Te Araroa. Day 141-Invercargill to Bluff

[@PaulOBrien.575]

Well that was an adventure!! Congratulations Kurt...and Team for completing New Zealands longest trail. And a HUGE thankyou for documenting the whole trip and sharing it with us...the couch surfers. Its been an epic journey and one I have enjoyed following over a cup of tea and breki every morning. Suffice to say my mornings will no longer be as enjoyable. Best wishes and safe travels to all of you. Cheers P

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much, Paul.

[@rhondaeyre7250]

Congratulations Kurt and Richie. You along with Gnarly Adventure ladies are Part of my mornings. Thank you for your documentation of your journey. I was wondering if Richie was going to have a little stay with before he goes home? You will miss each other after being together for all of this time. Best wishes and safe travels to you both . Oh are are both planning any future adventures? Take care. Thank you both. Rhonda

[@marie-claudelariviere1092]

Congratulations. You are amazing. I am more or less in your age group. Watchcing your videos has been fun and very inspiring. I am early retired and enjoy day trips in my kayak or in the bush. You and Uwe Stemmer have now really inspired me to expand my bushwalking horizons. I use to love wild camping and plan to return to it and to go on short multi day hiking trips. Thanks so much for the entertainment, practical information, and inspiration!!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much for that! Wild camping is the best. I plan to do more of it this year on my trips. All the best for you!

[@rasmusklitgaard3648]

Congratulation to you and every one in the tramily. Thanks for taking us along on the epic journey. This is where i have learned the most about the TA trail wise, thanks.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks for joining in

[@jennyharper6232]

Great finish to a great journey. Thanks for taking us along with you Kurt, your videos have been brilliant. Its very obvious that this journey is more than an individual accomplishment, it highlights the importance of companionship to share the difficult parts of the trail. None of you would have laughed your way through the Longwoods mud like you did if you had been walking alone. Best wishes to you all. Jenny,Whanganui

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Richie and I discussed that often. We both planned to do the Trail as individuals but found hiking with each other much more enjoyable. But we also found a way to give each other the freedom to maintain our own hikes as well. Barb and Alex certainly added a fun flavour there at the end. While solo hiking gives more flexibility, I think the social aspect is worth the loss of a bit of that flexibility. And I’m an introvert!! 😂

[@howardjessop6505]

Well done team i have been watching each day from St Arnard onward's as i live in Nelson. Thanks for showing me these great view's of our country. I will really miss watching you guys all the best for the future.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks for watching!

[@Walk_on_Part_In_a_War]

Awesome work trail family! I've so enjoyed following your journey from my couch, wishing I was out there with you

[@dougwinter2653]

I have never committed so much time to watching you tube videos . Have loved your commentary, all the great shots, and the health updates . The dancing slowly improved . Loved the smiles on the last day . Hope you stay smiling for a long time. Just a big congrats to you all . Well done and will wait for your next adventure .

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

How BAD was our dancing at the beginning if you say it improved?!?! 😂😂😂

[@dougwinter2653]

@@freedom_on_the_trail I did not mention that it improved dramatically 😂

[@johnjordan4647]

Well done to you all 👍Thanks for taking us along on the journey Kurt. All the extra work in editing and posting of each day’s adventure is much appreciated. Once again thanks for the video and showing people the more mature of us can still do it if one sets their mind to it. 🙌 For the OLD FELLAS 😂

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

😂😂😂 we oldies still have skills. It helps us work smarter, not harder.

[@heathere8066]

CONGRATULATIONS Kurt, Richie, Barb, and Alex 🎉🎉🎉 Wonderful to travel with you on your adventures! Yes we will miss our daily watching of your wonderful journey 😊 Well done!!!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much!

[@MindshiftMinistries]

Hi Kurt, that was such an awesome effort from the pre-journey prep to the actual walk, and of course your dedication to these video updates. You've done a wonderful job and it's been inspiring to watch. Way to go Kurt! Congratulations on this momentous achievement!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you so much for those kind words

[@travelchipmunk3396]

Congratulations to all of you for finishing this amazing adventure! My partner and I have watched your journey every night and really enjoyed following you along! 🎉 #AUA I do have many questions. 😂 But I stick to 3: What gear do you wish you brought with you? And what gear could you do without on the trail? Or was everything perfect? How did you plan for an adventure like this? How to know what towns to do a resupply in and how were the navigational tools you used, were there any troubles with them? Is there any long distance hiking plans in the future, or is it a "I've done it, I'll never do it again", kind of adventure for you? Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us and I wish you, Richi, Barb and Alex all the best for the future! 😊

