We want to share some of the little (but useful) things we've learnt on our tramps...Guides on Tiritiri Matangi don't like it when you want to leave their tour early.
Tuis have two voice boxes Cutty grass really hurts when you stand on it and walk into it Kawakawa leaves are good for cutty grass cuts amongst lots of other stuff Rocks by/on waterfalls are really slippery It's much easier to climb up a waterfall than down Swim with your boots on - its not as cold and makes rocks underfoot easier to deal with Mountains attract clouds Don't dry boots too close to the fire / heater - it melts the glue Dry boots by stuffing with newspaper and changing each day Always plan your tramp in advance and have a "Plan B" if reliant on weather Carry a first aid kit - with plenty of plasters Having a carabiner on your back pack & some string tied to your stick with a loop can assist with hitching your stick behind you for a climb or swim. There are frequent discrepancies between maps and actual signage on roads & tracks Plastic bin bags & plastic zip lock bags inside your pack work well for keeping your stuff dry. Take the time to look at any signage on the track, even if you're confident with your route Don't follow a fellow tramper too close in dense bush, as sometimes you can get whacked by branches. A GPS is really handy for following stream routes. Mosquito repellent is recommended when following stream routes. Squeezing either a Lime, Grapefruit or Orange into your drink bottle is a nice addition to your water. The bush is awesome studio to practice Yoga, but there's another challenging dimension wearing heavy muddy boots. |