Tramping (Trekking) the Length of New Zealand

Tramping (Trekking) the Length of New Zealand (MAIN PAGE)

Section G (Part 2) Pictures: Pipiriki to Levin

The Wanganui River winds through remote narrow gorges on its way to the city of Wanganui at the coast, but remains navigable in non-flood conditions
The Wanganui River Road follows the river closely along 70-km of its length
The river was muddy and turbulent after recent rains, but still far below historic flood levels
I arrived in Jerusalem at 7:36 pm on Christmas Eve 12.24
After midnight mass Christmas Eve, we convened in the convent's meeting room for tea...
...and some traditional Maori song
Sister Laboure, Sister Anna-Maria, Sister Sue, and Brother John in front of their church, Sisters of Compassion in Jerusalem (www.compassion.org.nz)
Lamb Hill farm on Warrengate Road, Fordell, location of very early European settlement (~1850s)
"You've walked 1100 km and have yet to post a photo of New Zealand's second-most populous inhabitant?" There are about 40 million sheep in New Zealand, compared to 4 million people. (And now an estimated 70 million possums.)
And let's not forget New Zealand's 10 million cows either. These cows were kind enough to pose for the picture.
Farewell to Wanganui, which must be exited on the highway, in order to cross the Whangaehu River on the highway bridge
The highway bridge crossing of the Whangaehu River, about 5-km inland. There is no way to cross the river at the beach.
Community center in the town of Ratana, population 1300. Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana founded the Ratana church early in the 20th century and became nationally known as a faith healer.
Beach walk south of Koitiata was in heavy rain and fog, part of the continuing dismal "start of summer" weather noted on the front pages of local newspapers almost daily...
...but later that same day, the ocean sunset was beautiful
Approaching the seaside town of Foxton Beach, I was advised to slow down to 30 km/hour by a speed-limit sign typical of highways in New Zealand. I enjoyed sharing the beach with fellow walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and an assortment of motor-bikes, dune buggies, farm quads, sedans, jeeps, and SUVs.
This family was kind enough to carry me across the Manawatu River at Foxton Beach, landing me on the beach on the opposite side. They were just putting their boat in the water as I arrived at the Foxton Beach boat ramp.
"Thanks for the ride!" I said, standing knee-deep on the southern sandy riverbank as they departed. I could then carry on southward along the ocean beach to Waitarere and on to Levin, section G's end.

Page updated December 30, 2003

	The Wanganui River winds through remote narrow gorges on its way to the city of Wanganui at the coast, but remains navigable in non-flood conditions
	The Wanganui River Road follows the river closely along 70-km of its length
	The river was muddy and turbulent after recent rains, but still far below historic flood levels
	I arrived in Jerusalem at 7:36 pm on Christmas Eve 12.24
	After midnight mass Christmas Eve, we convened in the convent's meeting room for tea...
	...and some traditional Maori song
	Sister Laboure, Sister Anna-Maria, Sister Sue, and Brother John in front of their church, Sisters of Compassion in Jerusalem (www.compassion.org.nz)
	Lamb Hill farm on Warrengate Road, Fordell, location of very early European settlement (~1850s)
	"You've walked 1100 km and have yet to post a photo of New Zealand's second-most populous inhabitant?" There are about 40 million sheep in New Zealand, compared to 4 million people. (And now an estimated 70 million possums.)
	And let's not forget New Zealand's 10 million cows either. These cows were kind enough to pose for the picture.
	Farewell to Wanganui, which must be exited on the highway, in order to cross the Whangaehu River on the highway bridge
	The highway bridge crossing of the Whangaehu River, about 5-km inland. There is no way to cross the river at the beach.
	Community center in the town of Ratana, population 1300. Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana founded the Ratana church early in the 20th century and became nationally known as a faith healer.
	Beach walk south of Koitiata was in heavy rain and fog, part of the continuing dismal "start of summer" weather noted on the front pages of local newspapers almost daily...
	...but later that same day, the ocean sunset was beautiful
	Approaching the seaside town of Foxton Beach, I was advised to slow down to 30 km/hour by a speed-limit sign typical of highways in New Zealand. I enjoyed sharing the beach with fellow walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and an assortment of motor-bikes, dune buggies, farm quads, sedans, jeeps, and SUVs.
	This family was kind enough to carry me across the Manawatu River at Foxton Beach, landing me on the beach on the opposite side. They were just putting their boat in the water as I arrived at the Foxton Beach boat ramp.
	"Thanks for the ride!" I said, standing knee-deep on the southern sandy riverbank as they departed. I could then carry on southward along the ocean beach to Waitarere and on to Levin, section G's end.