost both of my saddles trying to get out of the mud. I tried to get attention of the house to let them know what I was doing in their yard but I failed. Rowan pulled the boat up behind the hall on the grass. By now we were wet sodden and needed to unpack and repack of backpacks. I wish there was someone to take photos but it was really dark by then. I found my head torch which was already on so that keeps on going low and bright while we attempted to pack. Rowan’s torch also went out, bloody typical. We some how got all sorted mud everywhere and had a 1km walk ahead to do. As we set off there was a quiz party going on at the hall and the locals thought we had joined in with the dress up themes. Then they realised we were two idiots that look like swamp trampers. A relatively easy walk but wet and cold wasn’t fun. We made it to Pip’s House and quickly got the tent up, about 30min by the time I got enough mud off before going inside. That shower was amazing, I nearly didn’t get out. We made some kai and by the time we hit the hay it was 9pm and we were exhausted.

Can I go home now? Everything hurts!

Google says we have done 16.5km polar steps says we have done 13km, I am not sure which one is right.  It has been a rough day, we are definitely out of shape, but I am looking forward to doing it all again tomorrow.  As we started we definitely had a lot of quick stops to readjust but then got our stride on.  It was like going down memory lane for me, walks I had done hundreds of times as a kid.  We had our first proper stop for 15min in Stanmore Bay where we ran into some locals who hike regularly.  We stayed on the beaches as much as possible, but did do a lot of road walking too.  As we hit Orewa we both were really hungry and needed a fuel stop, the stretch to Subway was slow and draining. On the beach was quite chilly and we took a good 45min break. By this time we are getting close to 3pm so we realise we won’t make it easily to Wenderholm. We push onto Hatfield Beach where you’re only allowed in self contained vehicles. So we pop into the bushes and we waited for dusk before setting up the tent. Now inside pretending we are allowed here haha.

I am finally feeling better, a bit of a runny nose and a cough like a seal but well enough to start. Rowan has caught my cold and is also on the mend, he doesn’t have it as bad. We are all packed minus some last minute items and we will set off in the morning. Not sure when I will have a chance to go back online and do an update. My grandparents are coming down to the wharf to see us leave for Stillwater, apparently they are also bringing an audience. Here is hoping we don’t fall in!

The plan was to be walking by Saturday but I have come down with a cold. I have done a couple of RAT tests to make sure it wasn’t covid. Already starting to feel better. Now the plan is to be heading off on Tuesday, we will hit the tides just perfectly to get us up the Weiti River over to Stillwater. I have an app called Polar Steps which is designed to follow your every step and map it out. Both of our phones will be on flight mode 99% of the time. I am looking forward to losing the reliance I have using it all the time. Off to have a hot shower, I’m not sure how many more real showers I will have in the next few weeks. It is the one thing that I don’t like the idea of, having a cold swim in some little ankle deep stream or freezing cold lake. For Rowan it is pooping in the woods and biting insects. We are looking forward to being comfortable with being uncomfortable. So please think of us while you enjoy your comfortable daily existance.

Here is the polar steps link

https://www.polarsteps.com/kiwiwhobos/5241424-free-wander-aotearoa?s=d1efb916-a3b8-4230-b089-d28a17324468

Currently sitting at the airport waiting for our delayed plane. The last week has given us a chance to spend 3 fun nights at our friends house in Nelson. Fossicking in the Aniseed River, Brightwater Bridge and Wairoa Gorge. Had a brief op shop tour home and a snowball fight in the Lewis Pass. Our awesome neighbours and close friends let us stay for 3 nights. I even had a chance to go to the monthly community meeting to say goodbye. The lovely Liz kindly dropped us off at the airport. I am excited and nervous all at the same time.

In the beginning we thought we could just use gear we already owned, then it all changed and we added a lot of extras. Hours of research later we have purchased majority of the items in this list. Our intention was to be between 7kg-10kg base weight, it was going well until we started adding toys. Because we are doing this for 6-12 months, making the journey as comfortable and as fun as possible became really important. In doing so we have added a lot that most wouldn’t. We reached our goal of base weight for normal gear but the toys mean we are more like 16kgs each!