[@alistairbalsom367]

Top job Kurt. Loved watching your journey. Have been watching you for a while on your previous trips and I really enjoy the way you talk to the camera/viewers. Im going to have to find something else to watch at lunchtimes now! Cheers and well done. Thankyou

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much for that!! And just so you know, I just finished editing the ninth Q&A video! They start coming out tomorrow. They won’t be every day, but at least 2 a week for the next four weeks. And then I have a TA gear review, an expenses report, a short video on how I did the video editing, and a review on the backpack I used. Not all of these might appeal to you, I’m sure, but at least there are some more videos coming out for a while.

[@peterexpatkiwi]

Congratulations to the four of you, extremely well done. I have to confess to being a little sad though, I have thoroughly enjoyed walking the trail vicariously through your lens. 141 days. Wow.....

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you very much!

[@peterexpatkiwi]

@@freedom_on_the_trail Kinda weird asking now your done, but when did you guys actually meet Alex, or was she always there on the sidelines as it were? I know when she started walking with you, but don't remember you ever 'introducing' her, unlike Barb.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

She joined us “officially” in the last week. Her trail family kind of dissipated and we had the pleasure of her company that last week. But Richie and I actually knew her from Day 1 way up on Ninety-mile Beach.

[@thetoiletinspector6878]

My morning routine has been to wake up at 6am, get a coffee, and then watch your video. What am I supposed to do now? 😆 Congratulations and thankyou for the great videos.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

You can rewatch them. 😂 I’m going to

[@thetoiletinspector6878]

Yes, I'm going to sit down one day and rewatch them all in one sitting.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Wow! I don’t think I’m even going to do that!

[@AussieBeachBum]

I'm going to re-watch them each day, keep that routine going 😂

[@Redbeardedrunner]

So awesome to follow you on your journey Kurt. Well done. Such a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much for joining the fun

[@robfirmin8388]

Ngā mihi nui Kurt. Tuuu meke! Like so many others who have been following you with a morning ritual of wake up video ... your end is done here, so too is my watching you. Your mission is done (for now). Congratulations to you Kurt. To Richie. To Alex. To Barb. Well done! So very proud of you, and you all. Now I can finally post something on my fb. In time I will also write something to you. For now it is time to be with my thoughts. Gather myself ... and send you one big last 🫂 Thank you for the privilege of allowing me/us to be part of this incredible hikoi you have been on. It's been so wonderful to share it with you. For now 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% ... 🎶 👏

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

And thanks to you and George for the HUGE part you have played in not only my hikoi, but in that of so many other TAers! You are truly legends of the Trail!

[@MckayGeoff]

Congratulations for completing the TA Kurt! Also to Richie, Barb and Alex. Thanks for taking us with you on this journey via your wonderful videos which I've enjoyed each morning with my breakfast cuppa. Looking forward to any subsequent videos but hope you enjoy a great well-deserved break! Cheers!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much!

[@kathrynmillardart]

Thank you Kurt for making and up loading all these wonderful videos that we have enjoyed so much this summer as we drove around the south island. You all inspired a Charlotte Sound hike followed by an Abel Tasman hike this year!!! No TA in my future due to rubbish knee 😊 will miss you all. Looking forward to a book though 👍😊 well done ❤

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you so much for watching! Heaphy track is another great hike in that area. I did a video series on that and the Abel Tasman 2 years ago.

[@kathrynmillardart]

Thanks Kurt Will put that on next year's list... Headed up north of Auckland now planning next year already 😊 ​@@freedom_on_the_trail

[@SarahParson-o5y]

Many congratulations to you, Richie, Barb and Alex on completing the TA. What an amazing accomplishment. I have loved watching your videos from day 1 and truly appreciate the scenery, atmosphere, highs and lows that you have captured along the way. Thank you for all the time and effort you have taken to post each day. You are inspirational and I appreciate the great insights you have given me as I prepare for my own TA journey next October. All the very best with your re-entry to your other life.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much!

[@cjiwo]

Well said Thank you all for taking us on this journey, after watching all these videos also a bit sad that we have come to the grande finale , wishing you all safe travels and many happy memories 💝

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you so much

[@vincentmaire2414]

Congratulations and I can’t thank you enough for enabling me to share the journey. I became quite hooked and will Miss starting my day with your report. May your adventures continue and may God keep you in the palm of his hand.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you so much!

