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Great Runs Aotearoa

  • Mission accomplished

      27 April 2025
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    It has been an awesome summer exploring the country across the Great Walk tracks!

    In August last year, I had the idea to run all of the Great Walks over summer, which would overcome the issue of booking huts and finding time amongst life's commitments. It has been such a neat experience, and I have learnt so much about trail running, logistics, and endurance sports (from overtraining syndrome to the ease of not thinking about anything for 10 hours).

    A very biased list of the tracks:

    Most logistically challenging - Heaphy Track

    Coolest hut/campsite - Oturere campsite

    Most likely to roll an ankle - Tongariro / Routeburn

    Most wildlife - Abel Tasman Coastal Track

    Most recommended tramp - Kepler

    Muddiest track - Rakiura

    To pick the best track was very situational dependent on what number run it was, weather, fatigue from previous runs and my exposure to the region (all of them are awesome). My favourite would have to be the Paparoa Track. It was in an awesome (and personally unexplored) area of the country, with great elevation profile, lovely weather, a new fueling plan, and awesome company.

    Some trail running thoughts:

    Biggest tip - walk the hills

    Best snack - juicies

    Favourite piece of kit - strapping tape

    How to train - just run (all weather, all terrain, all times of day, all moods, all energy levels).

    Thank you to everyone who has supported me and the Rescue Helicopter Trust. A special thanks to my parents, sister, family and friends for making it possible.

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  • #11 - Rakiura Track (19/04/2025)

      19 April 2025
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    Final run complete! On Easter Saturday, I ran the Rakiura Track to finish my accumulated 667.8km :)

    Starting at 0700, when the backpackers opened for me to drop my pack, I made my way from Oban to Fern Gully. 2.4km later I was on Rakiura Track. As the bush was still getting light, a kiwi darted out from the bush and ran along side me for a good few meters before scurrying away (an awesome way to start the morning, though I should have expected it after the kiwi calls throughout last night!). It was approx 13km to North Arm Hut, followed by hills and some very boggy patches on the way to Port William. Once through the bush, the track drops down onto Maori Beach and the it's only another 4-5km to Lee Bay.

    I finished the 30km track, with 1300m elevation, at midday. After a quick swim and lunch on Lee Beach, I headed back through Maori Beach to Port William Campsite. Making the most of Stewart Island, I will be tramping the beginning of the North West Circuit for five days during mid semester break. The combination of running and tramping led to some gear changes, including replacing my trail runners with tramping boots.

    Whilst I'm looking forward to the next running adventure (already brewing a few plans), it's well time for an off-season over winter. I will do a full review sometime next week, once I'm home and in reception. Glad I didn't have to call the rescue chopper!

    Massive thank you to everyone for your support. Mission accomplished :)

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  • #10 Hump Ridge Track (17/04/2025)

      18 April 2025
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    On Thursday, I completed the Hump Ridge Track, the newest addition to Aotearoa's Great Walks. Having walked Port Craig in June 2022, I knew that the upgrade was coming, hoping that I would run them all this summer before it became official. However, the day before I ran the Heaphy, it was finalized and I began planning to add the extra 60km onto my long list of trail runs.

    I began at 0630 at Rarakau car park, heading along the beach and through bush for 10km before splitting off to the Hump Ridge Track. 10km of a pretty steep climb (especially at the top) saw me arrive over the Hump, before traversing the ridge and decending to Edwin Burn for another 10km. From there, it was the South Track Coast that I remembered, crossing over the rail tracks and across the many viaducts to reach Port Craig School hut (with a few upgraded information posts). Another 10km through the bush, before the final 10km back out via the entrance track.

    Highly recommend the track, especially the South Coast Track and famous Percy Viaduct; the School House is also a very neat hut to stay at. It was awesome to see the top of the Hump, and revisit the geogeous Fiordland. Having injured myself a couple of weeks earlier, I was pleased that the suspected rib fracture held out for my last long track at 60km and >1700m elevation. One more to go!

    Happy Easter everyone :)

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  • Almost there!

