A paen to backcountry tracks
I was out tramping recently and I started thinking about all of the different tracks I have walked along over the years. The visual of the track in front of you often tells you a lot about the place you are standing in...where it is, what you are doing and how difficult or easy it might have been to get there.
 |
| Kepler Track, Fiordland NP: February 2022 |
We often think about the majestic view points, huts we visit and places we have ticked off some mental list but we do not usually pay attention to the path we are following. The track tends to fade into the background. We should probably think about them more as except for a few hardy folk they are the route we follow when exploring the backcountry.
 |
| Crossing Torrent Inlet, Abel Tasman NP: August 2022 |
I thought it might be interesting to have a look at some of the trails I have visited and I leave it to you to interpret what you will from the scene in front of you. The only commentary I will provide is place and time...
Enjoy!!!
 |
| Pororairi River Track, Paparoa NP: May 2020 |
 |
| Milford Track, Fiordland NP: December 2018 |
 |
| Otira Valley, Arthurs Pass NP: April 2022 |
 |
| Kepler Track, Fiordland NP, March 2020 |
 |
| Woolshed Creek, Hakatere Conservation Park: January 2020 |
 |
| Rakuira Track, Rakuira NP: January 2020 |
 |
| Cobb Valley, Kahurangi NP: November 2020 |
 |
| Hanmer Heritage Forest, Hanmer Springs: |
 |
| Howden Valley, Arthurs Pass NP: September 2019 |
 |
| Waikoropupu Springs, Golden Bay: November 2020 |
 |
Kepler Track, Fiordland NP: February 2022
|
 |
| Casey Saddle, Arthurs Pass NP: October 2020 |
 |
| Boyle Valley, St James Walkway: February 2015 |
 |
| Lewis Tops Track, Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve: December 2015 |
 |
| Lakehead Track, Nelson Lakes NP: November 2017 |
 |
| Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Abel Tasman NP: October 2021 |
 |
| Kenepuru Saddle, Queen Charlotte Track: May 2016 |
 |
| Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Awaroa Inlet: August 2022 |
 |
| Pilgrims Coastal Walkway, Port Hills: January 2021 |
 |
| Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Abel Tasman NP: October 2021 |
 |
| Wet conditions on the St James Walkway in 2023 |
These are just a few examples of the kinds of tracks you will encounter when tramping here in New Zealand but there are so many others. You should venture out and find some of your own...
