New Zealand Trek 2010
The following is a summary & reflection by some participants of our 2010 New Zealand trek.
The Rees- Dart Walk, Mount Aspiring National Park
- Duration: 5 days (Including a rest day at Dart Hut & day walk to the Dart Glacier)
- Distance: 57km (+16km)
- Difficulty: Moderate (to hard)
- Nearest Town: Glenorchy (47km from Queenstown)
Reflections by Jo Dekleuver. Jo’s blog
Looking back over our fabulous trip to New Zealand to hike the Rees – Dart Track I am very proud of what we achieved and thank Jason and Rosheen for making it possible.
Jason produced the challenge and with some trepidation we accepted.
The many months of Crawling up the Glasgow track on Sunday mornings (sometimes twice) and graduating to carrying packs which got heavier week by week! Our Wednesday night walks around the Tan and M.C.G. which progressed to Studley Park, where we almost became on first name terms with the bats.
We were educated in what to pack and how to pack groaning at the inclusion of tents which turned out to be a necessity.
The weather was very kind to us and even though we were footsore by the end of the day, we bounced back each morning ready to do it all again.
Jason and Rosheen provided us with great breakfasts to kick start our day. Lunches with delicate cherry tomatoes in pristine condition, cucumbers (not always so pristine) salami, cheese and carrot enveloped in a wrap to keep our energy levels up for the remainder of the day.
Dinner at night was like Master chef in a hut environment. Delicious and satisfying meals which one night was followed with a unique banana custard which took some time to prepare but was so worth while thanks to Trisha and Cath.
Special mention of Jo D who overcame some adversity to complete the task with so much courage!
Karen who as a native of the land of the long White cloud completed the hike with flying colours!
Jo P who went on afterwards to hike the Routeburn with Karen and then the Kepler Track alone!
Judy who was prepared to crawl the last 100 meters on her knees to Daley’s Flat, hut but pulled together and made it upright!
Trisha and Cath seemed to complete the hike with a minimum of fuss, climbing every “up” and every “down” with the greatest of ease and no whinging whatsoever! (Tough Those New Zealanders)
Rosheen with her unfailing sense of good humour ,carrying that 30kg pack like it was 3kg, was the perfect support for Jason who organized the whole training and trip with perfection.
As for me I loved every minute of it sore feet and all The Beech forests were so beautiful with the occasional hobbit peeping through the ferns, the Glaciers, the rivers and creeks we crossed, the fields of long grass, especially the Rees Saddle (phew) and the clean air we breathed.
How lucky we were to have experienced this adventure 
Joan
Check out our Face book page for photos of the adventure.