[@justinewinter6639]

Oh man, I'm going to have to reapply my mascara. For some reason, my eyes leaked a lot watching this 😂! Congratulations, an incredible achievement, not just walking that distance but also embracing the challenges of a trail like this. What an awesome gift it is to take time to do an adventure like this. It's been such an enjoyable and informative series to watch. Thank you for recording and sharing this with us. All the best.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you for sharing in the emotion of the day.

[@robinsteararoadiary]

A very special journey well done. Much respect 🙏 .

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks heaps

[@honeybee592]

Congratulations!!! 🎉🎉 What an amazing adventure! You can be so proud of yourself 😊

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you so much!!

[@PierreLacombe-u1g]

Congratulations to all you 4 👍👍👍👍 Happy to share some hiking days with you Pierre (still in the TA because lot of détours)😉

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

PIERRE!!! You have are part of our top TA memories!!! Go well!

[@PierreLacombe-u1g]

@@freedom_on_the_trail 😊

[@surinacombrink4492]

Well done, good job!!! All the best for settling into "normal" life.

[@gigeorge03]

Awesome!...well done you guys ...pretty proud of what you've achieved...although it's a sad time as no more Freedom on the Trail to watch anymore!! 😞..Congratulations on a job well done. 👍

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

There will be more videos coming out but certainly not every day. My life is just not that interesting! 😂

[@andricmr]

Congrats Kurt!!! Thank you for taking us with you! It was lovely to see, I think Kay was her name (Bluff Lodge Lady) she'a a legend! Great last picture. You did change physically. I bet even more internally. All the best!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

I’m sure the Trail changed me but I may have to wait for others to tell me what they are. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@warrenskill1487]

The silence at the end bought me to tears the contemplation the excitement the reflection

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

I still get teary every time I watch this!

[@laura1000]

🎉🎉🎉congratulations!!🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Lazydaisy646]

Well done , you did it !!!! I'm really pleased for you all. What an accomplishment.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much.

[@meldouglas3846]

Congratulations Kurt! What an achievement, its been a pleasure to watch your journey.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much!

[@leiagover345]

Congratulations Kurt and the team. Loved watching your progress from starting point to finishing point. Excellent, thanks for the journey

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@damianaday4658]

I will be watching /rewatching all your ta videos in the next few months as I build up to my own journey on the trail starting later this year : )

[@AussieBeachBum]

I'm thinking of rewatching them again too and taking some notes next time!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Will you be YTing your journey? If so, I’ll be following.!

[@damianaday4658]

@@freedom_on_the_trail I'm not sure at this point in time if I will do utube... It's one of the many things on my todo list to look into in the next 6 months or so... : )

[@hrd9686]

Congrats! Well done to all👏👏👏! I enjoyed all vids as early evening program in our winter time and as New Zealand fan 😍. #AUA What are your future plans? I.e. other great/big trails in other countries/continents or "just" trails in NZ what I appreciate as well?

[@likeahike]

Congratulations! It's been wonderful following your journey. What an achievement. You're both amazing.

[@greggodde281]

Congratulations on completing such an epic trip. Have enjoyed your commentary along the way. Well done to all.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much!

[@UrbanKiwiana]

Holy moly cotton candy what an achievement and adventure this indeed was, I'm so glad I found your channel and watched this, even if it took me longer than you did to walk it 😂,.been a real privilege. Thanks for the inspiration to do what I'm about to do. Much love and God bless

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks for watching and the many comments along the way.

[@UrbanKiwiana]

@freedom_on_the_trail +My pleasure mate..it was a privilege, as I gather my gear and look towards my departure I'm excited for the unknowns and many adventures

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

I’m looking forward to hearing how it goes for you!

[@janetrussel8778]

Congratulations on finishing an amazing adventure. We watch you daily so surely going to miss you coming to our TV. All the very best for whatever comes next.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you so much!

[@xzanethar]

Awesome 👍. Congratulations, I enjoyed following you from the beginning

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you so much 👍

[@ShonaghCheck]

Awesome guys you did it. Lifetime achievement.Huge congratulations🎉

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you so much 😀

[@PeterBlenkinsop-o8i]

Well done Kurt ok what's next. I have enjoyed your southern part of the walk i was a late follower. Great viewing Peter B

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks for joining in

[@mikelowden5617]

Ggggoooddd morning!! Congratulations, Kurt, Richie, and Team on completing the TA 2024 journey. Wow, what an adventure that you have shared with us all ,i want to thank you for that . I am going to miss your adventure update Kurt ,take care of yourselves 🥳🍻❤

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much!

