Kokoda Trekkers Hall of Fame

Our Kokoda Trekking (KTL) - Hall of Fame shows all the names of our past trekkers and also up to date statistics:

We at Kokoda Trekking would like to thank past trekkers for their support and confidence in choosing us as their preferred operator. To all future trekkers, we look forward to meeting you in 2008

KOKODA TREKKING (KTL) STATISTICS:

Total Number of Trekkers: 2003 = 24. Number of Treks: 5 treks
Total Number of Trekkers: 2004 = 426. Number of Treks: 43 treks
Total Number of Trekkers 2005 = 682. Number of Treks: 75 treks
Total Number of Trekkers 2006 = 850. Number of Treks: 104 treks
Total Number of Trekkers 2007 = 722. Number of Treks: 80 treks
Total Number of Trekkers 2008 = 707. Number of Treks: 77 treks
Now in 2010 in excess of 4000 trekkers

Per above, 3400 + trekkers since we first commenced operation. Many years in a row we have taken more trekkers on the Kokoda Track than any other operator. This is indeed something we are proud of. Our Kokoda operation is PNG run and you can be assured your money employs hundreds of porters and guides from Kokoda and surrounding areas right up to Sogeri. We have invested heavily in motor vehicles; a Cessna 206 Aircraft for food drops; satellite radios; two way radios; Orohaven Kokoda Retreat and other equipment we feel necessary to run successful Kokoda Treks.

KOKODA CHALLENGE RACE - 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008:

In 2004 I arrived home one day to find our porters disappointed that Brian Freeman had broken the track record. They felt the record should belong on PNG soil. Russell and I discussed this and decided that in 2005 we would run a race so that the local boys could try and win back the record and their pride. John Hunt Hiviki not only broke the record, he smashed it. Last year we decided to change direction and run the race from the Ower's Corner end. Brendan Buka won the race in 17 hours 49 minutes.

Update 31st August, 2008: Once again Brendan Buka has re written the history books when he broke his old record to win the 2008 Kokoda Challenge Race in a record time of 16:34:05.

2005 - Kokoda Challenge - Track Record Kokoda to Owers' Corner - 28th August, 2005 - Winner - John Hunt Hiviki Time 22:14:01

2006 Kokoda Challenge- Track Record Owers' Corner to Kokoda on 26th August, 2006 - Winner - Brendan Buka (KTL) - Time: 17:49:17

2007 Kokoda Challenge - Track Record Owers' Corner to Kokoda on the 26th August, 2007 - Winner - Tom Hango (KTL) - Time: 19:07

2007 Kokoda Challenge - Track Record Kokoda to Owers' Corner on the 26th August, 2007 - Winner - Brendan Buka (KTL) - Time: 17:20

2008 Kokoda Challenge - Track Record Owers' Corner to Kokoda on the 30th August, 2008 - Winner - Brendan Buka (KTL) - Time: 16:34:05

Kokoda Challenge Race Records:

Fastest man on the Kokoda Track/Kokoda Trail: Kokoda Trekking (KTL) porter - Brendan Buka - in both directions set in August 2007 and August 2008
Fastest Female - Nesta Gipine - set 31st August 2008 - Time 22:08:38
Fastest white man - International Competitor - Owers' Corner to Kokoda - Damon Goerke set in August 2006 in a time of 19:28
Fastest white man - International Competitor - Kokoda to Owers' Corner - Andrew (Andy) Rowan set in August 2006 in a time of 24:15

Other KTL records:

First Trekkers: 16th April, 2003 - Geoff and Daniel Trott from Melbourne
Youngest Male Trekker: Nicholas Lawson (7) - 2005
Youngest Female Trekker: Ellie Hargrave (12) - 2004
Oldest Male Trekker: Walter (aka The Fox) Kelly (81) - 2004
Oldest Female Trekker: Sybil Dwyer (74) - 2010
Youngest Papua New Guinean Trekker: Malik Suma (6 years) 2007
Trek Numbers - most trekkers - over 4000 in the past 5 + years
Bases - only company with a head office in Port Moresby and bases in Kokoda and Australia

A hard record to beat - guides with the most number of treks:

John Derick Eroro (400 + Treks lost count)
Russell Eroro (287+ treks)

As John Derick Eroro is in high demand to lead our treks, an additional $500.00 per group is required to request his services: The Eroro family is well known in the Kokoda and Popondetta area. Their mother Peggy raised 17 children, 9 of her own and the others adopted. Many of these now walk for us. Johnsford; Davidson; Ross; Duggie & nephews, Paulo, Emmanuel and Oliver.

