Leaving Camp

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 transportedLäs mer
More Events Team Pics

A few more pics of the events team from throughout the week!
Flying Hamilton to Wellington

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 andLäs mer
Wellington War Memorial

This morning I got up and checked out early to begin a day of exploring Wellington. First stop the war memorial.
Mt Victoria Lookout

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

I then took a stroll along Wellington waterfront picking up a ham and cheese toastie for breakfast along the way.
PwC Wellington

Of course I had to stop off at PwC Wellington which had a great view out to the bay.
Cable Car

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

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

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 treatyLäs mer
Ferry Wellington to Picton

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

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

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 ascentLäs mer
Paddleboarding

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 ILäs mer
Evening at Furneaux Lodge

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

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 slowedLäs mer
Punga Cove

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 enjoyedLäs mer
QCT Day 3 Morning

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 theLäs mer
QCT Day 3 Eatwells Lookout

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

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!
QCT Day 3 Evening

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 hadLäs mer
QCT Day 4

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 uphillLäs mer
QCT Finish Line

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!
ShortlyLäs mer
Evening in Picton

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 wasLäs mer
Hot Tub Time

After 4 days of walking I spent the morning milling around the hostel including about 90 minutes in the hot tub overlooking the town!
ResenärYour award is good 🤣 fingers crossed you don't get Covid.
Resenär
That's a relief, phew! 👍
Resenär
If you are a member of the SWAM you'd fit in anywhere, well done Greg. 👍⚽️
Resenär
Oh boy that looks yummy, ha! 👍