For an impression of what it is all about, the above “slide show” is my version of the North Island stages of the GNZT.

It is “an experience like no other in NZ” .

I copied that off their brochure as it is true.

The GNZT started in 2006 from Cape Reinga and each year has picked up from where it finished the previous year to now reach the Mackenzie Country.

This is very different from the usual (boring?) standard tourist holiday package.

It could be described as adventure tourism – a challenge for those fit enough to walk or bike or ride a horse for 30-40 km each day across unmarked tracks and through farms and over mountain ranges to cover the length of the real undiscovered back country 100% pure NZ.

Everything is catered for.  By the time we finish each day’s trek there are hot showers waiting, the cafe and bar are open.  All meals are provided, etc.  The video above should give you an idea of the concept but what it cannot show is the wonderful camaraderie which prevails.  It is one chance to mix it with a great team of keen Kiwis in a challenging 100% pure off-road scenic back country environment.

This is a charity event raising funds for Multiple Sclerosis.  So far it has raised $314,000.  So SWMBO sends me purely for charitable considerations.

For 2017 – Stage 12 – 4th to 12th March it starts at Burkes Pass in the Mackenzie Country and ends up seven days later in Becks.

As this is supposed to be a fishing report we should mention Day Two will follow the Tekapo River to the Ohau Canal and on to Totara Peaks on the banks of Lake Benmore.

In anticipation, on your behalf, I did some research during the trek last February to find something to do on the rest day…

There is a rumour that the canal is full of HUGE ginormous fat as pigs Rainbow trout waiting…

Want more info?  See following video….