Aoraki Bound is personal and cultural journey to discover who we are as people, iwi and whānau. Fourteen strangers came together as Kupe watch, we laughed, cried and shared an amazing journey from Anakiwa to Aoraki. Some highlights included meeting and building friendships with some pretty cool people, learning about Ngāi Tahu culture and what it means to be Ngāi Tahu, tramping up Mt Royal and performing ‘Maraka, Maraka! Tahu Pōtiki!’ to the sun rising, sailing through the Marlborough Sounds, staying at marae at Arahura and Arowhenua and hearing the stories of their rohe, tramping up the Arahura River to Waitaiki, Waka ama at Lake Pūkaki and finishing a half marathon. Aoraki Bound runs in February each year and if you are interested in learning more about the iwi this is an opportunity not to miss. We had an 18 year-old and a 67 year-old (Graeme Pepper) so anyone can do it. Aoraki Matatū! Nā Jeffrey Broughton.

Rainy Te Tai Poutini gets the better of us with the first river crossing un crossable.

Rainy Te Tai Poutini gets the better of us with the first river crossing un crossable.

On the way to Waitaiki.

On the way to Waitaiki.