      15 April 2025

    With Easter approaching, I am setting up for the final two Great Walks (and another tramp to celebrate finishing). I have reset my target to $3000, please share the page around to people who may be interested. I will do an overall summary after the mid-semester break!

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  • #9 - Routeburn Track (10/03/2025)

      13 March 2025
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    Whilst in Te Anau for the Milford and Kepler, an opportunity arose to do a key swap for the Routeburn. After a day's rest from the Kepler, I left Te Anau on Saturday morning to drive to the Routeburn Shelter (Glenorchy end).

    Running from the Routeburn Shelter to the Divide, I started with approximately 8km of fairly constant but gentle elevation to reach the Routeburn Falls hut. From there, the track climbed to the Harris Saddle, with around 1000m elevation gain over 6km. On the way up, I got targetted by a few bumble bees due to having some honey in my bag (luckily no stings, but I'll think again before having a partially open honey pouch). After doing the key swap just past the Harris Summit Shelter, I began the rocky descent to Lake MacKenzie. From there, it was about 12km to the end (during which I managed to loose my hat) before the 5hr drive back to Dunedin for class the next morning.

    A fairly quick decision to add another 33km and 1600m of elevation gain to top off a great week proved to be well worth it. Definitely a track that I will be keen to run again.

    I managed to complete over 150km and climb 5000m this week, exploring the incredible Fiordland area. Only two more to go!

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    • 14/03/2025 by Peter

      Wow what a massive week. Brilliant effort.

  • #8 - Kepler Track (08/03/2025)

      11 March 2025
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    On International Women's Day, I completed the Kepler Track run.

    Starting at Rainbow Reach at 0630, I began with almost 15km to Brod Bay, turning off my headlamp before the Te Anau Control Gates. I then climbed over 1000m, past Luxmore Hut to Mt Luxmore. After a quick detour to the summit, I continued through to the Luxmore saddle. Having done the Kepler as a winter tramp, it was awesome to be back in this gorgeous area. I made a few side trips to my favourite view spots and then began the steep descent to Iris Burn. From Iris Burn, it was 24km of Bush track across flat terrain and gentle decline back to Rainbow Reach carpark.

    I was pleased to have avoided soreness 2 days after the Milford, and got to make the most of this awesome track (which may have to be my favourite). Having climbed over 2000m, across 62km, I certainly had a great day with some amazing views amongst the Fiordland alpine environment.

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  • #7 - Milford Track

      7 March 2025
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    Supposedly the most sçenic track in Aotearoa, the Milford did not disappoint. A georgeous run over varied scenery and terrain, it was great to be back in Fiordland.

    This track is very logistically challenging, as a ferry is needed at either end; Fiordand Outdoors organise transport for runners from Sandfly Bay to Glade Wharf, providing plenty of time to explore. It was great to have other runners on the boat and at huts (reminding me of how neat the trail running community is).

    Starting at 0715, the first 17km from Sandfly Bay to Dumpling Hut providesd easy running over flat terrain. From there, the climb over McKinnon Pass began. Over 1000m of elevation gain across around 5km leads out of the bush and onto the tops. McKinnon Pass Shelter would be an awesome place to stop for lunch out of the wind, whilst enjoying the views. I continued down, with the first few kms proving to be difficult running terrain, and after almost rolling an ankle three times, I decided to walk over the rocky bits. Had a great encounter with a Kea, who followed me along the track and provided a good chat. Once back in the bush, it was about 2km until Mintaro hut.

    From there, the next 17km crossed bush and open country, with nice running terrain and profile. Because I had plenty of time, I had a bit of an expore and walked for a few kms to take in the scenery. After Clinton Hut, it was under 5km to Glade Wharf for the ferry pickup.

    Overall, an incredible day climbing 1400m over 57km.

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  • #6 - Paparoa Track

      12 February 2025
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    Officially over half way through the tracks having completed the Paparoa yesterday!  It was an awesome day with some brilliant scenery and great weather (albeit, a bit too hot).