On the Te Araroa FB Group Rowan came across a guy named Jeremy who had done a trail from north to south utilising a packraft and a carbon fibre scooter. This set in motion a complete change to our trip, instead of going light and compact we started adding a lot of extras. A lot of research later we came across Koaro Packrafts, we headed to Karamea to see what was possible. Rowan must have asked Sam a million questions, but by the end of the day we had a custom designed packraft ordered. Now a few kilos heavier we decided to add items to make our trip more enjoyable. Below is a list of what we are bringing with us.

Shelter/Sleeping Gear

• Durston XMid 2p Tent
• 4x MSR Groundhog
• 2x MSR Groundhog mini
• 2x Sand/Snow Pegs
• 10x Assorted Pegs
• Durston Groundsheet
• MSR E-Wing Shelter
• 2x Nemo Switchback Foam Mats
• Sea to Summit Etherlight Mat – K
• Sea to Summit Mat – R
• Sea to Summit Aeros Lightweight Pillow K
• Klymit Pillow R
• 2x Enlightened Design Revolution Quilts
• Sea to Summit Silk Liner – R
• Macpac Silk Liner – K
• 2x Tyvek Quilt Bags
• 2x Emergency Bivy Bags

Cooking Gear

• Soto Windmaster Gas Cooker
• Flat Pack Titanium Wood Stove
• MSR Alpine Frying Pan
• Sea to Summit Pot
• Titanium Pot 3L
• Titanium Plate
• Titanium Large Mug
• Can Opener
• MSR Spatular
• Titanium Cutlery
• Water Bottle
• Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

Safety

• PLB
• First Aid Kit
• Ironwire (rope)
• Wire Saw
• Sea to Summit Multi Tool
• Wallet – ID, Cash, Cards

Toiletries

• Sea to Summit 10L Shower
• Soap
• Conditioner/Moisturiser
• 2x Toothbrushes
• Floss + Interdental Brush
• Sunscreen
• Insect Repellent
• Deodorant
• Wash Towel
• Dry Towel
• Silicone Ear Plugs
• 2x Titanium Trowels
• Toilet Paper
• Shewee
• Bush Cloth (fufu wiper)

Rowan Clothing

• Julbo Explorer Sunglasses
• Macpac Hat
• Sea to Summit Net
• Poncho
• Macpac Down Vest
• Kathmandu Merino Long Sleeve
• Kathmandu Merino Dress Shirt
• Macpac Merino Short Sleeve
• Columbia Quick Dry Shirt
• Lightweight Dungarees
• Sparx Bamboo Underwear
• 2x Macpac Merino Underwear
• 2x Injinji Sock Liners
• Icebreaker Outer Socks
• Mons Royale Hooded Merino Top
• Icebreaker Merino Track Pants
• Macpac Merino Buff
• Salomon Sandals
• Salomon Element Boots
• Possum Gloves
• Manuka Staff
• Fallkniven Bushcraft

Kate Clothing

• Prescription Transition Glasses
• Back Up Glasses
• Op Shop Hat
• Poncho
• Macpac Puffer Jacket
• Macpac Fleece Jumper
• Icebreaker Merino Singlet
• Kathmandu Quick Dry Shirt
• Curve Leggings
• Tradies Bamboo Shorties Underwear
• Awwa Period Underwear
• Sloggi Bra
• 2x Injinji Sock Liners
• Icebreaker Outer Socks
• Kathmandu Merino Long Sleeve
• Icebreaker Merino Track Pants
• Icebreaker Merino Buff
• Beanie
• Teva Sandals
• Salomon Quest 4 Boots
• Possum Gloves
• Leki Walking Poles
• Umbrella
• Opinel Knife

Gathering

• 5 Piece Fishing Rod
• Reel Spooled with Braid
• Tackle Kit
• Spearhead & Elastic
• Diving Mask & Snorkel
• Slingshot
• Single Neoprene Gloves

Electronics

• Samsung Note 9 – K
• Apple 10 – R
• 2x Kindle Paperwhite
• Anker Battery Pack 2800amp
• Solar Panel
• Nikon P1000
• Tripod
• Battery, SD Cards
• Lensa Head Torch
• Hand Torch
• Battery Powered Pump/Lantern (packraft & mats)
• Various Charging Cords
• Samsung Double Charger
• 2x Jaybird Earbuds

Packraft

• Custom Koaro Packraft
• Koaro Inflatable Floor
• Koaro Dry Bags
• Custom Paddles (attach to walking poles)
• Life Vest
• To come is helmets & better life vests prior to white water rafting