East Cape to Cape Egmont Traverse facts for kids
The East Cape to Cape Egmont Traverse is a special journey across New Zealand's North Island. It's not just a simple walking trail. It's more like a pilgrimage for New Zealanders, honoring early explorers and the beautiful landscape. This adventure stretches from the very eastern tip of the North Island to its westernmost point.
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Exploring New Zealand: The Cape to Cape Traverse
This incredible journey connects East Cape on the east coast to Cape Egmont on the west. It's a way to experience the diverse landscapes of the North Island. Many people dream of completing this traverse.
Famous Journeys Across the North Island
Two well-known authors and walkers have completed this long traverse. They even wrote books about their adventures!
- Raymond Salisbury wrote Cape to Cape – 80 Day Traverse of the North Island.
- A H REED wrote From East Cape to Cape Egmont On Foot at Eighty-six. This book was first published in 1962.
A.H. Reed's Amazing Walk
A.H. Reed completed his journey when he was 86 years old! He didn't take the super tough route through the Raukumara Range Forest Park. Instead, he followed the east coast beaches south. He visited many small towns along the coast. Then, he turned inland and headed west. Even with an easier path, it was still an amazing achievement for a New Zealander.
The Idea of a National Walkway
In the late 1970s, a government department had a big idea. The Department of Survey and Land Information wanted to create a walkway. This path would link Cape Egmont all the way to East Cape.
The Matemateāonga Track
At least one part of this planned walkway was finished. It's still used today! This section is called the Matemateāonga Range Track. It has a long history. It was first a traditional path used by Māori. Later, in the early 1900s, it became a dray track. Dray tracks were used by horse-drawn carts.
Cycling New Zealand: The Kopiko Aotearoa Tour
In February 2020, this North Island traverse was completed in a new way. It was done as a bicycle tour called "Kopiko Aotearoa".
West to East Adventure
One group of cyclists started at Cape Egmont and rode east. Their route took them through many interesting places:
- Cape Egmont
- Te Rewa Rewa Bridge
- Hobbit Hole
- Mangamataha Bridge
- Centre of the North Island
- Waiotapu
- Carved pou
- Lake Waikaremoana
- Rere rock-slide
- Motu Road
- Bay of Plenty
- East Cape Lighthouse
Other cyclists also took part in the 2020 "Kopiko Aotearoa" tour. They rode the route in the opposite direction, from east to west.
