DAY 1 - KOKODA TO DENIKI

Tuesday 21 July

The day had finally arrived. After months of training the trekkers landed in PNG and were met at the airport by their Australian Kokoda Tours guide Bruce, who escorted them to the 5-star Airways Hotel. After settling in they attended a pre-trek briefing and dinner, then turned in early. AKT’s ops team rose before dawn to return to the airport and check the trekkers’ luggage through to Popondetta, allowing everyone else a sleep-in and a hot hotel breakfast before heading to the domestic terminal. After breakfast the group were then informed that the plane was delayed until 1pm and so they relaxed at the hotel a little longer. Just as they were heading back to the airport they were informed again that the flight was delayed another 4 hours so, they relaxed a little longer. 3rd time lucky as they headed back to the airport for the 30-minute flight over the Owen Stanley ranges arriving in Popondetta. They then boarded a private troop carrier and are now currently on the road from Popondetta to Kokoda. Due to the flight delay the trekkers will stay in Kokoda the night and make up the lost distance tomorrow. We will have an update once they arrive in Kokoda at approx.. 9pm.