Journey to Te Ika-a-Maui

Journey to Te Ika-a-Maui (the Maori name for the North Island of New Zealand) details an adventurous trip to New Zealand to kayak the remote Whanganui River and to hike the Great Walks of the Tongariro Northern Circuit, and the Waikaremoana Track.


The Whanganui River Journey is a five-day adventure down the Whanganui River in kayaks or canoes from Taumarunui to Pipiriki, down countless rapids over a distance of 150 km. Preparation is key here, and tips are given concerning trip planning and hiring equipment.


Not far from the Whanganui River the volcanoes of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe rise from the limestone plains and valleys. Tourists may be familiar with the one-day Tongariro Crossing, but the mountains can also be circled by the 3-4 day Tongariro Northern Circuit, which passes by the picturesque Tama Lakes and over lava tongues, with exhilarating views of the mountains on clear days.


In the remote east of New Zealand lies the third of the North Island Great Walks, Waikaremoana, whose lakeside track can be undertaken in 3-4 days.


Lee Traynor spent a total of two months in New Zealand on these and other tracks and recounts his adventures on and off the track. In addition to detailed information about travel and accommodation in New Zealand, he presents technical advice on photography, image processing and map-making.