Following what for many of us is the hectic pre-Christmas rush, the festive season is typically seen as a time for relaxation and indulgence while savouring moments with family. For most it commences with the excitement of unwrapping gifts beneath the tree before gathering around the table to relish a festive feast, and perhaps enjoying a tranquil afternoon nap to recover from the abundance of both food and excitement. Alternatively, for those brimming with energy, the festivities may include a spirited game of backyard cricket or simply the thrill of trying out new toys.
While our family has certainly embraced many a Christmas with such traditions, the most recent one took a different turn. Instead of the customary festivities, 14 members of our family, ranging from nine to 76-years-old, embarked on a hiking adventure along the Queen Charlotte Track.
My mother, a seasoned tramper at 75-years-old, whose walking adventures tally up like stamps on a globetrotter’s passport, was the one to propose the idea. She’s a hiking ninja having left her footprints all over New Zealand’s adventure landscape and loves