    I ran from Blackball (Smoke-ho carpark) to Punaikaiki, taking 8 1/2 hours for the 55km and 1700m elevation gain. This was probably the best track in terms of its election profile: a decent incline, undulating along the ridgeline and then downhill. With its loose and rocky surface, however,  the Paparoa is currently leading as the 'most likely track to roll an ankle.' It seemed a likely conclusion when a helicopter flew by overtop, but luckily it was for repairs at the huts.

    There were many sidetracks along the way, mostly within the first 27km until the Pike River track, which looked to provide a neat opportunity for many further explorations. Definitely an area to revisit.

    It was awesome to join with Caitlyn, who was mountain biking the track in a day!

    Now hoping to loosen up before an army fitness test later this week. Looking forward to the Milford!

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  • #5 - Lake Waikaremoana

      20 January 2025
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    North Island complete! On Saturday, I ran the Lake Waikaremoana track from Onepoto to Hopuruahine Landing.

    The track started with a 600m climb over 9km to Panekire Hut. I began at 07.30 to reach the summit as the last trampers were packing up. From there, it was 8km to Waiopaoa Hut, shortly followed by a 5km detour to the Korokoro falls. From Waiopaoa, it was 29km across undulating terrain beside the lake side to reach the final swing bridge, with sections of rock and roots making for some trickier running. The total run was just over 50km (due to my temptation to see waterfalls) with 1800m of elevation gain.

    Te Urewera provided a very isolated and beautiful part of the country to run through. Having also camped with family for the weekend, we were woken with a lovely dawn chorus and had a great time exploring some of the rivers. I learnt a few lessons on the track itself – don’t go too hard on the starting hills, avoid detours (unless the temptation is just too much), prioritize taper over mileage (having ultra-runs with this distance apart makes it tricky to fit in recovery, mileage and taper) and a few points for adjusting my trail fuelling plan. Next run is planned for Paparoa in February, looking forward to exploring another awesome part of the country whilst running along these neat tracks.

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  • #4 - Whanganui River Journey

      2 January 2025
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    Happy New Year!

    This was certainly a different one, but it was awesome to spend the New Years break canoeing down the Whanganui River. Because I couldn't run it, and haven't trained to kayak he river in a day, I decided to do this Great Walk with family. With seven people, we entered the river at Whakahoro on three double Canadian Canoes and a single ocean kayak. It was an awesome trip, with some beautiful scenery, exciting rapids and a some very windy afternoons to ramp up the paddling.

    Side trips included caves, the Bridge to Nowhere track and multiple swimming spots. Pleased to report that I did capsize the kayak at the 50/50 rapid, which is just proof of having fun!

    Big thanks to family for joining me on this trip and making it possible. Back into the normal swing of things for Waikaremoana this month!

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  • #3 Tongariro Northern Circuit (44.9km)

      24 December 2024
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    A great way to spend Xmas Eve! Delayed from yesterday due to weather, I started the track at 0800 (with a minor navigational detour) and began the most technical Great Walk. After pulling off the Taranaki Falls track, it was fairly muddy with a few scrambling over rocks before reaching the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. From here, I followed the crossing up the staircase, across South crater, up to red crater and down the scree slope to emerald lakes, before pulling off towards Oturere hut. I have a lot of runs to go, but Oturere is definitely going to be a contestant for best hut of the Great Walks. Georgeous alpine scenery, which could easily be mistaken for Martian, continued for most of the remaining run (with a short bush section before Waihohonu hut).

    From Waihohonu, it was an incline until the Tama junction. After a quick detour to Lower Tama Lake, I rejoined the track for the final 7km or so. A very hot day once the cloud lifted, I finished the 49.15km (track itself is 44.9km) in just under eight hours; a slower run due to the difficult terrain, steep crossing and heat. It was awesome to explore around Tongariro National Park beyond the crossing, a track that I would highly recommend (not to be confused with the Tongariro Alpine Crossing itself or Around the Mountain).

    Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!!

