Leaving Camp
January 8, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
This morning we completed the pack up of the stage into the truck (the word lorry isn't used here apparently). We then headed for a team brunch in Cambridge. The portaloo was tied up to be transportedRead more
More Events Team Pics
January 8, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C
A few more pics of the events team from throughout the week!
Flying Hamilton to Wellington
January 8, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
Wow that might just be the prettiest flight I've ever done! Cruising at 17,000ft with clear skies the scenery of New Zealand's North Island was simply incredible! Hamilton Airport also very nice andRead more
Wellington War Memorial
January 9, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 17 °C
This morning I got up and checked out early to begin a day of exploring Wellington. First stop the war memorial.
Mt Victoria Lookout
January 9, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 18 °C
Next up I ascended Mt Victoria to the lookout point at the top. The 360 panoramic views were stunning overlooking the city, waterfront, suburbs, river bay and airport!
Waterfront Walk
January 9, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 18 °C
I then took a stroll along Wellington waterfront picking up a ham and cheese toastie for breakfast along the way.
PwC Wellington
January 9, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 19 °C
Of course I had to stop off at PwC Wellington which had a great view out to the bay.
Cable Car
January 9, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 19 °C
Next up I took the famous cable car ride up to the top of Wellington for more wonderful views over the harbour.
Wellington Botanical Gardens
January 9, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 19 °C
Once leaving the cable car you arrive immediately at the Wellington Botanical Gardens. I took a circular walk around here before heading back down into the city via the cable car.
Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand
January 9, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 21 °C
My final stop was at the Museum of New Zealand! With 6 floors of exhibits around nature, war, art, culture and much more! One of the most ancient artefacts was the English version of the treatyRead more
Ferry Wellington to Picton
January 9, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
A beautiful evening ferry ride from the north island to south island. I managed to bag a seat right near the front of the boat so the views were great without even having to move.
Ferry to Ship Cove
January 10, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
After a quick stopover for the night in Picton I boarded the boat to Ship Cove at 8am this morning. This was to start the 4 day Queen Charlotte Track hike!
Queen Charlotte Track Day 1
January 10, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Day 1 of the track was absolutely stunning! I covered just under 17km in 3 and a quarter hours with 520m of elevation gain. The paths today were very twisty and turny starting with a steady ascentRead more
Paddleboarding
January 10, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
I checked into my accomodation at Furneaux Lodge to discover they offered free paddleboarding! So I thought it would be rude not to go for a paddle. The number of jellyfish in the water was crazy so IRead more
Evening at Furneaux Lodge
January 10, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
I wound down from the days walking with some time in the hammock before sitting down for dinner and a glass of rose! The region of Marlborough is world renowned for its wine so a wine it had to be.
Queen Charlotte Track Day 2
January 11, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 23 °C
This morning I woke up in no hurry at all as the second day of the QCT is the easiest of them all! With very little ascent and only 12km of distance the walking took me around 2.5 hours. I was slowedRead more
Punga Cove
January 11, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 22 °C
This evening I am staying at Punga Cove! I have a cabin to myself with an amazing view if you walk 20ft down the balcony. There is a pool, two hot tubs, hammocks, paddleboards and kayaks to be enjoyedRead more
QCT Day 3 Morning
January 12, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Day 3 was off to a good start with a tasty breakfast ahead of what is the longest, hilliest and therefore most difficult day of the track. The views however were incredible as the track runs along theRead more
QCT Day 3 Eatwells Lookout
January 12, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
This particular lookout was about a 10 minute detour from the track but boy was it worth it! The views were so amazing that its earnt its own post on here.
QCT Day 3 Afternoon
January 12, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
The views in the afternoon were equally as stunning as in the morning! Made it to my accomodation a smidge under the 25km mark. Now to relax!
TravelerBrilliant photos Greg of a beautiful place, I'm just a bit jealous, although I don't think I've quite got your energy for the hikes anymore, ha! 👍😀
QCT Day 3 Evening
January 12, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
This evening I checked into my 5 person shared accomodation to discover I was the only person staying there! I spoke to the owner and she said this was highly unusual and the 3 previous nights hadRead more
QCT Day 4
January 13, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
Day 4 of the track began with an unrelenting ascent from sea level up to the peak of the hills. The track followed the ridgeline for a while before heading sharply downhill, the steadily back uphillRead more
QCT Finish Line
January 13, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Early in the afternoon I reached the jetty of Anakiwa which marks the finishing line for the track! 74.4km, 2,358m elevation gain completed in 14hr 17m of walking. What a great experience!
ShortlyRead more
Evening in Picton
January 13, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
After arriving in Picton, checking in, washing and hanging out all of my clothes it was time to hit the town!
The place I went for dinner had a group playing, and the very first song they played wasRead more
TravelerYour award is good 🤣 fingers crossed you don't get Covid.
Traveler
That's a relief, phew! 👍
Traveler
If you are a member of the SWAM you'd fit in anywhere, well done Greg. 👍⚽️
Traveler
Oh boy that looks yummy, ha! 👍