Great reflections, appreciating the simplicity of life, eat, walk sleep. Appreciating what we take for granted, home, a light switch, a flushing toilet. Appreciating what you have, health and family. My reflection of you ladies is utter respect. I wasn't sure you would make it in the beginning, you then became part of my daily breakfast routine. How I see you now. You have both grown as human beings in strength and gratitude and so have I for what you've given us. Thank you 🙏
Thank you, we really appreciate that and happy that you didn’t give up on us! 🤪 it’s now hard to follow up on the incredible experience but follow up we must!!
Well done Nikki and Judy - what an experience for both of you. We first saw the videos with James, enjoyed them, and then went back to your start of the Trail - what a start! Your positive attitude and sense of humour carried you through. We live near the Trail in Ruakaka and have completed 62.4 % of the entire Trail mainly in day walks. Being both a bit older than you two, we enjoyed reliving bits that we have done and seeing which bits we could still do - based on your experience there might very few! Anyway thank you for sharing your epic journey with everyone and congratulations. Rob and Maren
That’s so lovely to hear and keep chipping away at the TA. I’ll be back to redo bits of it and I may even cycle the length of NZ with my husband in the next few years 😃
Congratulations Judy and Nikki, I hosted you in my Airbnb in Wellington and have enjoyed following your gnarly adventures through the South Island. Truly inspiring! Enjoy your reunions and celebrations. Elaine
Bloody top effort ladies, really enjoyed the limited edited videos lol as they seem to be more real , Even tho i live here, the scenery in your videos still blows me away- magic- i have an airbnb very close to Southern back packers in Invercargill and get many TA walkers after completion (only 2 at the start heading north this year) Alot of the younger ones from the other side of the planet ,mainly, actually get a little sad about it being over and also about leaving New Zealand- but they cheer up when discussing their return lol once again -Top Effort and All The Best ..ps and thank you for sharing
Well done to you both but in particular Judy! Carrying the injury to the end! That's what the TA is about, it brings out tenacity and resilience. I think we forget about those who don't make it to the end for many different reasons, they too, have great measures to even just start. Maude stayed with us (Trail Angels), here in Nelson before hiking the Abel Tasman, it was wonderful to hear her hopes and dreams. One thing is for sure, you both now know what "Four Seasons in a Day" means! now. Welcome and Goodbye from us all. Kia Kaha, Take care, both very special ladies. 🙂
Thank you and yes Judy had to battle through and overcome her injury, she’s a very determined, resilient and tough little cookie! It was an amazing journey to share with her ❤️ Maud was for a short time but was such great company. The people you meet stay with you
Hi Nikki, Yes, we have had quite a few TA's this season. Always have a warm bed, hot shower, and laundry if needed. There always seems to be a fair number of injuries when Hikers hit the South Island. A few hikers detour and hike the Abel Tasman and then get back on the TA Trail. We know the Richmond Ranges, it's ours and the dog's backyard! I have experienced them in good and bad but I love them!
Congrats, Nikki and Judy, I have really enjoyed following your TA adventure, I'm a bit sad its over ( it's been part of my morning routine watching your progress) but also so happy for you both for completing this long, arduous, incredible trail. Legends! I'm sure you've inspired many ( including me, I'd love to do this once my kids finish school), and I am so grateful you've shared it with us. I will miss your daily vlogs. All the best to you both!
Congratulations Nikki and Judy. Loved following your adventure and your reflections. Would like to hear about your recovery and gear thoughts , what worked and what didnt in a few weeks.
I would have loved your shoes on "Henrys Hut". It would have been an absolute honour. Your story is mighty! Im sure in time many things will come to you. For now, bask in your glory. For all that you have seen and done. For all the wonderful people along the way. And through all that - the new rebuilt you! To now return to 'home' after such a long time of being of 'no home'. I hope you take back many fond memories of Āotearoa and all that it has put you through. The gifts it gave you, and also the gifts you gave it, and to us out here. For all that - thank you! Kia ora kōrua! Take care. Your Te Araroa is not done. Carry on your lifes journey, and as you go - NOHO HAUMARU 🙏 🫂 I now need another project. Meantime we're still having nobo and section TAs coming through at Te Whare Kereru in Whanganui. So we just need to complete our 10th season of hosting TAs, and write my report.
Well done you two. I’ve been following you on you tube since the beginning and I actually saw you walking out of Whanganui way back then. Funnily enough the same place I saw you was the same place I met Kurt and Richie as they headed south. You always had a smile on your faces and kept moving forward . You should be very proud of yourselves. Thanks for all your efforts in entertaining us. Take care. Craig 🎉
You gals are bloody legends! I’ve been following your journey and cheering you on. Enjoy your reunion with your loved ones and I look forward to seeing how your exciting future unfolds.
