Three of a kind … treks
KOKODA TRACK, PNG
(96 kilometres; seven-day fast trek or 13-day leisurely trek). Buna Treks and Tours, a locally owned trekking company based in Buna Village, Popondetta, provides guided walks.
WHERE DOES IT START AND FINISH? Kokoda to Owers Corner (or vice versa). Trekkers are met in Port Moresby by a company representative who arranges group check-in and then they are met by a track master at the start of their trek.
HOW FIT DO YOU HAVE TO BE, ON A RATING OF 1–10? 8–10, plus mental strength, according to Buna
OVERVIEW
Trekking on the Kokoda is physically and mentally challenging. A typical day starts at 6am and can involve up to eight hours of walking.
HIGHLIGHT
After crossing Eora Creek, trekkers reach spectacular Alola Village in the Biage Mountains, where they can relax with a hot cuppa with views down to the Kokoda Valley.
GUIDES/ PORTERS
Most guides have completed 70 to 90 crossings each. Trekkers carry 10 kilograms or less of gear, while their porters carry up to 22 kilograms.
AT NIGHT
Tents and sleeping bags.
CONTACT
bunatrekkers@gmail.com
– RU
HINCHINBROOK ISLAND THORSBORNE TRAIL, AUSTRALIA
(32 kilometres; four days/three nights). Located between Cairns and Townsville in Queensland, Hinchinbrook Island is a short ferry ride off the coast. There are numerous trails; the most popular is the Thorsborne Trail.
WHERE DOES IT START AND FINISH? It runs from Ramsay Bay to George Point. You’ll need to book a transfer bus or taxi from the port at George Point to the beginning of the trail on the north end of the island.
HOW FIT DO YOU HAVE TO BE? A challenge for seasoned walkers; 6–7.
OVERVIEW
Only 40 walkers are issued with permits to be on the island at any given time. Walkers must be totally self-sufficient and carry their own food, water and fuel stoves.
HIGHLIGHTS
Hinchinbrook Island is a World Heritage area, and the Thoresborne Trail snakes its way through a tropical wilderness, along spectacular ocean beaches and crosses numerous crystal-clear mountain streams.
GUIDES/ PORTERS
Nope, you’re on your own for this one.
AT NIGHT
BYO tent and lightweight sleeping gear.
CONTACT
porthinchinbrook.com.au/ hinchinbrook-island/ thorsborne-trail
– TC
FIORDLAND, HOLLYFORD TRACK, NEW ZEALAND
(56 kilometres; three days/two nights). Hollyford Track is open year-round. Active Adventures provides guided walks.
WHERE DOES IT START AND FINISH? The beginning of the track is accessible by road, 15 kilometres east of Homer Tunnel; it ends at Martins Bay, north of Milford Sound.
HOW FIT DO YOU HAVE TO BE? This is a low-altitude walk suitable for walkers of reasonable fitness and children over 10; we rate it 4.
OVERVIEW The track follows the course of the Hollyford River and features two lakes.
HIGHLIGHT Along the track, you will see an incredible range of vegetation, sea birds, seals, penguins and dolphins.
GUIDES/ PORTERS
The guides know the region intimately and ensure that walkers experience the best of the wild country. As all bedding, towels and food are provided, walkers only need to carry a light pack.
AT NIGHT
Comfortable lodges with twin-share rooms.
CONTACT activeadventures.com/new-zealand/about/ activities/ hiking/multi-day-hikes/ hollyfordtrack-guided-walk
– TC