S01E20 Te Araroa | Days 79-81: Paekakariki to Island Bay Terminus

In the final episode from my thru-hike of Te Araroa North, journey with me on the final 70km stretch from Paekakariki to the Island Bay Terminus. We begin with one of the highlights of the North Island section, the Paekakariki Escarpment Track, and I struggle through another long day through to Porirua in the blistering heat. The following day involves the climb up to Colonial Knob and out onto the Wellington Skyline Walkway as it meanders up and over the hills towards Mt Kaukau. Having finally descended into Wellington CBD, it's still a hard slog up and down various hills to my final destination for the evening where I rest up and prepare for my final day on trail. There are too many people, far too numerous to count and name individually, to thank each one individually. But as with most things, my 81 day effort was not achieved solely by me. This video series would not exist if it weren't for the subscribers and patrons who so diligently and generously watched and supported me every week. I am thankful to them for giving me the impetus to document this journey and, if nothing else, providing me with a lifelong memoir that I can treasure. To my friends who never once questioned my decision (albeit may have raised an eyebrow or two) and provided much inspiration for the "Most Common Questions I'm Asked About TA" video. To those I met on the trail. Hikers, trail angels and just regular people. Those who inspired me to push myself past my limits, and those who stayed with me despite their own goals. Those who provided encouragement when it was most needed, and those who listened to me grumbling on a daily basis without tiring of it. Mostly to Julia, who diligently looked after my tent stuff sack every day as it inevitably fluttered away whilst I wasn't paying attention and without whom I most definitely would have quit. And of course, not least, to my family. When I first put forward the idea of thru-hiking a long distance trail I was met with healthy doses of concern and apprehension, but never once were the words, "Don't be silly, you'll never do that," (or similar) uttered. Despite not being derived from a gene pool of athletes, outdoorsmen or survivalists, they never doubted my ability and always lifted me up at my lowest ebbs. As a lifelong older sister, I hope I have inspired my younger (and far more successful and accomplished) sibling to stay true to herself no matter what. I hope I have shown my Dad what a strong, independent and adventurous young woman I am, traits which he himself passed down to me from a young age. And above all, I hope in some small way I have inspired Mum, who from the day I was born has sacrificed everything she ever was and ever will be to the cause of raising her two daughters. I hope I have inspired her not to settle for less, to take on things that scare her (within reason) and to seek out life's open doors. Because it's not a dress rehearsal. This is it. And we should all live it. ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ⭐⭐ BECOME A MEMBER FOR MORE PERKS ⭐⭐ Want to help support my work and get some neat perks in return? Become a Long White Gypsy Member and you'll get exclusive access to advance updates and secret adventures before anyone else! Not only that, but you'll also have access to new 5 Minute Trail Experiences, a growing library of members-only resources, early access to new videos, seasonal Q&A sessions, product discounts and more. With three membership levels (Free, Hiker & Tramper), your monthly fee will allow me to keep making rich content - videos, blog posts and guides - which will help aspiring hikers and thru hikers plan and prepare for their next adventure. Join the Long White Gypsy Membership today! The adventure awaits... https://longwhitegypsy.com/membership ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ VISIT MY WEBSITE FOR MORE https://longwhitegypsy.com HOW TO SUPPORT ME: ➡ Subscribe to this channel ➡ Join My Membership: https://longwhitegypsy.com/membership ➡ Shop on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UdDQLj ➡ Like my Facebook Page:   / longwhitegypsy   ➡ Follow me on Instagram:   / longwhitegypsy   GEAR LISTS: ➡ Day Hiking Gear List: https://longwhitegypsy.com/day-hike-g... ➡ Overnight Hiking Gear List: https://longwhitegypsy.com/overnight-... ➡ Multi-Day Hiking Gear List: https://longwhitegypsy.com/great-walk... ➡ Te Araroa Gear List: https://longwhitegypsy.com/te-araroa-... Affiliate Disclosure: This video description may contain affiliate links. I may receive a small commission or fee (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through these links.