While he recovers from injury, Bruce recalls a conversation with Te Araroa founder Geoff Chapple.

It's been two weeks since Bruce Hopkins injured his left leg and had to come off Te Araroa - New Zealand's Trail.

While he recovers, Bruce takes us back to an interview with Te Araroa founder Geoff Chapple that he recorded before he began walking the trail in October.

Geoff offers his hard-won wisdom as well as some good advice but the question is; did Bruce listen?

Bruce Hopkins Trail Diary - Week Five, 11 - 17 November 2017
Auckland

"A bloody long time walking The Long Way Home has become even longer. By the time I restart I will have spent as much time off the trail as on it.

"Still heaps of colour where my left shin kissed my hiking poles, but I'm confident it is now bruising not infection. Walked for about two hours today, now icing it, but felt like it is doable.

"Still two days of medication to take, but looking at restarting Friday on Te Araroa from Marsden Point.

"Starting to feel as nervous as I was when I first started on October 14.... looking forward to stepping off into the unknown once again."

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details