We walked along beaches and through forests, and that day we stepped into one private ranch after another.
That’s really one of the defining features of the North Island section of New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail—to link up the existing tracks, you have to pass through areas that aren’t tracks at all, which creates wonderfully varied routes.
Like private ranches: without walking the TA trail, would you ever get the chance to openly explore them?
As soon as we stepped into the sheep pasture, they all bolted away instantly. But when we came to a sturdy cattle herd, they actually crowded around us and kept following right behind us. Thankfully they were just curious cows! Hey! Look at me—I’m a Cow Girl!
Another distinctive feature of the North Island route of New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail is encountering unexpectedly warm-hearted New Zealanders!
Because the North Island route passes through many towns rather than being entirely on remote trails, there are plenty of opportunities to meet locals.
After four days battling through the forest, we planned to reach Kerikeri town to find accommodation. But three kilometres before town, warm-hearted locals invited us to their garden for a chat and even invited us to stay the night and rest. Then they prepared us a feast that hikers can only dream of, to replenish our nutrition and energy.
New Zealanders are absolutely part of the most beautiful scenery on the journey. It made me think about how to pass on this kindness to others.
(Reflecting on 2016/12/7)
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