TA Day 29: the road is better with a tram

After 29 days on the road, I can honestly say that the greatest gift has been the people I have met.

Through the calm days, the stunning landscapes and also the long, challenging walks… my experience along Te Araroa would be nothing without my tram.

From left to right: Dancin’ Dana (me), Distance Frog and Weather Guru arriving in Orewa.

Although sometimes we go our own way during the day; the camaraderie of camp and the adventures on the trails will be what I remember most. I am also very grateful for the wonderful trail angels, hosts, volunteers, and other characters I have met along the way.

Distance Rana and the German couple on the road.

While yo-yoing with TA walkers is normal, today marks a sad transition. With Auckland looming 46km down the trail (or 36km by car), I knew this day would come…the breaking of my tram.

I’ve been not-so-secretly hoping that somehow we’d all stay together until the end, but alas!

Sunrise from Orewa beach.

After a stormy night, I woke up early this morning; letting yourself be carried on sore feet to Orewa Beach (km 566 on the TA) to enjoy the sun rising over the distant hills of Army Bay and Gulf Harbour.

Early morning beach selfie in front of the distant hills we hiked through.

In the middle of the calm sea, my mind began to replay the fun memories of the past four weeks: muddy legs, water crossings, walks on the beach, camp card games, a shadow puppet show and lots of laughter, good food and time spent together.

Weather Guru (left) and Dancin’ Dana (right) doing a shadow puppet show. Photo courtesy of the German couple (Sofía).

Yo I usually have to fly alone, so sharing this trip with like-minded people has been a game-changer.

The German couple walks along the rocky coast to Orewa Beach.

After a cold morning spent together, it was time to part ways. Saying goodbye to Weather Guru (Ana) felt like the closing of a chapter. We met on the bus from Kerikeri to Awanui, before sharing a transport to Cape Reinga and walking together to Twilight Camp on the first night. It was also difficult to say goodbye to Robert and Sofia, affectionately called the German couple (or Elevation Gurus). I will miss seeing all your healthy meals and playing German card games.

Weather Guru leaves to continue his adventure.

From a group of five, we now take three paths. For now, Distance Frog (Emerson) and I remain a little tram; Taking a day of rest with a trail angel at Red Beach. Tomorrow we will continue our approach from the south to Auckland. As the city draws closer, I know another difficult goodbye will come. For now, I’ll just rest my toes and find joy in the simple moments.

One last photo of the tram at Orewa Beach.

Just as “kia ora” means hello and goodbye in Maori, I hope these goodbyes are more of a “see you later”!

Flowers near Orewa beach.

In the meantime, ngā mihi (thank you) and happy trails!

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