Kia Ora,
One of the natural beauties of New Zealand is called The Hole in The Rock. It is an island that rises 300 meters from the ocean and has a large enough hole in it at the water level that a boat can fit through it. This attraction is similar to the Arches National Park. There are many charter companies that will boat you out there ranging in prices and accommodation. This is at the end of a cape or peninsula. I had been told of a hike out to see the hole in the rock by a german couple in Rotorua. They said "Its worth the hike." I am always down for a challenging hike, especially if the pay off is a spectacular view of natural wonder. I booked the hike and hut online. At the end of the cape there is a lighthouse and a house that you can stay in.
New Zealand hikes or tramps as they are called are known for their hospitable huts which are converted homes with a kitchen, beds and sometimes water. Nevertheless, it is a shelter so you don't have to carry a tent and a bunch of cooking equipment.
The track is a undulating hike through the forest that is about 20 Km long (about 12 miles). I stayed at a place at the end of Rawhiti road where my van would be safe for the nights I would be there and away. That night I had a good supper and even went swimming on a black beach that was nice and serene. I woke up and finished packing my bag and got ready to go. I was told to bring water in case the hut did not have any water in the cystern. That made my pack extra heavy. Off I went to walk to the start of the hike. The hike should take 8 hours, so I should be there about 1600. I started up the first hill which was the largest climb and was rewarded with a beautiful lookout over the many bays and islands of the Bay of Islands area. The track continued dipping and climbing and dipping and climbing, winding itself around some peaks and crossing over others. At one point you cross an old Maori village but I did not notice much there. I stopped for lunch on time at 1200 and it was a lovely sit and break from my hike. It weather was nice, a bit of cloud cover and a breeze from the east. 5.5 hours in to my hike I make the "final" turn on the path and see what lies ahead for the last push. A huge mountain with sparse vegitation that slopes at a steepish angle to a bay. I could see the track at times on bare earth between patches of trees. This last 2 hours was extreme elevation change after another. Up, down, up, down and so on all the while I could see the trail climbing to the spine of the "mountain". I also knew that on the other side of that crest was a 340 meter drop to the ocean, SHEER CLIFF. The fatigue and anger had set in and I was no longer having a good time. I pushed on knowing that I would have to make it. The wind was whipping up the cliff side with a lot of force. There are 3 sections where you are standing on the ledge walking along the path with nothing but your feet to help you. I will admit that I crawled at one point because I was so scared to walk for fear of being blown off. Alas, I made it to the lighthouse!! My legs were cramping and I was emotionally and physically wiped out. I also still had to down climb to get to the hut. I got in and I was all alone. I drank some water others had left and decided to not carry out and turned on the gas to cook. I was home safe. About 45 min later a dude named Thomas came strolling up. He had just done what I had (minus the crawling and worry), but none the less tired. He informed me that we would be accompanied by another, Siena. He said she was a little slower because she was BAREFOOT! That whole way with out shoes. I could not believe it! So, A german girl, french man, and me. Had the hut for the evening. We talked an became friends. The next morning they were concerned about my fear of heights and stayed at each crossing for support. I guess the fatigue and wind had gotten to me because there was nothing to be concerned with at those points. We hiked back with aching legs and shoulders, but made it to the end. I gave them a ride to Russell and we had some dinner and laughed about the adventure and our soreness. It was great and one hell of an experience. I look forward to pushing myself like that a few more times. Im off to Kerikeri for the farmers market. I hope everyone had a good week and will have a good weekend. Thanks for all of the encouragement! Sic em Bears! I love Y'all! Pura Vida
