Looking forward to the challenge of a multi-day nature walk but also wanting to enjoy the experience without roughing it too much. I decided to try out a bit of « glamping » on the Whareama Track north of Wellington on the eastern coast of the lower North Island. In this case of course I’m referring to glamour-tramping rather than glamour-camping- ie. no big heavy tramping pack to carry and a nice hot shower and a home cooked meal awaiting me at the end of each day’s walk.

Landowners Carmen and Dick leave nothing to chance when it comes to guaranteeing your 2 day Whareama Track experience will be a great one. The first evening they’ll be there to welcome you in person and tell you what you can expect on the first day. All you’ll have to do to appreciate Carmen’s fabulous home cooking is to pop your dinner in the preheated oven and the provisions for your breakfast and for preparing a packed lunch will also be ready and waiting for you.

Thrilled with the perfect organisation and well rested we set off on the first long day’s walk- the track is well marked so getting lost is hard to do. The first part heads over farmland and as the cows and sheep thin out you’re left with the scenery. After a little break by the river the track wound along through the trees and we arrived at the foot of an impressive hill. The climb was more daunting than it looked really because we knew that as we reached the top we would be treated to views of the Pacific Ocean before following a stunning coastal section of the track. It’s on the last 3 km section over a black sand beach sprinkled with paua shells that you’re likely to run into sleeping fur seals. What’s more when the hard work is all over you get to relax at the Wai Ngaio retreat with beautiful sea views and sit down to another yummy home cooked meal that is all prepared.

After a good night’s sleep we set out on the second and final day, a bit of uphill first before following a ridgeline with the iconic Castle rock on one side and rolling green hills on the other. It’s a real treat for your eyes! At the end of the day we arrived at the historic Ica Homestead, you’re welcome to ease your muscles with a swim or a dip in the spa pool if you’ve chosen to spend a final night here.

The Whareama track is perfect for anyone who wants to get off the busy tourist trail, stretch out their legs and do some hiking in a beautiful part of rural New Zealand but who isn’t so much into the whole “climbing mountains whilst carrying a 15kg pack and not showering for 3 days” kind of adventure!