Start – Ngaruawahia
Finish – Hamilton
Daily Distance – 20km
TA Distance – 800km
It’s fair to say that among Kiwis, Hamilton has something of a reputation problem. Not being
exceptionally pretty, interesting or wealthy, it seems to be affectionately regarded as the very
personification of beige. For much of today I was prepared to defy common opinion and stand in defence
of Hamilton. Then I arrived.
Today’s walk followed the beautiful Te Awa cycle route, which parallels the Waikato river. Following a
concrete walkway for 20km ensured a pleasingly quick walking pace, although the summer heat made the
distance seem longer than it was. It seems to be a strange quirk of NZ summers, but this is the first
country I’ve visited where dogs are slower than their owners. Plodding along panting furiously, I can
empathize with how they feel, at least I have a hat. True, it does make me look like I should be mugging
old ladies in dimly lit alleys, but I guess some style sacrifices have to be made on the trail.
Leaving the quiet riverside surrounds of Te Awa trail to head into Hamilton proper unfortunately
shattered the illusion of a beautiful garden city. Hamilton actually seems like a nice enough place, with an
unusually good selection of outdoor shops what’s more, but it lives up to it’s reputation in that there really
doesn’t seem to be a lot going on.
Still, reaching town at 13:30 has really helped with my job list. As I’ll be off visiting the Hobbits
tomorrow time will be a little short for shopping, repackaging of shopping, blogging, loafing etc, so it
was nice to fit them in this afternoon. It’s amazing how long everything takes me now I’m making the
effort to blend in with the natives and take more coffee breaks. I didn’t realise before arriving that Kiwis
are almost as passionate about coffee as they are about rugby. If there’s ever a serious bean shortage I
strongly suspect the fabric of NZ society will break down within days. But until then…
