Wainuiomata: Bush Bashing

Bush bashing, involves navigating through dense bush or forest where there is no established path, track, or road. This is NOT bushwhacking, where you clear a path using tools.

I made a New Year’s Resolution in 2023 at the beginning of the year. I had thought about losing some weight, but I find gyms quite boring and with certain feet and back problems, sport is out of the question . So I had to think of a fun alternative.

I like walking and tramping, so doing more of that seemed like the way forward. The problem was I don’t get a lot of time to do these all day walks. Then I thought about something I did as a kid when growing up in Wainuiomata – bush bashing. That’s where you venture into the bush where no track or path exists. It involves walking, climbing, rock hopping, crawling, and bit of bravery or stupidity depending on how you look at it. The thing is, a one hour bush bash leaves you as tired as perhaps a three hour bush walk. Perfect if you’re a bit time poor. Further, you use nearly every muscle in your body if the terrain is challenging. A three hour bush bash which is more what I am aiming for, can leave you with aching muscles, perhaps more than an all day trek. The bonus is you also get tired arms from climbing and crawling. So this was my resolution. I would lose some weight by exploring the beautiful untamed wilderness that surrounds Wainuiomata. A few days later, I got started.