A private trip by Carol, Grant, Kerry and Lyn, March 2015

This is a 3 night/4 day walk over private farmland. Accommodation is provided in farm cottages and your big packs are taken onto your next accommodation for you.

First night was at the beach house in Ngaroma, and after a comfortable night we set off on what was primarily a beach walk, where we saw ancient trees that were buried but not fossilized and a seal sunning itself on the beach. We crossed farmland and passed a small lake before arriving at ‘the whare’ for the night. 

The second day was across farmland - up and over Mount Wilson to the shelter where we had lunch (Well, only Grant went right to the top!) On the way down to the accommodation we found some most delicious blackberries.

The last night was in Ash House at the Staging Post where we raided the apple tree in the chook house and made a blackberry and apple crumble for tea using someone’s breakfast oats and crumbs from stale bread.

The next morning we were taken 10 minutes down the road in a van to continue the walk. Up and over yet another hill before taking shelter from the wind in some bushes, only to come upon another shelter with stunning views before arriving back at the first night’s accommodation for a shower before heading off onto our next adventure.

Having your bags carried and comfortable accommodation with hot showers was a treat, but we still had to get there. Daily average walking was 6 hours and the terrain was hilly giving wonderful vistas of the surrounding country side, and resulting in a great experience.