After traveling for over a week with a few stops in between – we are finally sitting on a ferry to the South Island.
The landscape is absolutely STUNNING. A hilly and rocky coastline meets deep blue waters and I’m captivated with all I see around me!
Our last few days in Wellington have been productive, yet with the trail so close in sight, Jeremy and I have been restless to get going!
Our first day in Wellington was spent visiting Te Papa museum with our friend, Hannah. We learned a lot about Māori culture (the native people of New Zealand) and the history of the land we will be walking on.
On our second day in Wellington we did our first food supply. It’s recommended when hiking the trail that you add 50% more calories to your daily intake.
Our plan for meals includes lots of carbs and dried foods to keep the packs light.
For breakfast we chose Muesli (granola), powered yogurt for protein, and dried fruit.
Lunch consists of wraps with Mexican style rice and on some ‘special’ days when we need extra protein – tuna
Dinner is an assortment of pastas, curry, and noodles with canned chicken or tuna.
Every day we have rationed 2 snacks- mainly muesli / granola bars!
By the end of the hike I’m sure we will be tired of dried meals, but right now we’re too excited for trail to care!
On January 21st we loaded our backpacks full with everything we need for the Queen Charolette track and a few days into the next section of trail.
As I’m writing this it is January 22nd. We are almost arriving in Picton! Next time you hear from us, we will officially be Te Araroa hikers!
Oh, the PA system just announced we are about to arrive! Time to go step foot on the South Island – our home for the next 2-3 months.
Let’s go have an adventure!!! 🥾 ⛰️