Congratulations ladies, thanks for allowing us to join you. Enjoy the euphoria of the 1st few weeks of "real life" (as opposed to trail life) before the realities kick back in. Happy trails to you both ❤
Congratulations on completing Te Araroa. A great achievement! My tramping days are over now (not that I could ever have attempted what you have achieved) but it has been a wonderful experience to walk with you both and share your love of the New Zealand landscape, the mountains, the bush, the rivers, the great open valleys and alpine paths. Thank you Nikki for your wonderful videos.
Loved your trail reflections, so relatable! I miss it to wake up knowing all you have to do is to follow the trail 🥲✨💫 well done again on this achievement 🤗
Fantastic reflections ladies, on an epic adventure. Huge congrats and for sticking to your clear roles. Its pleasure to watch you both succeed. Enjoy the TA high. 🎉 ❤from Takapuna beach
Very good. Thank you again for taking us on this journey. Not sure if I'll have the stamina (or knees) to do the same, but your experience has inspired me. Hoping to do the TA in a couple years time, when I've retired. Thank you again.
Wow...what an amazing adventure for you both...congratulations 🎉🎊😄 very inspirational!!! I'm going to be lost in the mornings while having my cuppa in bed ...I so enjoyed your videos. Looking forward to seeing your next adventures. 😘
Amazing work! I'm planning to do the walk this year and watching your videos has become part of my daily routine. It's been great to watch your journey. Hope you can get off your feet and have a good rest now, you've earned it:)
Nicky I hope you'll do some video from your euro Vallo trip we did 1200 km about five years ago and would love to take our new parallel tandem recumbent trike on another part of it next time Cheers 15:49
Congrats on completing the TA. For your return flight back to oz, did you have it prebooked/flexible ticket or did you book it a few days out once you had a better idea of when you would finish? Your videos have been super helpful for recon for 24-25 season planning :) and seeing the ups-downs etc as one goes along the journey.
Thank you for the filming and commentary. Really enjoyed it all.
Great reflections, appreciating the simplicity of life, eat, walk sleep. Appreciating what we take for granted, home, a light switch, a flushing toilet. Appreciating what you have, health and family. My reflection of you ladies is utter respect. I wasn't sure you would make it in the beginning, you then became part of my daily breakfast routine. How I see you now. You have both grown as human beings in strength and gratitude and so have I for what you've given us. Thank you 🙏
Thank you, we really appreciate that and happy that you didn’t give up on us! 🤪 it’s now hard to follow up on the incredible experience but follow up we must!!
Well done Nikki and Judy - what an experience for both of you. We first saw the videos with James, enjoyed them, and then went back to your start of the Trail - what a start! Your positive attitude and sense of humour carried you through. We live near the Trail in Ruakaka and have completed 62.4 % of the entire Trail mainly in day walks. Being both a bit older than you two, we enjoyed reliving bits that we have done and seeing which bits we could still do - based on your experience there might very few! Anyway thank you for sharing your epic journey with everyone and congratulations.
Rob and Maren
That’s so lovely to hear and keep chipping away at the TA. I’ll be back to redo bits of it and I may even cycle the length of NZ with my husband in the next few years 😃
An amazing accomplishment! Congratulations to both of you. You are inspirational!
Congratulations Judy and Nikki, I hosted you in my Airbnb in Wellington and have enjoyed following your gnarly adventures through the South Island. Truly inspiring! Enjoy your reunions and celebrations. Elaine
Thank you Elaine, we loved your Airbnb in Wellington and happy that you followed us through the SI. One day we’ll be back! 😃
Bloody top effort ladies, really enjoyed the limited edited videos lol as they seem to be more real , Even tho i live here, the scenery in your videos still blows me away- magic- i have an airbnb very close to Southern back packers in Invercargill and get many TA walkers after completion (only 2 at the start heading north this year) Alot of the younger ones from the other side of the planet ,mainly, actually get a little sad about it being over and also about leaving New Zealand- but they cheer up when discussing their return lol once again -Top Effort and All The Best ..ps and thank you for sharing
Thank you thank you thank you.
Enjoy retirement Judy, and all the best with the training Nikki. Adventure on ladies!!!
Thank you 🙏 and watch this space!
Well done to you both but in particular Judy! Carrying the injury to the end! That's what the TA is about, it brings out tenacity and resilience. I think we forget about those who don't make it to the end for many different reasons, they too, have great measures to even just start. Maude stayed with us (Trail Angels), here in Nelson before hiking the Abel Tasman, it was wonderful to hear her hopes and dreams. One thing is for sure, you both now know what "Four Seasons in a Day" means! now. Welcome and Goodbye from us all. Kia Kaha, Take care, both very special ladies. 🙂
Thank you and yes Judy had to battle through and overcome her injury, she’s a very determined, resilient and tough little cookie! It was an amazing journey to share with her ❤️ Maud was for a short time but was such great company. The people you meet stay with you
Hi Nikki, Yes, we have had quite a few TA's this season. Always have a warm bed, hot shower, and laundry if needed. There always seems to be a fair number of injuries when Hikers hit the South Island. A few hikers detour and hike the Abel Tasman and then get back on the TA Trail. We know the Richmond Ranges, it's ours and the dog's backyard! I have experienced them in good and bad but I love them!
