Imagine five explorers with low vision, seven enthusiastic support trekkers, three Kiwi guides from Wilson’s Abel Tasman Adventures – and one hell of an excited seeing eye dog named Luna – all heading off on a five-day, 52-kilometre trek through New Zealand’s iconic Abel Tasman National Park. You’re thinking ‘new reality TV show?’ Well, no it’s not. This was Trek for Vision, an adventurous sock-soaked journey to raise funds for Vision Australia’s Quality Living Groups that provide connection, guidance, and confidence building, to people adjusting to vision loss.
A Couple of Obstacles here and there
The Abel Tasman might be postcard-beautiful, but let’s be real—the track can be full of natural hazards for the not-so sighted – or VIPs as some of us like to be called. That’s an acronym for Vision Impaired Peeps.
Tree roots masquerading as snakes -not easy in a country that doesn’t have snakes – hard, pointy knobs sticking up more randomly than not, hundreds of wooden watercourses (fondly referred to as boxes) cutting across the tracks, and steep, sudden drops, especially where the trails narrow. I’m talking cliffs here – a recipe for disaster.
And let’s not forget a few beautiful mushrooms scattered here and there.
Exceptional guiding skills
Our wonderful supporting guides, with their trusty eyeballs, strong voices, and exceptional guiding skills, made the trek possible for their low vision counterparts. For many, it was proof that we could tackle really hard stuff and finish a hike that some of us weren’t sure we could even start. That’s got to be next-level confidence. And there’s nothing like being guided by someone you trust to dodge a low-hanging branch to solidify a bond.
As testament to our supporting guides, we managed to avoid every trip hazard with the help their guiding mantra.
Root!
Knob!
Box!
And then occasionally –
Hard left
Hard right
Head down
Up, over, down
Slippery going down
Crab walk.
Naturally, the VIPs had to engage full concentration to master the trickier features of the tracks, but so did the guides. They never missed alerting us to a single root, knob, or box. It was an exceptional team effort every step of the way!
Sock It to Me, Baby
To reach the coastal tracks, we had to hang up our boots a couple of times and wade through tidal crossings in just our socks. The soft, wet sand quickly gave way to squelchy mud, with water swirling around our ankles—and at times, even up to our knees. Poor Luna was caught by surprise when suddenly, she plunged into deeper water. What was knee-deep for us was practically over her head. She resurfaced with a series of impressive high leaps spraying water in all directions.
A soft landing on the ‘ponga’
Possibly the most dramatic moment on the trek was when one trekker, courageously navigating a slippery descent, suddenly disappeared and took Luna—still in harness—with her. They plummeted together into a ravine, only to land miraculously on a soft mat of ponga, the Māori name for the silver fern. Our guide for the day, Rod, told us all about the silver ponga, which Māori hunters and warriors once used to find their way home. The undersides of the fern fronds are silver to reflect moonlight, creating illuminated paths through the darkness.
The Wilson’s boys
All three local guides from Wilson’s – Rod, Phil and Jack – were incredibly knowledgeable and, I must say, you didn’t need much sight to know they were pretty easy on the eye! They knew about everything in the area, describing all in detail, from birds to flora and fauna, and everything in between. They even knew the Maori names for most of the species we encountered.
And that’s not to mention their incredible skills in the kitchen and dining areas at the two lodges we called home during the trek. From assisting the domestic staff, Rah and Blair, with cooking, plating, serving and bar tending – to joining in the after-dinner fun and games organised by Amy – the youngest trekker, and my lovely roommate in both lodges. It was a team effort filled with laughter and warmth.
Final night trivia
On the final night of the trek, the Wilson’s boys hosted a trivia game, based on facts they shared about the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. I knew I should have paid more attention on route– the competition was fierce.
It was a very emotional parting of ways after the trek, because we all had made such firm friends that we will always cherish.
And finally, this intrepid group raised nearly $80,000. That’s not just a nice round number with a lot of zeros—it’s a big deal.
This is what some group members had to say – and there were plenty more comments like this.
From Sharon
Hey trekkers
Felt a little sad yesterday as it sunk in that our adventure had come to an end.
I was looking through photos this morning, and only then did I really process what we did and what we achieved. You are all incredible!!
As mentioned on the last night at dinner……to our 5 low vision trekkers, you are all bloody legends! There were many physical challenges and constant concentration required during the trek, and you all absolutely smashed it! You have, and will, inspire so many for what you have achieved! Keep smashing it legends! Live the life you choose!
To all the trekkers who supported and provided incredible guidance. I’d like to acknowledge how much concentration that requires. Not only did you accomplish the challenges along the trek, you also went above and beyond to ensure that our teammates were safe during the whole trip. There was never the need to ask or arrange for teammates to help with support roles. This was such a switched on and compassionate group, that it all just happened organically when and where needed.
To those who were not part of the Trek for Vision team….. you now are part of the team 100% !! Thank you for being such good sports and putting up with this loud and rowdy crew. Thank you for sharing your trekking adventure with us and joining in with the fun.
From a personal note, thank you to each and every one of you for an amazing and fun life experience that will be fondly remembered forever. Thanks to this trip, the wonderful guides, beautiful NZ, the constant laughter, and all of you wonderful people, I have regained the enjoyment and passion for bush-walking and trekking again. For that, I deeply thank you.
Last but not least, it was an absolute pleasure and honour to share this experience with you all and gain cherished new friendships.
Xx
And excerpts from Dale’s posts – a low vision trekker
I had such an amazing time and so inspired and motivated by each and every one of you.
I am in awe of my low vision trekkers
A huge thank you to everyone who seamlessly shifted between us to assist without hesitation.
I have made some amazing friends and shared what was just a perfect time trekking.
You are all incredible humans with a passion for life and care for those around you.
I will be reliving this time for months to come. And looking forward to our next adventure together.
And love the chat between everyone. I think we have all found a new little family from the trek.
And to me that says it all!
A word of thanks …
Thanks so much for your kindness, support, fun and laughter. And thanks for the sensational photos you shared. It’s a shame I can’t put them all in this post. Shell, Leigh, Amy, Dale, Dino, John, Lucia, Leonore, Susan, Sue and Sharon. I look forward to our next adventure.
From Leigh
I laughed …. while remembering the adventure, the banter and laughter, the life long memories and friends. I will forever be in awe and inspired by the VIP’s, the courage, determination and resilience is just beyond words of praise and admiration. The rest of the crew did pretty darn good too! I’m missing you all, as I slowly settle back into my home and work routine and await news for our next adventure!
My sentiments exactly Leigh xxx
Another interview with Peter Greco – Vision Australia Radio 24 May, 2025
Annette Leishman and Dale Pearce were just back from the Vision Australia’s Trek in New Zealand. Click on the link below to hear how it went (about 30 minutes in).
https://embed.podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/24-may-2025/id1575497294?i=1000709673924
