Life on the trail for Keith and Zara

MARLENE DITCHFIELD | 6th December 2006

Keith Roberts' partner told him he was spending more time with his horse than her and that he should leave. He did, and for the past six years Keith, 58 and his faithful Connemara Clydesdale Zara, 26, have wandered New Zealand roads. He's owned Zara for 21 years.

"I sold my house in Auckland, got rid of all my belongings and hit the road, it was an enormous relief," he said.

His two adult daughters told him to "go for it".

The length and breadth of New Zealand has been travelled 2? times since November 2000.

He was spotted in Masterton yesterday on his way south, having spent the past few months around the North Island, but he's keen to get to the South Island where he says there's less traffic and what cars do pass by, are much more respectful of his Zara. North Canterbury and Central Otago are his favourite places, especially the hill country.

Keith says there's a law still on the New Zealand statute books which still gives horses the right of way to traffic, but most people are not aware of that today.

He finds truck drivers the most courteous.

Keith tries to stay off the main roads where possible, guessing 80 per cent of his time is spent on side roads, lanes and tracks.

"Around the coast, over the pylon track or even the old incline walkway. I haven't decided yet. I want to spend some time around Martinborough."

He admits to having hitched a ride in horse transporters, where motorways make the going challenging.

His possessions consist of a summer and winter set of clothing and cooking equipment plus tent strapped to his horse. He keeps the alternate season's clothing at his daughter's home in Auckland.

When Keith is near populated areas he heads for motor camps and says he's never been turned away. Mawley Park in Masterton was most welcoming, he says.

Otherwise, bunking down under the stars or in someone's barn is something he enjoys.

Originally from Auckland, Keith started out his working life as a shepherd and farm stock manager. It's these skills, which allows him to pick up the odd piece of work when he needs money.

He has also tried the grocery business, being assistant manager in the second New World supermarket to be opened in Auckland. He also managed an Auckland-based retail chain Tool Wares but when his relationship began falling apart, the call of the road and the outdoors beckoned.

"My lifestyle enlivens imaginations. I'm doing what many people only dream about.

"Complete strangers come up and want to know what I'm doing and I've ended up befriending people from all walks of life. One of my closest friends is a multi-millionaire from Hawera, where I've stayed most recently."

During the interview with Keith on the southern outskirts of Masterton, several passers-by stopped including one woman, Bridget Evans from Norfolk Road, a self-confessed passionate horsewoman, who asked Keith "can I come too?"