Every Effing Inch

by Tim Pankhurst

Three pensioners epic 3012km journey the length of Aotearoa (New Zealand)

392 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2023

About the author

New Zealand author

Reviews

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tramping is supposed to be the great leveller. Not for these ‘pensioners’ who manage to stay at every upmarket lodge and B&B possible along the way. Who fly in with a helicopter to complete a missed section. Where sleeping on a plastic mattress and using an outside dunnie is roughing it. Seems very far removed from the tramping most kiwis do. Attempts at humour fall flat. I have read many books from people who have walked the TA and this has to be the worst. I do not want to detract from their achievement, but it would have been better to keep the ‘tale’ to themselves, as I believe it to be written for the ego gratification of the author than any entertainment or information value for potential walkers.

[Kj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a few travel/nature/tramping memoirs, the majority of which have been about young women either returning to or venturing into wild, remote places. (Think “Outrun” by Amy Liptrot and “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed). I wonder if this book has had some bad reviews because readers have measured it against that type of yardstick?
Tim Pankhurst, being a former newspaper man, is an engaging and knowledgeable writer who knows a lot of interesting and successful people. The story of their journey along the TA is peppered with anecdotes about the areas they pass through and the people who either drop in from time to time as support crew or join them for sections of the tramp.
I’m not the demographic who can appreciate Tim’s taste in wine or luxury accommodation, but I sure as hell can appreciate that three pensioners, with dubious levels of health, experience and confidence, set out to walk “every effing inch” of Te Araroa’s 3012 kilometres. We’re not talking about just a stroll in the woods. The South Island section of the track in particular includes snowy mountain passes, multitudes of river crossings, knee-high mudfields, and some truly “rustic” (i.e. downright dismal) hut accommodation. That’s a high level of decision making under pressure and physical/ mental endurance right there. Anyone who has experience of backcountry tramping in Aotearoa can surely forgive them for treating themselves to some luxuries along the way!
This is light, breezy read with plenty of dry humour and evocative descriptions of some of our wildest landscapes. For the would-be TA walker, it doesn’t gloss over less romantic aspects of the trail, such as some long connecting sections of risky and uncomfortable on-road walking. For the would-be walker, it’s an encouragement to get out and enjoy this beautiful country of ours. When I retire, I hope that I have the health, financial means and support crew around me to make this sort of endeavour a possibility for me as well!

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really inspiring read, I'm in awe of what these three self-styled "pensioneers" achieved. I also loved reading about the native flora and fauna, the history of their destruction and current conservation efforts. I'm inspired to consider some of the North Island walks, but not the extremely challenging and arduous South Istand mountaineering.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - they were living my dream. I'm reading every book I can on the Te Araroa Trail - this is what I want to do eventually. I particularly liked when the Author provided a bit of history of the areas they were walking in. I also loved the buddy who greets you at the end of each section with wine and nibbles. A great read.

[Gia Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to enjoy this book. I even ran back to the store to buy it after I saw it the day before.

Sadly no, DNF. I will put it on our magazine stand in the clinic with FREE written on it.

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tim meanders off the path throughout the book. I had hoped for a more personal authentic account of the walk.

[Aisling O Riordan Carter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of side stories which sometimes took over the book I felt. Not as much description of the trail as other TA books offer. Wasn’t my favourite.

[Alan Isaac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would benefit greatly from maps being used to tell the story.