The trek took them seven and a half weeks, covering diverse landscapes such as towering karri and tingle forests, mist-shrouded valleys, giant granite boulders, and breathtaking coastal heathlands.

The Stubbs family are passionate about the outdoors and frequently hike and trek in various locations around New Zealand. Emma, who works in the Governance team at Waimakariri District Council, had a longstanding goal to walk the Bibbulmun Track after living in Perth for a time, the icing on the cake was when Owen expressed a desire to join her.

“I think it was the perfect time for him. He will start high school next year and that can be such a small place. It’s hard to see that there is a whole other world out there other than the cliques of high school.

“This was a chance to show him how big and wonderous the world can be.”

The journey required careful preparation, including collecting equipment. A suitable tent – not to heavy but big enough for two. Their diet consisted of dehydrated food and porridge for days at a time, with occasional stops at towns when they’d come upon them every six to seven days to restock on supplies.

Despite Emma and Owen both craving fresh fruits and vegetables, the towns mostly offered typical deep-fried pub meals.

There were many huts along the trail, some holding up to 20 people, but Emma and Owen opted for the tent each time – to ensure some peace and quiet to get some much-needed rest.

Each day involved walking for hours at a time. Sometimes they would limit the walking to the mornings setting off at 6am to knock it out before the heat of the day kicked in. At times temperatures soared into the 30+ degrees.

Emma said the trail provided so many opportunities to share musings, sites and experiences. It was a great bonding opportunity for them both.

The greatest challenges on the trail according to Emma, were the flies and mosquitos.

Wearing fly nets and gators from the outset, the pair saw a number of snakes on their journey.

“When we first started out Owen and I were pretty much the only ones who were wearing gators but as we made our way south, they were the norm. We started to see a lot more snakes as we got closer to the coast.”

The coast also held a particular highlight for the pair.

“After walking for about five straight weeks in the bush we suddenly stepped out and could see the ocean. It was an amazing feeling and quite a special moment,” Emma said.

The Bibbulmun trail, this year celebrating its 25th anniversary, attracts over 80,000 walkers annually and takes them through some of the most beautiful national parks in the southwest forests and coastline of Western Australia.

Emma says she would not have been able to do the trip if it hadn’t been for the support of her fantastic team.

“They were so encouraging and supportive. I would not have been able to do this without them.”

She says she would recommend the Bibbulmun trail to everyone.

“You don’t need to train for it. It’s accessible and enjoyable, anyone can do it and really should.”