- Stunning Views on the K2K Walk - Jenny Hood
In October 2010, a new walkway was added to the network of hiking trails around New Zealand. The K2K Walk is the brainchild of two farming couples, Shane and Jenny Hood and Steve and Clare Dill. They wanted to diversify into a new venture by utilising the land and facilities of the farms that have been in their families for generations.
The start of the K2K, (Kaipara2Kaipara) Walk is only about an hour's drive north of Auckland city so is very accessible for many wanting an adventure in the great outdoors of New Zealand.
About the Kaipara2Kaipara Walk
The 35 kilometer, self-guided trail is walked over the course of three days. The number of hikers is limited to a maximum of 10 people (the minimum is 4) at a time which means you can experience the peace, beauty and isolation of the environment without feeling crowded or rushed.
At the small community of Kaipara Flats Village, the trail starts. It is well-marked with orange arrows attached to trees and fence posts at frequent intervals. You cross the farmland of the Dills, linking with existing farm and forestry trails. In all, you will pass through the properties of nine landowners.
The second day is the longest day's walk and the most challenging because of the steep hills. At one stage, the track links up with the Mount Auckland Walkway on land owned and administered by the Department of Conservation.
The last stage of the Kaipara to Kaipara Walk is on Jenny Hoods' family farm edging the shores of the Kaipara Harbour. The land here is mostly flat. You will say your goodbyes at Mataia Homestead, back where you spent the first night of the adventure.
Hikers need to have a moderate level of fitness and suitable tramping boots for this walk. At times the terrain will be uneven underfoot. After rain, parts of the track will be muddy. The countryside traversed ranges from flat to rolling to steep, through pasture and forest to coastal marshes.
Take a camera with you. The far-reaching views over land and water, the cloud formations and the play of light are stunning in this part of the country.
One of the delights of the walk is the number of birds that can be seen along the way. New Zealand native birds, migratory birds at certain times of the year and even endangered species can be spotted in the bush, saltmarshes and harbour foreshore.
Accommodation on K2K Walk
There cannot be many hiking trails in New Zealand where you spend the first night in a beautifully renovated historic homestead. Mataia Homestead, built in 1891, has been in Jenny Hood's family for generations. Set in picturesque cottage gardens, the house is furnished with a mix of antique and comfortable modern furniture.
On the second night you will sleep on the Dill's farm, in a valley, beside the Hoteo River, amongst native bush, seemingly far from the sights and sounds of the 21st century. An old hut has been restored to use as a dining room. Another building in the same rustic style has been built for use as a bunk room. There is a barbecue for cooking, solar power, and an eco-toilet.
The final night of the trek is at the modern Kaipara Views Eco Lodge, powered by wind turbines, with wonderful views over the Kaipara Harbour.
Organisation of the Kaipara2Kaipara Walk
You arrive at Mataia Homestead, Glorit, at 4 p.m. After dinner Shane Hood will give a briefing on the walk, condition of the track, things to see along the way, and answer any questions you may have. Each hiker will be given a 'passport' complete with maps, and information on points of interest and the history of the area.
There is secure car parking here so you can leave your vehicle at Mataia, to collect it at the end of the walk.
Early the next morning, Shane will drive you to the starting point of the track at Kaipara Flats Village.
You may choose to self cater on the walk, carrying your own food and your own pack. There are cooking facilities at each accommodation.
Or you may decide to do what the majority of walkers do: pay extra to choose one, some or all of these options: your luggage transported, and breakfast, a packed lunch and a home cooked, two course evening meal using fresh farm produce, provided each day. That takes the K2K Walk into the realm of luxury hiking!
The K2K Walk operates between October 1st and the end of April each year. Bookings are essential. Full details of rates and packages can be found on the Kaipara2Kaipara website.
Wendy Craig - Wendy is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, anthologies and travel books in New Zealand and U.K.