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  • Update and Hump Ridge Track

      10 November 2024
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    Kia Ora,

    Just thought I'd post an update. I'm still running and preparing for the next Great Walk, which will be the Tongariro Northern Circuit just before Christmas. I am now working in Wellington, so will be completing the North Island tracks over the uni break. Can't wait to get back out on the trails!

    In October, the Hump Ridge Track was officially upgraded to Great Walk status. I knew it was coming (even if I slightly hoped it would be after this summer), so have updated page distances to include the extra 60km. I will be running the Hump Ridge along with the other South Island tracks when I return to Dunedin next year.

    Thank you all for your support, I hope everyone is having a great summer!

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  • #2 Abel Tasman Coast Track (60km)

      31 October 2024
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    Following the Abel Tasman Coastline for 60km, I ran my second Great Walk yesterday (30/10/2024). There are three estuary crossings, two of which usually have high tide alternatives. With low tide at 15.30, I ran from Marahau to Wainui Bay in order to cross the Awaroa inlet at 14.00. However, due to improvements on the Torrent high tide track, I had to cross the Torrent river four hours either side of low tide. This meant starting before 05.00 for some awesome running through dawn with the waking wildlife.

    Having passed Torrent River by 07.00, I had a long time before I could cross at Awaroa, so I took it easy and arrived a few hours early for a swim waiting for the estuary to receed. After an awesome crossing, it was another 22.4km to Wainui Bay. It got very hot and humid from midday, meaning more electrolytes were taken on board and sighs were uttered as I approached yet another headland. It was a super day overall, with beautiful beaches and coastlines to increase excitement for summer. If anyone is interested in starting trail running, I would highly recommend the Abel Tasman. It is a gorgeous part of the country with easy track conditions (minus some steep climbs, but that's what Baldwin Street training is for!). The Torrent Bridge will be finished in mid-November and there is also the ability to stop at Totaranui Campsite or Awaroa road, which would shorten the track by 15-20km.

    Highlights: dawn, views, lunch with weka chicks, Awaroa crossing, the final descent.

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  • First Great Walk - Heaphy Track (78.4km)

      28 October 2024
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    Yesterday (27/10/2024), I ran the Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park.

    With the region having over 140mm of rainfall the day before; I decided to start the track and make a decision by the swing bridge as to whether to continue. As it turned out, the rivers had receded quickly overnight and the track was in good condition. From Karamea to Brown Hut, the Heaphy Track begins with 16km following the roaring West Coast to Heaphy Hut (which would be an awesome hut to stay at, either as part of the whole track or just a 5hr overnight from the Karamea end). It then follows the Heaphy River for 8km to Lewis Shelter before a further 12km of incline to James Mackay Hut. Now above the bush, I followed the ridge for 17km in a mixture of heavy rain and hail (got completely saturated) before reaching Gouland Downs Hut. Another 7km of incline to Perry Saddle Hut shortly before I reached the highest point of the track, at 915m. By this point, it was mid-afternoon and I was glad to be able to spend the final 17km going downhill to Brown Hut and the carpark.

    At 78.4km and 2200m elevation, the Heaphy took my 10.45hours of running time, or just under 12hrs total including water-on-water-off stops at the huts. Some classic parts of the track include Boot Pole corner, the new swing bridge, the Heaphy River inlet and the divided seat to mark the West Coast/Nelson-Tasman Districts, along with the many weka.

    I have now completed the longest track in what will hopefully be the worst conditions!

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  • Otago Rescue Helicopters

      24 October 2024
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    The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter service is operated by HeliOtago from its bases in Dunedin and Queenstown and provides critical medical help to the communities of southern New Zealand. It is a partially Government funded community service supported by donations and sponsorships from individuals and organisations in our local community.

    From June 2023 - June 2024, the organisation flew 2,057 missions and carried 1,883 patients across the lower South Island. At approximately $20 million per serviced helicopter, the organisation is partially funded by government and a Community Trust. The Trust uses funds for medical equipment, helipads and flight networks to improve functioning. Having serviced 553 Accidents and 106 Search & Rescue missions this year, their work is critical for allowing safe explorations and outdoor pursuits.

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