Day 42 and 43 Taumarunui to Tongariro National Park 71k TA 1127

I put my tent up last night at a little place called Grandad’s Cottage. It had great wifi so I had a chance to catch up on notes for the last few days and reading about what’s ahead.

After making my way across town this morning, it was a short stroll in the countryside for a bit. What a great way to start the day.

I had also crossed the Whanganui River; I’m looking forward to that section of the TA. I will be kayaking on the river for a few days instead of hiking. Katie will reward me for this, I’m sure.

Back to the trail although not much to report. After a bit of a tedious hike, where I became acquainted with SH4 and bush roads, I reached Owhanga and camped at Canoe Adventures, (the old Owhanga Hotel).

This is quite a pretty little town, near the Whakapapa River (a tributary of the Whanganui River) with really friendly people. An old fella I got yarning to told me the name Owhanga in te reo (Maori) translates as ‘Place of wheezy noises’. He may well have been pulling my leg. :/)

42 Traverse

Ah. The 42 Traverse. Trail of legends!

I am completely, utterly thankful I seem to be just ahead of the weather currently smashing the South Island and hitting some of the North.

This 42 Traverse would be bloody impossible after decent rain. Essentially, it is a 4WD (dec to April) and mountain bike track and in wet conditions I would be in mud to ny knees. It’s the type of track that my son probably dreams of bouncing his rig down.

As it was, there were deep ruts left from prior poor weather crossings which kept me on my toes. Literally!

I walked to the Te Porere Redoubt, the 1869 site of the last major battle of the New Zealand Wars where sadly, Maori Leader and guerilla fighter, Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Turuki

was defeated in battle (although he avoided being captured by the Europeans).

It was then a hike back to and along SH47 until finally, the last 8k to an access road for the start of the next trail head.

Despite the road walking today, I was really satisfied with my efforts. I conquered the 42 Traverse and I’m all set to hike somewhere pretty special tomorrow.

42 Traverse