13 Days in the life of a Hiking New Zealand Guide - Part 1

One of our most experienced guides Graham Frith aka "Grum" has a love of the outdoors and sharing that with people. 

Grum is about to head off on his big venture overseas to raise awareness and money for prostrate cancer. You can follow his hilarious antics on his Facebook page Grum Goes Global. In the meantime join him on his last 13 day adventure around the South Island guiding with Hiking New Zealand. Here is Part 1 with Part 2 to follow....

FINAL LAP FOR HIKING NEW ZEALAND - 

I have a fantastic job, showing visitors from all over the world the beauty of New Zealand, but this is my last trip before heading off on my Ogre Surly around the globe.

The cheeky smile of Grum

It's a bit sad, a little bit frightening, and a big bit exciting, knowing that when this trip is done there is no paid work again, before leaving for Melbourne on 29th May 2014.

It's also very daunting knowing that Juliet and I have only limited days together before I leave, fitting in as many as we can between her busy shifts, and my last minute planning. then we won't see each other until the end of July when she is joining me in Western Australia.

This last week has been really busy. Test of Time have been rehearsing for the 5 G's....that is GrumGoesGlobal Goodbye Gig. 24th May 2014, Hanmer Springs. A really fun night of dancing and partying, as the band play heaps of classic oldies, all so we can have a good time. The 5Gs doubles up as a fund raiser for Canteen and Prostate Cancer, and a Goodbye, Good luck, Get out of Town party for me. Entry at the door, with a $20+ donation to either of the charities. Food and drink on sale on site. See you there, bring a mate......

Had an exciting message from me Mum. She doesn't correspond much. She lives on the Gold Coast. Her and her partner have bought a caravan, and are going to meet me in Melbourne to wave me farewell....... nice.

More exciting news yesterday. Adventure South and Himalaya Experience have sorted a price for the Tibet, Lhasa to Kathmandu, leg of my trip. Remember, I can't do this leg unless I'm with a group....Chinese regulations. Be great to have some of you along......for a real adventure. This is a tough ride, but one of the best in the world. Just ask someone who's done it..... details from Adventure South, or give me a buzz.

So here I am, doing a very special lap of the South Island of NZ. It really is an amazing country. Today's drive went really quickly.......with the Eagles pumping out the best music, and the scenery flying past........a lot quicker than on a bike......but I have ridden this road......and would love to do it again......maybe in a year or three......

DAY 1

It's exciting picking up clients who are excited about meeting you, and about what you are going to show them. We are lucky that New Zealand has so much cool stuff to show.

I met Annette, Susan and Ian off the Sounds Air flight, although it was doubtful whether the plane might land, it being a bit cloudy. After a couple of fly overs, touchdown. The passengers were not at all fazed. Then it's just a short drive to Queen Charlotte Drive and everyone is ahhing and oohing, as we all start to get to know each other. These three have been with Justin in the North Island for 7 days on the Northern Portion, so know the routine.

Ian is from Scotland, Annette from Germany, and Susan from Austin, Texas. Today is a little cooler, and at various places around the Marlborough Sounds, low cloud sits. It is rather beautiful so the ohhhs and ahhhs are totally justified. Then we stop at Pelorus Bridge for a break and a coffee. We arrive in Nelson and pick up Karen, from Seattle.

The tide is in as we drive past Mapua, so the scenery is stunning, and we stop just before Motueka for lunch and to pack our overnight bags and there are lots of questions about correct packing as they all try to grasp the concept of what is happening over the next 24 hours.

At the Abel Tasman National Park, we take a boat out to Tonga Quarry where we camp. The next day we walk to Bark Bay early, and then they all jump in kayaks with a guide from Wilson's Abel Tasman and kayak to Anchorage. I wander back to Tonga Quarry, eat my yummy packed lunch, go for a swim, pack up the tents, and catch the boat to meet them, before returning to Kaiteriteri. Easy day.

We arrive in Kaiteriteri and it throws all its charm at us. The sea is blue, the sand golden, the sun is shining, and there are only 20 people on the beach. While I mess about sorting items, the guys go for a wander along the beach. Susan tries the water...up to her knees. A bit cooler than Texas swimming.

