Best of the WEST

It started as an offhand idea, but quickly became an obsession; to walk every open track in the Waitākere Ranges. Despite living my whole life in Tamaki Makaurau, I’d logged most of my tramping miles beyond the city limits, and decided that ought to change. I’ve always loved the west coast – I guess it’s in my genes. My parents grew up in the western suburbs and dad spent weekends of his youth launching himself off the cliffs beneath the wings of homemade hang gliders – a hobby he quickly gave up when he had children.

My 20s weren’t quite so daring, but I did spend many summer days getting railed in the unforgiving surf and burning my feet on the coal sands. In terms of tramping, I had accomplished very little – a small overnight section on the Hillary Trail