Last 2019 Camino North and Camino in 2020
Last year in mid-November we ended our north bound Kiwi Camino in Pataua North. That will be our starting point for our first one in 2020.
It was a really varied walk with lots of landscape changes and challenges. We also had a two-night stay at the best seaside location at Pataua South, right by the sea with a huge dining table which allowed us to really relax and reflect on the day over dinner.
Thinking further about 2020, the Kiwi Camino Planning Group which includes Greg Smith, Duncan McDonald, Fiona Bruce and myself, have discussed some changes we’d like to make as we go forward.
* We will advertise the walks more widely, organise and coordinate the dates for most of the walks at the start of the year to help people plan their involvement.
* We understand that the walks “up” the Te Araroa trail require quite a big-time commitment as we are no longer able to complete the walk in one day. This year onwards, two days walking with organised accommodation will almost always be required and consequently people will have to commit to paying a deposit in order to secure a place on these walks.
* Duncan McDonald is also keen to develop new Camino’s which will be available to a much wider public
Kiwi Caminos will continue to be a platform for Greg Smith’s well established day pilgrimages curated with local history at the forefront and the Camino North using the Te Araroa as a basic pathway organised by Fiona and myself.
By the end of January we will have more information, with most of the dates and places we are planning to walk and the people to contact if you would like to be involved.
There is bound to be something on offer that is do-able for you in the course of this coming year which allows you to experience the benefits of walking with others on a pilgrimage through our magnificent New Zealand landscape.
Sarah Bowden
