RobiNZ Personal Blog

A year ago, today, life changed | Time Out 2021-22

It's strange how sometimes seemingly trivial things combine to change your life. A year ago, today, I had a lovely rich chocolatey breakfast, at 'La La Land' in Raglan, then set off to drive home from a weekend of cycling. Approaching Port Waikato the sun appeared, and I decided to do a short ride to burn off some of that breakfast indulgence. On that ride, I stopped to take a photo, looked at the road ahead and decided I wanted to keep riding. That led to a major change, a break from work, and cycling all over New Zealand. In... Read more →

Hillary Trail | Whatipu, Ōmanawanui and Puriri Ridge Hike | Time Out 2021-22

Whatipu Te Ar Tūhura Hillary Trail: Ōmanawanui and Puriri Ridge Tracks (Whatipu to Mount Donald McLean) Back to Whatipu on another wonderful day. My destination, Mt Donald McLean, is the far distant peak on the left of the photo. Ōmanawanui Track The first section, Ōmanawanui Track, climbs the ridge between the Whatipu Road and Manukau Harbour. It climbs rapidly... Looking across to Awhitu Head, the other side of the Manukau Harbour. Had some Pīwakawaka (Fantail) for company on the climb, would see more later. Looking towards Auckland, not all the climbing is on steps. A short section of fixed chain... Read more →