I intend to walk Te Araroa – Te Waipounamu from Bluff to Ships Cove…. 1300km from the bottom to the top of the South Island Aotearoa – New Zealand.

My walk start has been delayed a few days due to flight disruptions. In order to not miss out on a pre-booked side trip (Hump Ridge Track), I am skipping the Riverton – Martins Hut – Merrivale Road Intersection part of the walk.

I figure the Hump Ridge Track easily makes up for the missed kilometres. And it demonstrates my commitment to “walking my own walk” and putting enjoyment and safety ahead of ticking off every single km on New Zealand’s great pathway!

So what’s the plan? It’s to follow my carefully prepared Te Araroa Te Waipounamu Trip Schedule as long as it is safe, sensible and fun to do so!