Start – Whanganui
Finish – Koitiata
Daily Distance – 36 km
TA Distance – 1433 km
I loved the river, it was everything I’d hoped it would be, but it does feel good to be back walking. The
actual walk today was pretty uninspiring, but it nevertheless feels exciting to travel on my own 2 legs
again. There’s nothing quite like walking to lead you into chance conversations with coffee cart vendors
who have ambitions to hike the TA themselves one day or friendly old timers who just want to stop and
make sure you’re alright.
The community of Koitiata has really taken the TA to heart and made their campground free for trampers
such as myself. It always feels lovely to be welcomed, rather than tarred by association with the small
minority of trampers who are nuisances that leave litter scattered about. As I have no good photos from
today I’m writing this on the beach next to the campground hoping that something catches my eye.
Hopefully tomorrow will be more scenic as it kicks off with the first beach walk in a good few weeks,
turns onto forestry roads, before a final few hours on tarmac to reach Bulls. Should be a good days
walking.