[@annielindsay5121]

So nice to have been able just to do a little bit to help you all out in your amazing adventure.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

You both are STARS! Thank you SO much for the part you played at the end!!!

[@plumchutney_enzed]

Congratulations to you all! Huge achievement and thanks for taking us on the journey - great videos 👍

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks for watching!

[@roadyx1957]

Wow huge effort mate!!! Its been so great watching your and Ritchies journey thank you for that. Again congrats and heres to many more journeys... All the best guys!!!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks heaps

[@warwickpreston1653]

Awesome effort guys. Well done!. The discipline to shoot and post simething every day another monumental achievement! Thanks for bringing us along. My mornings wont be the same now

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

It was enjoyable to do the work, especially with the many positive comments.

[@stephene1725]

Wow, congratulations, I'm so happy for you. That is so great. You've had some big challenges along the way, when the end probably didn't seem to be getting any closer, but at last you're there! Thank you for such an excellent video blog, always consistent and good-humoured. It will be nice for you to have this record to look back on yourself in the future. Whenever I'm visiting Hawkes Bay now I'll be listening out on the street for that familiar "Gooood mornin'"!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

I started going back and watching the videos and I still haven’t found where I actually started the goooood morrrrning thing. It didn’t happen intentionally; just kind of morphed I think. Thanks for watching

[@pj3635]

Nooooooooooooo😢 I don’t want it to be over, I’ve been watching since the first step. Thank you guys for allowing us to join you in spirit on this epic journey.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you so much for being with us the whole way.

[@pj3635]

@@freedom_on_the_trailI can’t believe the before and after photos, wow. RIP to your cherished hat btw.

[@shortstrides]

Congratulations to you all. Thank you for the daily updates. I've watched every one, and for the last month waited for each new one to arrive! Today I made the decision to walk the trail in 24/25. Thanks for your part in helping with that decision!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Awesome!!! Now the fun planning begins for you!

[@chrisyoung4384]

Congrats to all of you, wow we really felt we were almost there watching your videos each day. Such an awesome feat..speaking of feet rest up and your ' gooood mornings' will echo long after you have finished.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

lol. Sorry about the echoing good mornings. 😂

[@chrisyoung4384]

No they will be missed by all! Rest up and enjoy

[@CindyDurber]

Well done and congratulations!! Thank you so much for taking us on your journey. Its been super starting my day with yoir video's. Super😊

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevew656]

A BIG congratulations, I enjoyed your journey….

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks for watching

[@Upsidedownorangejuice]

The yellow sign post is one epic monument, what an awesome journey you and Richie have had. Thank you for putting out the videos, it's been great delight having this as my TA follow through this year. That 100% dance is hilarious. #AUA Are looking forward to a normal tramp down the line once your ready.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks for watching and the many encouraging comments along the way.

[@ragshikes]

Congrats on your awesome adventure! Well done! 🎉

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you!! 😊

[@laraBloxham]

Congratulations on your amazing effort. Such an inspiring experience.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you so much!

[@TheHi_King]

Absolutely insane effort Kurt! I remember stumbling upon your channel from a random outdoorsmandave video. Think it was the one where you had to tap out due to dehydration or something like that. What a difference now looking back compared to the mammoth accomplishment you ticked off. Have loved watching these videos every morning with my coffee before going to work. Looking forward to the Q&A and any following videos to come!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Yep, and that bailed-on trip is really high on my bucket list. Will probably go back to get that one in September

[@CraigBell-o6d]

Well done guys!!! Now I’ll have nothing to do when I get home from work 😂. First thing I do is watch the day’s episode 👍 Awesome achievement

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you for joining us

[@BlackPete...]

Wow... Congratulations, Kurt, Richie, Barb and Alex. And thank you, Kurt, for documenting the whole thing. Walking TA plus videoing it, editing it and managing to post it all is a good effort. Well done. I've thoroughly enjoyed every episode. What's next?

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

I have a list of hikes to do, including one I had to bail on last year. But for now, it’s time to meet my new granddaughter and then get back to my off-trail life

[@tonyatkins3370]

What an achievement well done Lads and the 2 Canadians I hope you stay up on a high for at least a little while after the TA..

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

We’ll do our best, I’m sure

[@albertwildbore7631]

Thank you. I will miss your posts. You did great posts.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you so much.

