@craigo. I moved to the NIfor 4 months, 4 years ago. Each contract I take up here I say to myself 'just # more months and we'll go home"
I do enjoy tramping in the NI, and the East Cape to Wellington traverse down the ranges was one of the best trips I've ever done. But yes, I long for views, I long for real mountains and I long for a challenge other than thick scrub and tight gorges.
Makes a lot of sense. You obviously relish the peace and isolation any kind of wilderness (as do we all I suppose) and make the best of what's available to you.
But yeah, I read your 'pub to pub' Otira to Mt Cook traverse, which was so humbling and impressive and inspiring, a genuine hard core big country challenge, then I pictured you trying to float your boat in the Kawakas, and it just didn't equate!
yeah, not every day I'm willing to take on the southern alps.. doesn't take as much motivation to take on something in the north island, easier to get onto the tops and you can traverse all of them without climbing skills or gear, I still try and get to the south island when I can, it definitely ahs a strong pull. a year wouldn't be complete without a couple of trips. the north island plays second best to the scenery. most north island tramping clubs make a beeline for the south island for their summer trips and stay down there as long as possible some taking their club transport down there, doing multiple trips in relay.
I do get sick of parts of the north island that don't get above the bushline, where all you do is have your head in the bush. as a result I end up doing a lot of walking along the coastline othwerwise I'd never see the sun.. I know a lot of north island trampers who come out of summer as pale as ghosts because almost all their outdoors time has been in the bush.
Tramping in the NI hardens you up for the SI, that's for sure.
But yeah, give me the SI any day...
I always said that once you get good at the Tararuas - everywhere else is more fun :-)
once you're experienced in the tararuas, you're prepared for just about anything
Yes - definately a lot in the way of round trips and weekenders in the NI. A lot of good easy-moderate weekend trips with no doubling back.
In the SI Alps - for a simple overnighter you more often than not find yourself walking up the valley one day and back down it the next.
For me, the Eyres, Takis and Snowdon are as good as the Tararuas / Ruahines, especially for short weekend trips. Dozens of huts, and rarely a soul in them, except a few hunters. Loop walks with ridgelines easily crossed between catchments. Great playground in winter for those of us not so skilled-up in the snow & ice regard. Snowy tops where you can play with ice-axe and crampons, without the exposure of the Alps.
Richmond ranges in the north offers similar terrain, but with much more people and less tops.
And for the longer trips, the SI wins hands down.
Both have strong and weak points.
In the end though you always do most tramping near where you live and work. If you didnt you wouldnt get out very often.
Take the best your location has and live with it till the opportunity to go somewhere else comes along.
I live in Wellington now so Tararuas are my bread and butter but I went to school in Balclutha so have done my penance in Fiordland and what penance it was.
Pom, how long did the East Cape to Wellington traverse take you? Is there a known route to reference? It sounds real interesting.
North Island Main Range - 55 days, more or less. 6-or-so rest days in that.
Links to details are here:
http://tramper.nz/10244/walking-the-length-of-nzs-main-divide/
