Great Barrier Island, New Zealand - Outdoorsman Dave's Explorative 11-hour hike showcasing Station Rock, Cape Barrier, Whalers Lookout, Johnson's Bay, and Island Bay, & dodgy covert stuff.
7:00 AM: The day begins with anticipation as I lace up my hiking shoes and set out towards the less-traveled tracks at the southernmost end of Great Barrier Island. With a backpack filled with essentials and a heart full of curiosity, I embarked on what turned out to be a somewhat covert adventure.
8:00 AM: Arriving at Station Rock, I'm rewarded with 360-degree views of the rugged coastline. The sound of waves crashing against the cliffs echoes as I begin my trek along the Station Rock Walkway. The path meanders through beautiful bush, past secluded private properties, and many many steps.
11:00 AM: My plans take an unexpected turn after a local informs me that my Rosalie Bay destination is in fact private. I adjust my course and navigate off-track to the Ruahine Lookout. Along the way, I pass many magnificent and bizarre structures as I stealthily make my way past, them whilst avoiding drawing any attention to my being there.
12:30 PM: In the dense bush, I stumble upon the first of two abandoned crop cultivation campsites. Tools and utensils are scattered about, as if someone had left in a hurry, leaving behind a mysterious aura, but clearly, the intention was to return.
2:00 PM: Navigating precisely, I find the dilapidated Ruahine Trig (402m), explore the communications tower nearby, and locate the true Ruahine Lookout, which rewards me with stunning views. With Cape Barrier beckoning far below, I eagerly press on toward the iconic historic landmark known as Whalers Lookout.
3:30 PM: At last, I arrive at Cape Barrier, the southernmost point of Great Barrier Island. Standing on the windswept cliffs, I feel a sense of accomplishment wash over me as I gaze out at the endless expanse of the ocean, the tip of the Coromandel only some 18 Km away. It's a moment of solitude and reflection, surrounded by the raw beauty of this beautiful Island.
4:00 PM: I explore the rugged Johnson's Bay, soaking in the untamed beauty of the coastline before continuing my journey along the Cape Barrier Road to the next track.
5:15 PM: As the sun begins to dip towards the horizon, as I make my way from the beautiful and tranquil Island Bay, back to Cape Barrier Road. I have just experienced two secluded spots known for their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters and they are now ticked off my bucket list.
6:30 PM: In pitch darkness, with only my head torch illuminating my steps after tramping approximately 38km, I am feeling tired but elated. Reflecting on the incredible journey, I'm startled as a car approaches fast, directly heading towards me. It's the only vehicle I've seen since the start of the track, and it's not my ride. Do I run and hide?
I can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that I've explored the clandestine parts of this beautiful island, venturing where few others dare to tread. It's been a big day, filled with challenges and discoveries that will stay with me forever as a reminder of the thrill of adventure and the allure of the unknown.
[Surreptitious] done secretly, without anyone seeing or knowing:
Chapters:
00:00 Coming up
2:24 Adventure start
6:34 Station Rock (293m)
13:14 Rosalie Bay Rd
15:57 Bug in ear
18:48 Bush-Bash
29:06 Ruahine Trig
32:27 Ruahine Lookout
36:02 Cape Barrier
39:33 Johnson's Bay
40:40 Island Bay
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DOC info about Great Barrier Tracks
www.doc.govt.n...
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13 авг 2024
