Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
On our quest for bulletproof knees, Jo and I have been cutting laps of the iconic Tamaki Steps. This may sound like the worst kind of torture, but with views like these the burning quads and calves just fade away (...kind of). We’re certainly not the first loonies to have this idea – local firefighters have been using these 365 steps to train in full kit for the Sky Tower Challenge for yonks!
Distance: 365 steps
Elevation: +60m
With winter upon us, it’s easy to while-away the chilly mornings and evenings under a blanket. But if you’re determined to maintain your hard-earned summer tramping fitness and be raring to go for spring missions, you’ll see huge gains by hitting these steps just once a week.
If, like us, you’re strengthening creaky knees for big mountain descents, try stepping down heel-first – slow and controlled is the key for eccentric loading. On the ascent, stay upright and focus on driving with the glutes rather than with the quads. Your tiny (but very important!) stabilisers will be working overtime, and your ankles, knees and hips will be praising your hard work on your next tramp!
Getting there is easy peasy – maybe it’s even on your commute! Depending where you live, you might start at the bottom of the steps on Tamaki Street, or at the top of the steps on Princes Drive. If you’re keen for some extra vert, park on Tahunanui Drive near the Tuscany Gardens Motor Lodge – there is a small walkway across the road with a sign for the steps.
We hope you have fun with this one! See you out there 😀
~Emma