The cruise out to Tonga Quarry is really pleasant. Tonga Quarry is deserted, only us. The sea is calm, the view amazing. Too bad the evening is so short, with daylight saving finishing this week. I am busy helping put up tents, and cooking dinner, and don't get a chance to swim. Justin, our North Island guide, has trained his troops well and they help out, and we eat a yummy vegetable curry, almost finishing it all. Luckily a young German couple arrive, and clean up the dregs. A quiz on the beach as it goes dark, and it's off to bed. It's been a long day.....

Tents up, Tonga Quarry, Abel Tasman National Park

DAY 2

Waking up to the birdsong at Tonga Quarry campsite has to be great, no matter what the day brings. This morning there must have been 5 or 6 Moreporks conversing, and a dozen Tuis and Bellbirds. Hard to stay asleep really.

I had the Billy boiling and the porridge simmering by day break (7am), and the group were not long in appearing for brekkie. Not a stunning morning, but oh so peaceful. The two German couples were down the other end of the campsite, so only us about. NICE.

A short 90 min walk to Bark Bay, allowing time to show off some of my favourite New Zealand native plants.... Rimu, Lancewood, Manuka and a few Beech. The tide was coming in quickly, so we had to walk around the bay, instead of cutting across the estuary, but that opened up the opportunity to take some top shots from the bridges, across to the campsite peninsular. More nice.

The crew took off kayaking with Tina, and I headed back to Tonga Quarry. A lovely walk, no pressure, no hassles, and arrived to find my packed lunch had been delivered......yummy yum yum. Thanks Wilson's. These guys do a fantastic service. Always helpful, smiling and courteous. They were due to pick me up at 2pm, so I had time for a swim....refreshing plus.....lunch, and to chat with a few of the hikers that stopped by.

The 2pm boat took me up to Totaranui. This whole park is stunning, so a cruise to the north end is a
bonus. Then back along the coast to Anchorage. Picked up our kayakers here. They had had a great day, exploring all the tidal rivers. Tides had worked in great for their trip.

Magical ferns, Kaiteriteri

DAY 3

The young lady from Latvia (my first ever Latvian) was pretty happy to receive our left over Mexican food. She's been eating pasta and noodles for a month. Tim, the pom, who seems to live at the St Arnaud lodge, and eat a lot of fresh fruit, was chatty. He doesn't work, just seems to walk the hills, and I have chatted to him almost every time I've stayed here since Christmas. Seems to me he has a great lifestyle. Ian, Annette and Susan go for a pre dawn stroll towards the lake to hear the dawn chorus. DoC (Department of Conservation) are doing a lot of work in the area to eradicate stoats and possums, so the bird life is abundant, so the dawn chorus is pretty sweet. Karen is still jet lagging.

The plan today is a loop on Mt Robert. The weather is kind to us, so much so that even at 9am it is a relief to get in to the shade of the bush on the way up Pinchgut track. The views over the lake are stunning. We meet a couple from Montreal, and chat briefly to DoC contractors who are working on the top shelter. A lunch stop at the Bushline Hut in the sunshine looking over Rotoiti is glorious.

We dragged ourselves away from the lunch spot and were rewarded with the ever changing views as we descended down Paddys Track, back to the van. A short drive back down the road, and the guys were trying to get Susan to go swimming in the lake in her birthday suit, seeing as it was her birthday. We had almost convinced her - but then she spotted the eels...

The drive up the Maruia Valley and over the Lewis Pass, with photo stops at the Maruia Falls and St James, passed quickly. Mainly because of the music choice..... Pink Floyd and The Eagles., and because this is such a beautiful part of New Zealand. And of course, I have been amping up Hanmer Springs, as its where I'm from, so everyone is excited to arrive. And Hanmer plays its part. It's stunning. Great accommodation at Green Acres, lovely meal at Corianders......another fantastic day on the road.

Choccy biscuits over Lake Rotoiti

DAY 4

Hanmer Springs. There is no lovelier town in the world, (or not one I've found yet), and a beautiful day like today you've got to get out and enjoy. So we headed up Jacks Pass, and in the cool wind, out of the sunshine, climbed up towards Mt Isobel. The sun caught us as we reached the ridge, and the wind disappeared, and as the climb had warmed our bodies, all of a sudden life was GOOD. The views north and west were magnificent.

Then we tackled the off track route, across a very old scree slope, and it wasn't long until we reached the summit (1319m). The view north, south and west was magnificent. Looked as if Christchurch was in cloud though ... So sorry for you Christchurch, we were enjoying the sun..... Time for a snack break, looking over the Clarence Valley.

