Coming to NZ was a revelation for me in many aspects. Not did I only realise that I knew much less about our planet and the progress of globalisation than I thought, I also underestimated that travelling around the world is more a trend these days rather than an exception. Excuse my early naivety, but I really didn’t expect that many European, North American and other youngsters, let alone all the “standard” tourists when I came here…only to find that apparently half the world has made its way to Australia and NZ. Despite being one of them, often I would get annoyed by my own people or hordes of tourists in general, since I came to “escape” them! No, I’m not anti-social, but sometimes I prefer to be in unspoiled places not or only less known to the public.

In this new blog post series I’ll cover a few of those places, of which there may be a decent amount left in NZ – unless they’re overlooked or only known by a circle of people. Please note that some of these places may be difficult and/or dangerous to reach, and that this series simply tells you about my experience – I do not encourage you do the same as I did. Everything you endeavour falls under your own responsibility, I’m not liable for anything!

My first of these special journeys brought me to the Kaimai Range, a congregation of hills and mountains west of Tauranga and certainly an unpopular, yet highly frequented route for truck drivers transporting goods into the beating heart of the Bay of Plenty. Locals will certainly know about this place, but I’ve never heard any tourists talking about it – likely since there’s no Queenstown in between these green hills, and dedicated hikers and mountaineers would pursue their hobbies rather in the famous Southern Alps. Take this and what you have it is beautiful, rugged and pleasantly uncrowded area for your own expeditions – with its very own appeal.

On one of the few sunny Winter Saturdays in Rotorua, I headed out to conquer the Sentinel Rock. Lured by DOC’s description of the track, I packed up my rucksack, left early in the morning and arrived at a small carpark with only one car – that of a forest company. Looks like the right place! The first ~15 to 20 minutes are a straight walkway through the woods, nothing spectacular. Before starting, there’s a “shoe cleaning station” to prevent the spread of kauri dieback, as you pass some Kauri trees before you get to the actual Sentinel Rock track.

What followed was a serene climb with an intense atmosphere in the forest, the only sounds being of birds and the wind, while sun rays occasionally make their way through the many tree tops (yes, I really like this and fall for romantic emotions) – it was steep at times, that’s for sure, making it good training for everyone’s body. While I embraced the wilderness, several interesting plants and tree crossed my path…until I eventually reached the Sentinel Rock Lookout. The view here is definitely rewarding, but somehow I expected more. The path leads further to the rock…so I decided in favour of the adventure and proceeded!

The pictures should tell you whether it was worth it. Stunning views to the North East reveal Tauranga and the Mount on the horizon, Katikati to the North West and the Kaimais behind me…truly magnificient. 🙂

Just to be clear, DOC advises: “The old track to the top of the rock is considered dangerous and should not be used.” That’s absolutely true: It was slippery as hell, almost no space to stand and flanks stretching several dozen meters. Again: This post reflects an experience and is not a recommendation.