Congrats, Nikki and Judy, I have really enjoyed following your TA adventure, I'm a bit sad its over ( it's been part of my morning routine watching your progress) but also so happy for you both for completing this long, arduous, incredible trail. Legends! I'm sure you've inspired many ( including me, I'd love to do this once my kids finish school), and I am so grateful you've shared it with us. I will miss your daily vlogs. All the best to you both!
Thank you for your daily support and what a great adventure you will have. It truly does change your life 😃
Congratulations Nikki and Judy. Loved following your adventure and your reflections.
Would like to hear about your recovery and gear thoughts , what worked and what didnt in a few weeks.
We will see what we can do 👍
I would have loved your shoes on "Henrys Hut". It would have been an absolute honour.
Your story is mighty! Im sure in time many things will come to you. For now, bask in your glory. For all that you have seen and done. For all the wonderful people along the way.
And through all that - the new rebuilt you!
To now return to 'home' after such a long time of being of 'no home'.
I hope you take back many fond memories of Āotearoa and all that it has put you through.
The gifts it gave you, and also the gifts you gave it, and to us out here. For all that - thank you!
Kia ora kōrua!
Take care. Your Te Araroa is not done.
Carry on your lifes journey, and as you go - NOHO HAUMARU 🙏 🫂
I now need another project. Meantime we're still having nobo and section TAs coming through at Te Whare Kereru in Whanganui. So we just need to complete our 10th season of hosting TAs, and write my report.
Well done you two. I’ve been following you on you tube since the beginning and I actually saw you walking out of Whanganui way back then. Funnily enough the same place I saw you was the same place I met Kurt and Richie as they headed south. You always had a smile on your faces and kept moving forward . You should be very proud of yourselves. Thanks for all your efforts in entertaining us. Take care. Craig 🎉
You gals are bloody legends! I’ve been following your journey and cheering you on.
Enjoy your reunion with your loved ones and I look forward to seeing how your exciting future unfolds.
Thanks for sharing such a deeply personal experience. You two are epic.
Congratulations ladies, thanks for allowing us to join you. Enjoy the euphoria of the 1st few weeks of "real life" (as opposed to trail life) before the realities kick back in. Happy trails to you both ❤
Congratulations to you both. Enjoyed your content
Congratulations on completing Te Araroa. A great achievement! My tramping days are over now (not that I could ever have attempted what you have achieved) but it has been a wonderful experience to walk with you both and share your love of the New Zealand landscape, the mountains, the bush, the rivers, the great open valleys and alpine paths. Thank you Nikki for your wonderful videos.
Thank you for watching and yes, wow, every day was different, and every day the country was different. I’ll be back and every hike I do I will share 😃
Loved your trail reflections, so relatable! I miss it to wake up knowing all you have to do is to follow the trail 🥲✨💫 well done again on this achievement 🤗
Fantastic reflections ladies, on an epic adventure. Huge congrats and for sticking to your clear roles. Its pleasure to watch you both succeed. Enjoy the TA high. 🎉 ❤from Takapuna beach
Very good. Thank you again for taking us on this journey. Not sure if I'll have the stamina (or knees) to do the same, but your experience has inspired me. Hoping to do the TA in a couple years time, when I've retired. Thank you again.
Wow...what an amazing adventure for you both...congratulations 🎉🎊😄 very inspirational!!!
I'm going to be lost in the mornings while having my cuppa in bed ...I so enjoyed your videos. Looking forward to seeing your next adventures. 😘
Thank you and hopefully you won’t have to wait too long!
So happy for you both, thanks for the reflections. Have a good rest Happy travels ❤
Amazing work! I'm planning to do the walk this year and watching your videos has become part of my daily routine. It's been great to watch your journey. Hope you can get off your feet and have a good rest now, you've earned it:)
Well done ladies! Huge congratulations 🎉 I am not sure what I will watch now you have finished ..... Will miss catching up on your journey 😊
We’ll be back as soon as we can and I’ll be doing a couple of bike packing tours in the next 9 months 👍
Nicky I hope you'll do some video from your euro Vallo trip we did 1200 km about five years ago and would love to take our new parallel tandem recumbent trike on another part of it next time
Cheers 15:49
Wonderful. Thanks.
Martin's Hut upgrade
Congrats on completing the TA. For your return flight back to oz, did you have it prebooked/flexible ticket or did you book it a few days out once you had a better idea of when you would finish? Your videos have been super helpful for recon for 24-25 season planning :) and seeing the ups-downs etc as one goes along the journey.
AT trail next? 🙏🏽
😢
Bye for now!