Hiking Tararua Range North Island New Zealand
Over the past month I have been spending time relaxing and enjoying the chance to get my land legs back. I also have been working on the boat and repairing damaged items as usually. A few days ago I went out on my own to my first intense hiking aka tramping adventure. I captured my adventure in the photos and short film below. I tramped for 5 days and on the last day hitched hiked back to my car.
Starting out hiking through the sheep and cow pasture up into the mountains
Before I began this hike I was told by many locals that people past away in storms up in the Tararua Range. I guess it didn’t sink in until I passed the crosses.
Looking back down the moutain after a 5 hour hike/climb from the valley to the start of the range ridge line.
I was very stoked to be finally at the top of the range and start my 45k tramp across the ridge line of the range.
As I hiked I would dip down into areas of tree line that were covered by moss and gave me the chills.
I did enjoy the uniqueness of the elements around me. I was very humbled by the quietness of the land it made me reflect alot as I tramped
The trees and landscape began to grow into a magical world rather then a real reality.
I was far into the range and above the tree line for good now, but the great west wind gales from the Tasman Sea kicked up as I climbed higher into the clouds across the mountain tops.
Fog began to boil up out of the valleys and spill over the tops of the range like milk from a carton
I was able to get a quick video as the gale hit. I then spent 4 hours to get to the next hut as I fought through 50 plus knots of wind. My legs were on fire because not only hiking up hill I was hiking through wind that felt like quick sand. This is when I really felt alone.
After hunkering down in a hut for half a day until the wind was passable I found this challenge awaiting me. I loved this part of the trail, but it was still cold with the wind blowing.
Made to the top of the ladder and took a self portrait hanging out over the drop.
Looking down the ladder.
Looking out off the ladder top
After the ladder I climbed up the cliff and found a taller mountain that I had to climb on the other side.
The trial was now like walking a razor line of rock with nothing to fall onto but air right or left. Good Times
On the last day I woke to see fog but it began to blow away as the sun rose high .
Now sunny and warm I felt so motivated and happy I tramped down the mountain.
Looking at the pasture as I hiked down the last K. It was a great adventure which helped me reflect on more important things in life.
Thanks,
Jacques
