Well, it’s been a hectic few weeks, but I managed to get everything done in preparation for this hike. The gear is mostly the same (added an umbrella and better rainshell — see gear list page), but it was mostly all the small tasks associated with international travel that added a lot of work. Oh well, it’s all done now, and I’m relaxing in the airport!

Here I am, all packed, along with a *few* extra pairs of shoes & insoles, which will be used for other hikes in 2019 – more details later! 🙂

After 22 hours of flying and 2 stops, I’ll arrive in Auckland on Saturday afternoon, which should give plenty of time to do shopping errands (food, fuel, Sim card, hut pass, etc). Then it’s a 6 hour bus ride on Sunday morning to Kaitaia, and a hitch to Cape Reinga, which is the northernmost point of NZ, and the start of the TA. If all goes well, I’ll be on the trail Sunday night, hiking south!

Wheeeeee!

//Recon