Time for a few yoga moves on the summit, after which we were strafed by a low flying aircraft. I think he was just coming down to see what the girls looked like. At least he waved his wings. More wonderful views and photo ops as we descended down the sub alpine track.

We only saw two other hikers all day, and three runners training for the Bivouac Outdoors Mt Isobel Challenge.

The afternoon was half done, so the team decided to forego Mountain Biking until tomorrow, and spend the afternoon relaxing at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. Thanks Hanmer Springs. You turned on another fantastic day.

And so nice to be in my home village for a change. Great catching up with friends, passing the time of day, talking the talk. Love you Hanmer Springs.

What a spot to perform a few yoga moves

DAY 5

Waking up in Hanmer Springs is a plus. Knowing I'm going mountain biking first up, and it's sunny and fine, with a nice group of clients..life is GOOD.

We were at the Adventure Centre by 8.30pm, and kitted up by Rossi shortly after. The whole crew were reasonably competent on the bikes, but none had ever mountain biked on single track....no worries. A couple of hours on the Heritage Tracks, no spills, no blood, cool fresh conditions, on well maintained tracks.....did I mention LIFE IS GOOD?

A couple of the crew were pretty stuffed by then. We had climbed a couple of steep tracks in the last couple of days, so retiring to the Powerhouse for coffee and cake seemed like a great option. And it was.....The range of delicious food there is amazing.....Yum yum yum.

A quick spin down to Rangiora, I think a couple of my passengers dozed off for a bit, and a quick visit into the Hiking New Zealand office. What a fantastic team we have there. It's so comforting being out in the field knowing that the office team have your back, and the wonderful lasagne and carrot cake Anne provided for our dinner.....mmmmm. More yum yum yum. Thanks Anne. We loved it.

Time to find somewhere for a late lunch. Ashley Gorge popped up just at the right time. No one about, nice peaceful surroundings next to a bubbling river, and out of the bush we hear a roar....."Don't you ever work Graham Frith?" Here's me old mate Pete Cooper, taking the afternoon off.....teaching his three students kayaking. Pete and I have played together for 30 plus years. It's not unheard of us meeting in random places. There's a very strong possibility that he will join me in Tibet in 2015. About time we played together again......

Sandra, who has been nominated to be in charge of the weather, has been getting some stick this morning, as it was cloudy and cool in Rangiora. She did her magic (we believe she may be a white witch) and as we head towards Porters Pass, the sun comes out and everyone warms up.

We get to Castle Hill and the late afternoon light on the rock formations is fantastic. A wander through the formations provides heaps of photo ops and it's pretty hard to drag ourselves away from sitting in the last rays of warm sunshine back to the van.

But it's not a long drive to Flock Hill. Cosy accommodation, lovely food (thanks again Anne), and the day draws to a close......but not before Ian loses our first game of Oh Bother.

Very interesting rock formations at Castle Hill

DAY 6

The weather lady (Susan) provided some pretty beautiful red skies this morning, but we all know that as a warning. Sure enough, on the climb up the Bealey Spur, we were in drizzle. The views over the valley were still fantastic, and we were spotted by three kea, which unfortunately kept their distance, and could not be coaxed down out of the tree to play. Still, a reasonably close encounter with some very intelligent creatures.....must have realised we were not going to feed them anything.

As always, the surf pounding on to the beach is impressive; especially as less than an hour previously we had been crossing over the Southern Alps. Now we were watching surfers ride the numerous breaks, and it was really warm, with no wind at all.

Punakaiki and its pancake rocks and blowholes are always impressive, especially if you've never seen them before, but what is even better is the track up beside the Porarari River.

The Tree Ferns, Nikau Palms, flax, huge cliffs, and the kayaks on the beautiful river, all make this track hard to equal anywhere. I love it. We were lucky today to be able to fit in 40 minutes strolling along the side of the river. Fantastic photo ops. Great company. Another gem.

Then we were off. The new guy is arriving from the USA this afternoon. Karen is very excited. We zap down to Hokitika airport to meet Chris (Karen's boyfriend). Karen is all smiles...even though it is raining. Then it's a good old kiwi feed of fish and chips, followed by a walk to see the glow worm grotto, and a relaxed evening. Daylight saving finishes tonight. I think that means an extra hour of sleep......

Nikau Palm

Watch this space for Part 2.