Kia ora! Hello!

Just me, my backpack and 71kms of South Island beauty to hike over several days.

In the hopes to do some ‘soul searching’ I decided, what better way to do that then attempt my first hike, do it solo, and also try smash it out over a long weekend.

Prior to leaving for this trip I planned out where I would stop and booked my accomodation along the track via - https://www.queencharlottetracknz.com/accommodation/ . It is possible to now get some packages which include self-guided and guided walking group with accomodation and meals included, for a relatively cheap price.

At this stage of my career I was on the 4-Midnight shift so come 12am at the end of my Thursday shift, I went home for a very quick nap before heading off to the Bluebridge for the 4am sailing to Picton. I took a boat ride out to the beginning of the trail and set off straight into the mission ahead.

• Day 1- 23km - relatively easy

• Day 2 - 24km - veered off track to go up a steep incline for the view

• Day 3 - 27km - this one was the steepest and hardest day

74km later (have to walk off the track and back for some accommodation) and three days later, I had completed the Queen Charlotte Track and it was 100% worth it.

I highly recommend doing this, there are some challenges along the way but majority of it is mild so with a reasonable level of fitness this is achievable and the views along the way make it worth the struggles along the way.

Haere rā! Goodbye!