Tania and I, and a group of our friends, spent five days last week out of the office, and out of our comfort zone. The Heaphy Track proved to be a wonderful five days, and 82kms of tramping through some of New Zealand's best wilderness.
We saw ancient beech forests, alpine tussock, rata trees, limestone caves, lush rain forests and nikau palms by the thousands; we crossed numerous rivers and saw the odd sandfly to two - whew!! We saw many native birds like the weka, pukeko, kaka, moreporks, stilts and godwits.
It was New Zealand at its finest, and was another great reminder to us why New Zealand is such a popular tourist destination for overseas visitors. Us Kiwis really need to get out and see more of our own country.
While the 82kms was a real physical challenge the time away was a great mental break from the office, where we could just "get away from it all". This time is really important for Tania and I, it allows us to recharge and come back to the office refreshed and ready to charge into another busy period at work.
Regular mini breaks are a fantastic way to keep on top of things mentally. I can highly recommend the Heaphy Track as a great way to spend a few days relaxing, exercising and enjoying our great country.