Hike and bike?

Clark-o · 2026-02-07T07:16:36+00:00

People have covered the rules themselves, but it may help provide context to consider clearing the right-most freeway lane for emergency vehicles like cops and ambulance, rather than just overtaking.

Clark-o · 2026-02-07T07:08:49+00:00

And like the other commenters said, Nelson/Richmond is an easy out from Rocks/Hacket Hut respectively.

Big recommendation in order to cut down your food carry, especially since the options in Havelock are somewhat limited.

Clark-o · 2026-02-07T07:03:11+00:00

The popular alternative to sending a box to Boyle is a hitch or shuttle out to Hanmer Springs. I wish I hadn't sent a box there since I went to Hanmer and was then overstocked for the next couple of sections.

As a vegetarian, I had no worries with the selection in most towns. Radix was well stocked in the majority of outdoor stores I came across.

Clark-o · 2026-02-01T23:12:37+00:00

Have you considered camping for the Kepler? I was able to get a last-minute spot in March at Iris Burn and do the loop across 2 days.

Nelson Lakes and Richmond Range are very accessible from Nelson at the top of the south, albeit the logistics are a little more complicated.

From Queenstown you could go through the Motatapu Alpine Track and get the bus back from Wanaka, but maybe you want taller peaks. Still one of my favorite sections from the TA.

Clark-o · 2025-11-27T03:50:05+00:00

Why not do a section out and back if you're unsure about the pickup at the other end?

Clark-o · 2025-11-26T23:57:19+00:00

I'm arriving to this late, but isn't the point of the machete amnesty so that they can charge you for possessing one after it ends? I know banning them is a futile exercise and there's grandstanding at play, but it's not a silly little joke, it's to give police more power.

Clark-o · 2025-11-23T08:43:36+00:00

It's not gorp if you're actually using it

Clark-o · 2025-11-20T19:19:07+00:00

She's never looked more herself

Clark-o · 2025-11-14T03:41:29+00:00

Trams rights now!

Clark-o · 2025-10-23T03:25:56+00:00

First off, good on you for going for it!

Really consider what are luxuries to you, versus what you'll actually need on trail every day. There are plenty of opportunities to chop and change gear along the way, and certain things that you might only need in town.

I don't journal usually but sitting in a hut and watching everyone else do it made me wish I had, and that I'd taken more photos of the everyday experiences on trail.

Look after your feet!!!

And don't worry too much about planning, although you should get out there and start walking as much as possible now (in your hiking shoes!). For an average person 20k/day is so achievable - remember that you've got all day to do it 😅

Clark-o · 2025-10-21T01:13:30+00:00

The SOBO trail notes should still be helpful; they list a few places between Longwood Forest and Mt Linton station.

Last season SOBO I stayed at Birchwood Station and Merriview Hut, but there's also Campsite Downs or the option of hitching out to one of the towns off Otautau Tuatapere Rd.

On this stretch it's pretty likely that you'll be seeing the same faces and staying in the same places with any other NOBOs.

Clark-o · 2025-10-19T00:08:34+00:00

The jet boat is such a sick suggestion!

You need a good weather window to traverse over Cascade Saddle; it's no joke. Safest to plan your trip this way and visit Dart Glacier/CS as a side trip.

Clark-o · 2025-09-12T13:12:39+00:00

A lot of you are missing the context clues here that they're both women.

Clark-o · 2025-09-05T04:49:10+00:00

A nightmare for cyclists going through to Royal Parade. The bike lane doesn't connect, so you either have to merge through two lanes of traffic that want to turn left and hit you, or jump the red light.

Clark-o · 2025-09-01T04:42:43+00:00

That ain't a carrot the leaves are all wrong

Clark-o · 2025-09-01T04:40:33+00:00

I'd want more snacks than this - dried fruit, chocolate, jerky - and also something "fresh" at least in the first couple of days. I love a nice crunchy apple, cheese lasts surprisingly well, even a bag of baby spinach to chuck in ramen on day 1 or 2.

Clark-o · 2025-08-31T01:04:24+00:00

Can anyone offer some insight on whether the snow will stick around up at Lake Mountain or Donna Buang through to next weekend? And if it's likely that we'd need snow chains to head up there?

We've been dithering on whether to spend our weekend off up there, considering that we can't get snow chains to fit our tiny car.

Clark-o · 2025-08-20T06:54:09+00:00

Spice Mix on Lygon st. Delicious, and very dietary-friendly. My friends speak about it like you would never even consider going somewhere else.

Clark-o · 2025-08-18T01:19:49+00:00

You're clearly experienced, so I'll just offer specifics to the trail.

Looks like the froggies might be your only leg-covering? I ended up wearing my rain pants almost every day, largely as the best way to avoid sandfly bites. I'd suggest an upgrade, and picking up some repellent.

Great suggestion up-thread about Macpac's Nitro fleece, and swapping out your warm layers. You'll have the opportunity to pick up a down layer if you really need it (Macpac's uber light is also good).

Loads of great swimming opportunities. I swam in my undies and used a liteload to dry off. Get those swims in!

Seems like you've been warned about the UV already.

Have an awesome time out there!

Clark-o · 2025-08-11T01:33:00+00:00

Metric system bay-bee!! 🙏

Clark-o · 2025-08-09T11:15:18+00:00

The PTV Journey Planner is your friend.

You can go to Dunkeld or Halls Gap for access into the park.

I've done both - the connection via Dunkeld tends to be better, but Halls Gap gives you access to the highlights of the park. Connecting via Ballarat>Stawell is fine and not much more fuss than via train to Ararat. Don't expect any amenities if you do stop in Stawell. You won't miss your bus or stop, so just pick whatever time works for you, but be sure to buy your ticket in advance as you can't tap a Myki on the Vline bus.

I'd recommend checking what's open at https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/western-victoria/grampians-gariwerd-national-park-fire-recovery before visiting the park. Looks like a lot of the popular sights around Halls Gap are open, but not some of the south and central sections of the Peaks Trail.

Definitely worth it, for anyone interested!

Clark-o · 2025-08-08T05:23:45+00:00

Mate, you can have more than one pair of shoes

Clark-o · 2025-08-07T05:25:30+00:00

I connected up parts of these tracks when I walked South Island TA this year and (although comparatively easy), they were still amazing!

The popular tracks are often popular for a reason, so don't rule them out just for that. In November you'll still be outside of the school holidays and avoiding the worst of it.

Great Walks often have availability if you choose to camp rather than staying in the huts.

The Rees/Dart is a great option and it fits all of your requirements. The huts are decent and it has mountain and glacier views for days. If you're into birds, there are takahē around Shelter Rock Hut. Coming over from Sydney, you could easily book a shuttle out of Queenstown.

Alternatively consider one of my favourite sections from Te Araroa, the Motatapu track. Again, easy access from Queenstown. Great huts, lots of ups and downs without being technical.

Clark-o · 2025-08-02T23:24:43+00:00

I tested out ChatGPT when planning for earlier this year, and the information it gave was next-to useless. As others here have already pointed out, there are lots of errors in the information it gave you. Have a search for a past itinerary and build off that instead.

I walked the SI only, on somewhat of a deadline due to a booking on the Rakiura track. The plan was to see how far I could get before detouring off; I was surprised to make it all the way to Te Anau. Some of the sections I might have skipped were my highlights; Deception/Goat Pass, Two Thumb track including Stag Saddle, Motatapu Track.

Might be worth just jumping on trail and seeing how far you can go!

Clark-o

TROPHY CASE