[@warrenskill1487]

Well done for achieving such a huge journey , its amazing to have watched the jounrney and one day i will do this too and you and richie will be on my mind , amazing how much you have change physically and mentally through the journey we are constantly evolving even when where older we csn still learn and grow and adapt

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Absolutely! I had a mentor who died in his late 80s. His goal was to learn something new every day! I want to be that kind of guy too

[@brianmitchell8215]

Thank you all for allowing us to follow your journey, what a great team what can I do now each morning I won't have your reports to watch 😢

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

I feel a bit the same way, although I don’t miss hoisting the backpack every morning. 😂

[@multijacksonnn]

Craig from Whanganui. Congratulations that’s outstanding. So happy for you guys. Sad for me because what am I going to watch now that you’ve stopped posting. I’ve still got the Gnarly Girls but they’re not you Kurt. I’m sure the transition to “normal life” will take some adjusting and you’ll have to watch the burgers and Fanta now 😊that you’re going to be sedentary 😊. So proud of you both.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much, Craig. Will life ever be normal after this? 😂

[@nickcox922]

#AUA - Congratulations Kurt, an amazing effort and thank you for sharing your experiences with everyone. My question is, now you’ve finished and returned home, how has this experience impacted upon you? Will life ever be the same?

[@kerrywilliams8100]

This has been the best video series and the only one I have watch each day from beginning to end. Congratulations and Thank you. I will be reviewing this and recommending it to anyone like me doing the TA in the future. And thanks to Ritchie as well. Very bittersweet knowing tomorrow I won’t be able to watch anymore with my morning coffee.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

I’m truly humbled by your comments. Thank you so much for watching. I look forward to watching your journey when it happens.

[@jefaug5320]

congrats on an amazing journey! Thank you for sharing the experience.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much for watching. See you soon

[@mwasy2713]

Congratulations Kurt and team - thanks for sharing your fantastic journey - Ka kite

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you!

[@tonyatkins3370]

Kurt what are we going now that this adventure has finished, I’m sure I can say from all of your followers what a privilege it has been following you and Richie on this epic adventure Kia Kaha and much love…

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you so much. Comments like these are both inspiring and humbling. Many thanks!

[@nickolb1231]

Goooood efforts people well done 💪🏽🤙🏽

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you 🙌

[@maria_s_adventures]

Well done!

[@mkseller]

🎉🎉🎉🎉Congratulations!!!!!!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much!

[@boostedshuttle2231]

Congratulations to you guys for finishing. What's a great adventure it was to watch ova the last few months. Thanks for taking us all with you.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much for joining us

[@kirsti7415]

Brilliant work team! Thanks for taking us with you.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Our pleasure!

[@craigchristensen6082]

Congratul;ations

[@williamconnell6541]

Kurt, you just proved that walking/hiking is beneficial for us older folks so i thank you for that. I have only found you and your gang the last two weeks and looked forward to the next vlog every day, but as they say all good things come to an end. Has anyone ever found out who they was? Will miss all you guys and Gals 👍

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

I have found, as a counsellor, "they" is usually the negative self-talk we want to assign to others. I thought about that on the 21st day video when I said something about "all you who didn't think I would make it past the third week are wrong". In the days after that, I realised no one had actually said that to me; but I had that inner thought for weeks leading up to the Trail. "They" said I wouldn't make it. "They" was me, and I'm glad to prove "Me" wrong!

[@pauldavies4870]

Well done. It definitely looked like everyone was walking a bit faster on this last day. Now, in a little while, you get to go back to day 1 and enjoy it on youtube all over again.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

We certainly did have a spring in the steps once we topped the last climb!

[@stmattschannel]

I have really enjoyed following your hikoi….100%. Mihi nui for letting us come along for it. Very impressed with your whole journey.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you very much!

[@stefanroesch9035]

Congrats, guys. I got really emotional. What an achievement and inspiration.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks for joining in the feelings

[@brentaitkenhead9934]

well done guys

[@donhodson68]

Well done Guys ,it was Quite emotional seeing the Sign at the finish. All the best to you all gona missya

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

It was surreal. Thanks for sharing that with us.

[@rossmackay9819]

Congratulations all, a momentous achievement that no one can take away from you. Life is really only about experiences and adventures and you all just completed one of NZ’s biggest

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you for those words. It helps me begin to put things in perspective

[@nikkibull7]

Congratulations!! So good to watch your journey. For the processing have you looked at the book Returning from Camino by Alexander John Shaia. Great to work through. Congratulations again.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

I'll check it out!

