-: WALK DIARY :-

Before I begin I would like to take the time to thank the following people and organisations for the help that they have provided me with during the planning of my walk here in New Zealand. Firstly I would like to thank Miriam Beatson and Geoff Chapple from TE ARAROA (The Long Pathway). Te Araroa is a trust that they have set up aiming to establish a trans-New Zealand walkway from the North Cape of the North island to the South cape of the South. Miriam was extremely helpful in providing information of the challenges that I may face and she always replied in detail to my badgering and vague e-mails I sent her during my initial research in the UK. She also helped arrange a meeting with me and Geoff Chapple to go over maps and route plans. Geoff was the trailblazer for the Long Pathway and he wrote a book about his tramp which I devoured before leaving. His writings and achievement have been an inspiration to me in proving that what I decided to do was possible and that it was not as foolhardy as many may think. Thanks for this inspiration Geoff and thanks for sparing the time and tips during the first map session we had. I look forward to the next one!!

I would also like to thank Milli Lovell from the NEW ZEALAND MOUNTAIN SAFETY COUNCIL. Milli helped arrange my bushcraft/survival course that I have just done and she also held her patience with my constant stream of e-mails. I would also like to pay huge thanks to Pam Bovill, Kathy Spademan, and Pat McHugh who were the instructors on my course. Your knowledge and enthusiasm helped forge in my mind the bushcraft skills that will help me on my way and that will, im sure, prove invaluable. My confidence has been immesurably boosted. Anyone thinking of attempting any kind of tramp in NZ should contact Mountain Safety for safety advice and information on the training courses that they run.

Another huge thanks must go to Rochelle Scoones, the manager of THE AUCKLAND MAP CENTRE. Your super friendly help in furnishing me with all the maps I needed as well as my Personal Safety Beacon will not be forgotten as without it I think I would be lost already! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!! This place is the number one resource in New Zealand for maps, guide books, charts and navigational devices and should be the
first port of call for anyone thinking of tramping in NZ.

Lastly I would like to thank Liz @ SNOWGUM, Auckland, for her great advice in helping me get the treking equipment I needed. This is a great store for all tramping needs.