The next four days go no more netlang of Te Araroa. We went by bus to the west coast and made there two more two-day tours to get the time and the 400 km full. 🙂

Day 28

Route : Fox River – Ballroom Overhang

Length : 6 km (361 km)

After we tried in vain to get a ride at the wrong place, then it worked out at a better place within 5 minutes. The strategy is to wave at the same time. A friendly British nurse took us to the beginning of our next route. I wondered about the term “partner” as a reference to a friend or spouse

Day 29

Route : Ballroom – Pukakaiki

Length : 19 km (380 miles)

At Ballroom we met a family who also camped there. They had their two about 5 years old daughters with them. I was very surprised that the family makes this tour. The way consisted of walking 7 km through the Fox River. Partly it was so deep that it went up to my balls

The Ballroom, which already had a fire going when we arrived, accommodated 11 people that evening. It was a fascinating natural phenomenon the way the rock towered over us like a roof.

After we left the river and another 5 km through the tropical jungle, it was time to stow our backpacks for a little side quest to a cave. Logan only took his small plastic box and some “lollies” (candy). The river in front of the cave was peppered with moss covered sharp boulders that made the area look like Jurassic Park

Day 30

Route : Barry Town Cruesus Hut

Length : 5 km (385 km)

Our second trip on the West Coast takes us partly along one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. These are specially prepared trails and huts, for slightly less ambitious hikers

The increase in Logan’s rent made him so stressed and aggressive that he couldn’t continue on the extreme climb at the beginning of the track and had to stop and pay attention. He just couldn’t find a solution that made sense to him and then the bus driver makes us look stupid. That was simply not his day

Afterwards we discussed the irrational side of feelings and how to deal with them. But what finally brought him back down was the extreme powering through to the top. Despite a cloudy sky deck, he seemed to see clearly again

Day 31

Route : Croesus Hut – Black Ball CP

Length : 15 km (400 km)

We held out the already announced rain until noon in the hut and then leisurely walked through to our targeted 400 km mark. After that we hitchhiked to Black Ball, had a little snack there and then got excited about the exorbitant prices for accommodation. Not willing to take the 55 NZD in hand, we have instead taken us to Graymouth by a nice couple.

Official website of Te Araroa