Mana Wahine Walk

While a few of us were concentrating solely on our WaterTribe Everglades Challenge, three young Kiwi women were just completing a three-month off-the-beaten-track traverse of the Southern Alps of New Zealand, from the bottom to the top.

I wanted to take the time to salute them.

Mana Wahine Walk – “strong women walk” – the expedition covered around 1600kms, passing through some of the most wild, untouched landscape NZ has to offer.

They tramped (Kiwi for ‘hiked’) through totally wild areas in Southland and Fiordland, climbed over snow-capped peaks and scaled some fantastic alpine rock routes. Hey, they even kayaked three of New Zealand's most memorable lakes (Hauroko, Manapouri and Te Anau), walked some of the country’s most famous tracks (such as The Dusky Track, the Keppler and the Routeburn), crossed 21 amazing alpine passes (such as Broderick and Rabbit), and the Tasman Glacier.

Their mission was to raise awareness for Youthline, a NZ charity specialising in youth development.

Their hopes for the trip?

To inject young people with a passion for the outdoors
To encourage an adventure ethic that will help build self-esteem
To encourage respect, for self, for others, and for the environment

Totally Bubba Girls.