[@kiwigalkc]

Congratulations to you all. Have enjoyed your content.

[@GeorgeBeck100]

AAAmazing Kurt 🥇🥂 !!! Watched all your videos since before day 1 of the TA (as you know) all the way until now. My how different you look from day 1. Sorry I was not there at the final, just got back from doing a tramp in the SI on the west coast. My guess is you have changed in some way from the man that started the TA.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

No question about that. Richie and I discuss that in the Q&A videos.

[@hedleytimbs]

Congratulations all!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks

[@eilishmcpartlin2184]

im so proud of you!

[@lesballard9959]

Congratulations guys. Not sure what *m gonna do everyday when I get home from work now lol...

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks for watching!

[@jonathancraig8247]

Congratulations folks..what a great day for you all!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks heaps

[@tracypratt2530]

Well done Kurt and Richie. Has been great following you through your tramp through NZ.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks 👍

[@HikingRevival]

#AUA 1. Kurt & Richie, what weight do you think your pack was starting longer sections like Richmond Ranges? 2. Kurt, do you think hiking boots would have prevented or limited damage when you twisted your ankle? 3. Kurt & Richie, how did you manage to convince employer/clients to give you time off? Were people contacting you when you had reception with work related requests? 4. Kurt & Richie, what's next, Triple Crown in USA? Doing a "Uwe Stemmer" and repeating NOBO? 5. Kurt, how did you learn to create and edit the videos, did you learn as you went or do a course? Is there any software you recommend? 6. Kurt, I am in two minds when I do my TA attempt, I want to escape all technology but I feel guilty after getting enjoyment/knowledge watching your videos. I feel like recording my future attempt is passing on the favour. How often was it a chore and did you regret preparing and uploading videos? Congratulations both of you, I really hope I can follow in your foot steps "literally" in the near future.

[@ElaynasBobs]

It's been a pleasure to take the ride with you guys! I hope you do nobo or another trail again one day. Bless

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

I’ll continue to do shorter hikes but I think the months-long thru hike itch has been sufficiently scratched.

[@ElaynasBobs]

I'm not crying, I just have wet eyes

[@jennywoodhouse1546]

#AUA Hi there Kurt & Ritchie, Heartfelt congratulations! Have LOVED watching each video (some more than once). Am planning to walk the South Island of the TA only in either ‘25 or 26. Am wondering about your thoughts on if you were to do that island only & had plenty of flexibility when would you begin? I’m thinking some time in November & I would be taking more rest days & move through each section more slowly than you did. But anyway, what are your thoughts? ☺️Jenny

[@jennywoodhouse1546]

Should have added I’ll be walking it SOBO

[@coolnzmum]

#AUA. Hi again Kurt. Can you tell us what video editing program you used. I know you used a go pro. Did you do the sitting on your phone or take a tablet along. My husband is doing the TA starting Sept weather permitting.

[@daniel-6449]

Congrats, and thanks for the awesome vids really enjoyed following

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks for watching!

[@SarahParson-o5y]

#AUA There are negative comments about the road walking, especially in North Island, in other posts. What are your thoughts on teh road walking?

[@coolnzmum]

#AUAHi guys, what kind of prep did you do to get ready for the TA walk.

[@AllanMcRae]

Well done! A seriously huge achievement, and it was great to follow along. When are you starting the walk back in the other direction?! :D

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

lol!!!! I’m leaving the nobo trip to Uwe and another friend who is contemplating doing that. But I don’t see that on my radar. 😁

[@HikingRevival]

Hi Kurt, thanks so much for sharing your journey and taking the time to respond to my questions regarding rain jackets, start date, date starting Whanganui River etc. I have learnt a lot watching your journey and it’s been invaluable for people like me who want to attempt the Te Araroa as well. I will have withdrawal symptoms now there are no morning videos to watch. My plan was to hike 2024-2025 season but my work arrangements just changed so may need to delay my attempt 😢. What was the hash tag for the official Q & A session?

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

#AUA. Ask us anything. Thanks for watching!

[@reneduindam7317]

Congratulations! I've enjoyed following the journey, we also did it in 141 days back in 2015/16. Is this the beginning of more long distance trails perhaps?

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

I enjoy my non-trail life too much to disappear from it for that length of time again. But I will certainly do more multi-day hikes as long as the body holds out.