Book Description

Geoff Chapple has blazed a continuous hiking trail through New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Bluff. This is his story - he describes the dream of establishing a long pathway, and how his dream became a reality. This book contains maps showing the route forged by Chapple with a running commentary describing the landscape, the history of the places and the people he encountered tramping through the countryside. The book is illustrated with a colour section of 12 pages. Part one is labelled Beginnings, and tells the story of Geoff Chapple's newspaper story suggesting a foot trail from Cape Reinga to Bluff. The Te Araroa Trust is formed with Sir Ed Hillary as patron. Part two describes walking the North Island. Public interest in Chapple's walk was high with regular chats to Kim Hill and stories posted on the Internet got 25,000 hits a month. Part three tells about the trail-builders, setting the organisation and structure in place to make the transition from Chapple's walk to a national pathway. The process will not be completed until 2005. Part four is an account of the South Island walk, which was completed in April 2002. Chapple has single-mindedly engineered the concept of a long pathway through New Zealand and he has tramped every step himself. This book is the unique account of a modern day pioneer who has created a vision for future generations to enjoy. Geoff Chapple is an accomplished writer, journalist and committed trail-blazer. He is the author of four books, including Rewi Alley, 1981: The Tour and New Zealand North to South.