Monday 20th February to Tuesday 21st February
Total kms covered this section: 34.93
Day 81: Queen Charlotte Tavern to Havelock
- Official trail kms: 1793 – 1806km
- Distance walked today: 13.47km
- Total walked so far: 1914.34km
- Time today: 3 hours 3 minutes
- Calories burnt today: 2013kcal
- Total elevation gain today: 243m
- Did we get wet feet today? No
- Weather: Hot and Sunny
- Happiness rating: 10/10
- Accommodation: Cabin – Havelock Holiday Park
We had a bit of a disjointed sleep last night as cars seemed to come and go at random times during the night. Nevertheless, the alarm was set for 7 as always and true to form we were slow getting up. Andy had opened up the cafe at 8am as promised (even though he had a killer hangover from last night – absolute legend) and served us coffee and homemade bacon and egg pies. They were actually so good – I’m so gutted I didn’t get a second one!
Today was a planned 13km nero into Havelock where we were checking into a cabin at the holiday park so we could get some washing and life admin done. And of course, rest up a little before we head into the long stretch that will be the Richmond Ranges.
We set off around 9:30am and rejoined the Link Track. It was a stunning morning and we put some tunes on and danced our way down next to the road. We even had a seal friend swim alongside us at the waters edge for about 20 mins. It was a little poetic even! The Link Track was a surprise gem as we avoided basically all the roads and skirted alongside on a well maintained track, even climbing up above the road, giving us some pretty awesome views. We were cruising along at about 5km an hour and Havelock came into view within 2 hours.
Arriving in town, we stopped in at the bakery for some lunch, popped in to the Mussel Pot restaurant to make a reservation for dinner and made a quick stop at Four Square for some supplies before checking into the Holiday Park. It’s been a relaxing afternoon getting some chores done before heading out to dinner this evening for some world famous green lipped mussels. Yum!
Day 82: Havelock to Pelorus Bridge
- Official trail kms: 1806 – 1827km
- Distance walked today: 21.46km
- Total walked so far: 1938.80km
- Time today: 4 hours 42 minutes
- Calories burnt today: 2841kcal
- Total elevation gain today: 116m
- Did we get wet feet today? Only half a foot
- Weather: Stupidly hot – 30 degrees was forecasted
- Happiness rating: 10/10
- Accommodation: Tent – Pelorus Bridge Campsite
Today was due to be a scorcher so we were up and out of the cabin by 8am to try cover as much of the 21km to Pelorus Bridge as possible before the 30 degrees forecasted temperature set in.
We made a quick stop for some coffee and lunch before setting off along SH6. Thankfully we only had 3km on the main road and had a decent shoulder to walk on. We turned off and crossed the Pelorus river, which we would follow alongside for the rest of the day.
The bodies were feeling pretty fresh after the past 2 smaller days, so we motored along at about 5.5km/h down the gravel road. By 11am we’d covered the 14km of the gravel road section and had stopped for a rest and a muesli bar in the shade before heading into farmland.
The river was a constant allure, with its crystal clear waters beckoning us for a swim, but first we had to get through the hot and exposed farmland. We came up to a cornfield which offered some shade but slowed our pace as we had to battle the tall rows of plants.
Eventually we arrived at the Pelorus Reserve after climbing over what felt like a hundred stiles crossing through the farmland. We welcomed the shade the trees offered and enjoyed the short trail to the bridge. Here the river cuts through bedrock, making for a beautiful gorge and turns the river a shade of emerald green. We were desperate for a swim at this point! However, we first had to check in at the campsite which inadvertently led to iced coffees and lunch. Our shirts caught the eye of a man sitting next to us and he told us the sad story of how his daughter had struggled with mental health and sadly ended her life 13 years ago. It just goes to show how mental health has an affect on almost everyone in varying ways. Wearing the tops has definitely changed our interactions with people for the better and have definitely given us more of a purpose for doing the walk.
After we said our goodbyes, we stopped off and picked up our food box that we had sent from home last week. We wondered down to our campsite and spent the next 15mins sorting out the next 7 days worth of food that we’ll carry through the Richmond Ranges. It was then finally time for a swim!
The campsite is right next to the river so we headed down and jumped into the stunning green water. It was literally the best thing ever.
When we finally dragged ourselves out of the water, we did a bit of stretching in the sun before retreating to the shade of our tent to read for the afternoon. It’s almost dinner time and we’ll be glad to start eating some of this food, because man am I not looking forward to the weight of my pack tomorrow! Surely, we’ve got at least 5-6kg of food each, plus the 4 or so litres of water to try stay hydrated in the heat. I’m thinking my pack will be nearing 20kg when we set off tomorrow morning – thankfully we’ve done 3 shorter days to our bodies to rest a bit beforehand.
Tomorrow we’re aiming for Middy hut, which is about 13km on a road and 14ish km into the Richmond’s. We’re pretty excited to start this section as it’s meant to be the toughest on trail, but we’re set and ready to go! But first, it’s time for another swim before dinner – this afternoon has been a dream, this is exactly why we’re doing this.
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Also, more importantly, please consider helping us with our fundraising for the Mental Health Foundation NZ by using the link below or on the menu button above. It’s a very deserving cause and one that is very close to our hearts!
https://events.mentalhealth.org.nz/fundraisers/mattburton/matt-and-sam-tackle-the-te-araroa
Nice post Matt, Ive always liked that pool under the Pelorus bridge and not just because of the fish in it. Good luck up in the hills, you are starting a new and more difficult phase.
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