5 Mar 2018

Queen of the Cicadas

From The Long Way Home, 2:00 pm on 5 March 2018

Bruce Hopkins wants to take his dad and brother's ashes back home to Rakiura/Stewart Island. He’s just taking the long way to get there. The long, long way. 

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A view from a lookout over several bays.

Photo: Bruce Hopkins

Bruce Hopkins is in Te Wai Pounamu, starting the second leg of Te Araroa.

Bruce Hopkins Trail Diary - Week 21

17 February – 25 February 2018.

Ship Cove - Anakiwa

“This stunning experience of walking New Zealand’s long pathway, Te Araroa, continues to reveal the beauty of the human spirit. Thank you Mathea, Keran, Hannah, Hadley and Harry for sharing your Garden of Eden at Endeavour Inlet in Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui​ with me.

"I’m starting to meet north bound Te Araroa trampers. So many families from overseas take their little kids bush walking, bloody brilliant. The French family with two young boys on Queen Charlotte track were super cool . They had already done three days on the Abel Tasman track. Their boys were four and seven years old but I’ve seen babies in back packs even! These peeps from offshore know how to get out and into New Zealand’s beauty.

Sunshine breaking through clouds strikes reflects off the water in a bay.

Photo: Bruce Hopkins

"I had a most excellent welcome at Smiths Farm Holiday Park with a warm muffin and a glass of cold water. I have to soak up the luxuries while I can, the Southern Alps and associated ranges await!!!

"I miss my family but glory in this experience of life."

Bruce Hopkins performs a headstand next to his tent.

Extreme outdoor yoga. Photo: Bruce Hopkins

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