Spiritual Preparation 

Spiritually speaking, if we do not walk well, then we will not have any spiritual profit from the pilgrimage. We may reach the destination with no blisters, but that it is not point. The goal is to grow in holiness, and our acts of walking to this holy site and visiting this site are the means presented to do so. And consequently, we must prepare well, not just physically so we do not get blisters, but spiritually so that our souls may profit from the pilgrimage.

To do this, we can liken the pilgrimage to our own pilgrimage here in the valley of tears. Our destination is Heaven, and we are walking on this Earth for however long God asks us to with the aim of reaching our Heavenly home. The destination is of course more important, but how we spend our time here on Earth will determine if we do actually reach our goal or not.

So, to prepare spiritually for a pilgrimage, make sure that your pilgrimage here on Earth towards Heaven is on track as well. Practice the faith, remove sin and vice, grow virtue, frequent the sacraments, attend Mass on more than just Sundays and Holy Days. Aim to grow closer to God in all aspects of your life. If you are aiming at perfection in the spiritual life on your pilgrimage here on Earth, then you will be well prepared to profit spiritually from our pilgrimage in the far north.

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Physical preparation

The Footsteps of Pompallier is a pilgrimage that commences in the farmlands of the Mid North, moving through the hills of the Mangamuka’s and onto the coastal road of the Hokianga Harbour. This walk, being conducted over four days, makes it suitable for those that have an average to good level of fitness. Like many pilgrimages, it is recommended that you take the time to prepare yourself physically, especially as there are steep hill sections at different stages over the last two days.

The Pilgrimage is approximately 100 km in length. Pilgrims walk between 20 – 30 km per day, over the four days. Each day is divided into three walking sessions of approximately 2 – 3 hours in length, punctuated by short breaks for lunch and rest stops.

Due to the nature of NZ roads in the Far North and the lack of walk-able verges and pathways, we will mostly be walking on the actual roads themselves. For this reason, you will need to stay within your chapters, as these are escorted by safety vehicles for most sections of the walk.

Many of the minor injuries that are experienced by Pilgrims relate to fatigue and stress to the feet and ankles. These can be avoided by following some of the below recommendations:

  • Refer to the training guide for suggested physical preparation.

  • Wearing properly fitted walking shoes or boots, and ensuring your footwear is comfortable, supportive and properly broken in.

  • Practicing thorough foot hygiene, especially at the end of each day.

  • Wearing fresh, clean socks each morning.

  • Stretching and limbering up muscles before commencing each walking session (highly recommended).
  • Carrying a small water bottle or hydration pack while walking to maintain adequate hydration levels.
  • Wearing a hat, sunscreen, and clothing appropriate for walking in the prevailing weather conditions.

What to bring

Pilgrims must bring everything that is required for their journey.

Trucks will be provided to transport luggage between the overnight stops. Therefore, any items you require throughout the day must be carried by you.

Please ensure that you are not just dressed for walking, but also dressed appropriately for Mass and receiving the sacraments each day.

Below is a general guide on what to bring.

 

 

  • Tent (the first night is located on farmland), the rest you will be camping on maraes.

  • Sleeping Gear (i.e. sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and pillow),

  • Torch/headlamp,

  • Walking clothes for 4 days (spare socks and underwear) spare/dry comfortable footwear for evenings,

  • Solid (worn-in) walking shoes/boots,

  • Warm overnight clothes suitable for cold conditions,

  • Plate and/or bowl, cup, eating utensils,

  • Towel,

  • Toiletries,

 

 

  • Water bottle,

  • Raincoat or light waterproof jacket,

  • Broad-brimmed hat

  • Sunscreen

  • Personal first-aid kit (blister packs, chafing cream, Panadol etc.)

  • Snack food.

Next
Training Guide