Wednesday, 12 April 2017
PUKEMOKEMOKE
On a miserable, wet but warm summer Sunday, I threw my hiking boots and poles into the car and went to walk Pukemokemoke bush track. The walk itself is only about 20 minutes but really grunty. While it is well marked and easy to follow, it just keeps climbing steadily. The weather cleared as I arrived and the Tui and cicadas sang a I puffed and panted my way to the top.
A mixture of Kauri, Ponga, Totara, Kanuka, Kawakawa and Matai trees are found on the track.
The lookout at the summit (166 mtrs) of the track provides an amazing 360 degree view of the region, with many of the mountains and peaks e.g. Maugatautari, Kariori, Te Aroha, Hakrimates and others very easily seen. The reserve is about 15 minutes from Gordonton village on the Tauhei Rd – just past the Tauhei school. A long right of way opens into quite a large carpark, which would easily take campervans.
Saturday, 8 April 2017
Enjoying New Zealand
Who is Denise Irvine? Why is she writing this blog? Where is she?
I have been having adventures throughout New Zealand for over thirty years, since the age of forty, and now would like to share some experiences with the hopes that I will encourage you to attempt them as you spend time in New Zealand. New Zealand with its beautiful scenery offers so many opportunities for exploring. Hiking, biking, black and white water rafting, golf carts along old railway lines, beautiful beaches for lazing or body surfing.
Big tracks to hike on such as the Milford Track, a three night and four day which can either be enjoyed by freedom hiking or by being guided. Guided is a a little more expensive but very comfortable. Roast meals and hot showers win out over pasta made with dried milk powder! Emme (my grand daughter) and I enjoyed the scenery and each others company on the Routeburn in 2015. These tracks are well set up, even for freedom hiking but must be booked early, like a year before.
Biking trails are growing quickly in number. Often these are formed from old railway track. All created for different levels of fitness. One I particularly enjoyed was the Otago rail trail. A three night, four day event where we were supported along the way by the Otago Milton Rotary Tramping club. All accommodation was booked for us. First night in a school house, next night, cabins in a camping ground, third night a type of backpackers where we spent some of the time learning the art of curling in the local town and the last night at a hotel. Two of the volunteers would arrive each day with fresh bread and fillings for lunch and plenty of water, which we so appreciated, both for drinking immediately and filling our water bottles. Bikes can be rented to ride this trail and accommodation is cheap and easily accessed.
One of the nicest things about these adventures is that you meet many like minded people. You enjoy the adventures with them and although may never see them again, they remain a special memory.
Do enjoy New Zealand and make every minute count.
Golf carts which have been adapted to run along railway lines is another experience I thoroughly enjoyed.
I have been having adventures throughout New Zealand for over thirty years, since the age of forty, and now would like to share some experiences with the hopes that I will encourage you to attempt them as you spend time in New Zealand. New Zealand with its beautiful scenery offers so many opportunities for exploring. Hiking, biking, black and white water rafting, golf carts along old railway lines, beautiful beaches for lazing or body surfing.
Big tracks to hike on such as the Milford Track, a three night and four day which can either be enjoyed by freedom hiking or by being guided. Guided is a a little more expensive but very comfortable. Roast meals and hot showers win out over pasta made with dried milk powder! Emme (my grand daughter) and I enjoyed the scenery and each others company on the Routeburn in 2015. These tracks are well set up, even for freedom hiking but must be booked early, like a year before.
Biking trails are growing quickly in number. Often these are formed from old railway track. All created for different levels of fitness. One I particularly enjoyed was the Otago rail trail. A three night, four day event where we were supported along the way by the Otago Milton Rotary Tramping club. All accommodation was booked for us. First night in a school house, next night, cabins in a camping ground, third night a type of backpackers where we spent some of the time learning the art of curling in the local town and the last night at a hotel. Two of the volunteers would arrive each day with fresh bread and fillings for lunch and plenty of water, which we so appreciated, both for drinking immediately and filling our water bottles. Bikes can be rented to ride this trail and accommodation is cheap and easily accessed.
One of the nicest things about these adventures is that you meet many like minded people. You enjoy the adventures with them and although may never see them again, they remain a special memory.
Do enjoy New Zealand and make every minute count.
Golf carts which have been adapted to run along railway lines is another experience I thoroughly enjoyed.
Emme at the Auckland airport with her boarding pass to Queenstown on way to Routeburn 2015
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