60 Photos
Cape to Cape 2024
On the 20th of November, we set off to cover the width of New Zealand from East Cape to Cape Egmont. Covering more than 800km by foot, bike, and kayak to raise money for child cancer.
Mixed
Bike
Day One - East Cape Lighthouse to Te Kopua
The journey kicked off around 9am at the East Cape Lighthouse with the boys being welcomed by 50km headwinds that lasted most of the day.
That first day energy and passing through a stunning part of the country with small towns such as Te Araroa, Hicks Bay, and Waihau Bay kept things moving as they made it through to Te Kopua in good time.
Day two is another 130km on the bike takes them down the coast to Opotiki before they head inland along the Matahi Valley.
Bike
Day Two - Te Kopua to Matahi Valley
Day two ramped things up a gear with the wind turning it up and some rain added in the mix. he team cycling 138km from Te Kopua, down the cost to Opotiki before turning inland and riding up the Matahi Valley to Camp for the night.
Day three might be welcome change as the bikes are swapped for hiking as the team heads into the hills for 35km and 2,200+ and will end the day in Moungapohatu.
Hike
Day 3 - Matahi Valley to Taupeupe Saddle
With the team out of the reception we can only infer what went down today but 50km on foot, whats looks like more than 15 hours and some detours off the planned route likely means it was tough going out there.
The day started in Camp before continuing up the valley on foot via the Six Foot Track, the river bed looks like it might have provided an easier path before Te Panaa Hut welcomed the boys. They continued along the track to Moungapohatu before continuing to Taupeupe Saddle.
Day four is estimated to be 8 hours which might may be considered a 'rest day' after a tough start.
Bike
Day 4 - Taupeupe Saddle to River Road End
After a huge day finishing at 3am, day four was more straightforward with 60km on the bike and a net downhill.
Cycling through a very remote park of New Zealand, the crew passed through Ruatahuna, Tataramoa, Papuera, Ngaputahi, and Minginui before setting up camp.
Tomorrow takes the team back into the bush on foot with 23km to cover along the Whirinaki track.
Hike
Day 5 - River Road to Lower Whirinaki
Day five looked to be another fairly straightforward day with the team making it through the Lower Whirinaki track in good time to set up camp for the night on the edge of Kaingaroa Forest.
Day six sees them back on the bikes for almost 70km where they'll no doubt be looking forward to the comforts of Sika Lodge.
Bike
Day 6 - Lower Whirinaki to Sika Lodge
Spirits are high after a fairly straightforward day on the bike was followed by warm hospitality at Sika Lodge where the crew were treated to a full spread and beds for the evening (the little things).
Day seven has the boys riding to the end of Clements Road before heading into the Kaimanawa forest to find camp for the night at Cascade Hut.
Hike
Day 7 - Sika Lodge to Cascade Hut
Hike
Day 8 - Cascade Hut to Waipakihi Hut
Hike
Day 9 - Waipakihi Hut to Ketetahi Carpark
Hike
Day 10 - Ketetahi Carpark to National Park Village
Day 10 was special with friends and family joining the team to show their support. The Tongariro crossing was on the cards and while popular, it packs a fair amount of climbing in. Starting on the Northern side, the group made their way through the Okahukura Forest, before climbing up to the Famous Alpine Lakes. After descents and farewells, it was back on the bikes for 20km to National Park Village.
It's more riding for day 11 as the boys make their way to Whakahoro where they'll spend two days making their way down the Whanganui River.
Bike
Day 11 - National Park Village to Whakahoro
Other
Day 12- Whakahoro to River Campsite
Other
Day 13 - River Campsite to Ramanui
Hike
Day 14 - Ramanui to Omaru Hut
Bike
Day 15 - Omaru Hut to Stratford
Other
Day 16 - Stratford to Kaponga via the summit
Bike