Attention anyone who has logged onto this page through the 'Hall of Fame' area using the icon on our front page: to view the photographs mentioned below, PLEASE CLICK HERE:

Photograph A group of our hard working KTL boys seen here at Isurava: At Kokoda Trekking each year we try and give something of importance to the community of Kokoda. 2004, we placed a Mitsubishi Canter 3 tonne truck in Kokoda, commonly known as KTL 1 which has served the community for the past three years going back and forth from Kokoda to Popondetta on a daily basis except when trekkers are in town: In 2005 we placed a 4WD Toyota Hilux in Kokoda to add another service should the need arise to pick up trekkers from Kovelo Village or areas where our truck cannot access. This vehicle also serves the Gona/Buna/Sanananda end picking up trekkers from the airport and showing them around before driving them up to Kokoda: In May 2005 we purchased an ambulance for Kokoda and surrounding areas so that anyone requiring urgent medical attention can be transported down to Popondetta. In 2006 we purchased thousands of australian dollars worth of equipment for villages along the track which included, water containers, good quality tarpaulins, cooking pots, change rooms and other items. Photograph below was taken at Ua'Ule Creek. One of our tarpaulins was used when a roof was leaking. On one of our treks, it was used for trekkers to sit on and relax in the village of Kagi: In 2007 we decided on a 3 cyclinder tractor lawnmower as a much needed piece of equipment to help keep Kokoda Station and Kokoda airstrip mowed. Finally it has arrived in Kokoda and is now hard at work trying to clean up. After we catch up, it will be used on a monthly basis to keep Kokoda clean and tidy. Our aim is to TRY and make KOKODA the most beautiful place in PNG. All our KTL boys have been asked to find and take to the Kokoda Station at least 10 plants each when they have been selected to walk on one of our treks. With this kind of help, it is hoped they can continue to grow the beauty of the station: Another addition of ours both on the track and in Kokoda this year in 2007 has been the introduction of rubbish bins. So far we have placed them as follows:

2 at Kokoda Station
2 at Kokoda School
2 at Kokoda Airstrip
2 at Kokoda Monument area
2 at Kokoda Hospital

Also in Menari, Efogi, Ua'Ule Creek and Owers' Corner We also purchased various items for the Kokoda Primary School including a brand new lawnmower. However, now we have our tractor we will mow their lawn for free each month: Our latest project has been the Kokoda Airport, check out our progress:

Photographs:

Pic 1: before work commenced
Pic 2: work in progress
Pic 3: trekkers now posing for photographs in front of our carved signs
Pic 4: the end result, a nice building and atmosphere now present at Kokoda airstrip
Pic 5: our New Holland tractor which now mows the airstrip to allow all track operators the chance to trek as tractors in Kokoda have all broken down. With the rainfall in Kokoda it would not take long for long grass to close the airport - hence another community project for Kokoda Trekking (KTL) Hello Gail

Congratulations to you on your wonderful unselfish nature and attitude, in supplying all these necessary items to the wonderful people who live on the famous Kokoda Track. You never cease to amaze me with your Love and Care for PNG and it's people, by willingly donating and giving so much out of your own pocket.

I know you are rewarded in your heart for what you do, but I sincerely hope that one day you are recognised and rewarded in a tangible manner for all you have done and no doubt will continue to do over the years for the people of Kokoda, Deniki, Isurava, Alola, Eora Creek, Templeton's Crossing, Myola, Kagi, Efogi, Menari, Nauro, Ioribawa and Ua-Ule Creek.

God Bless

Love

Waza

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Total number of treks: 508

9 Day 8 Night Private Anzac Day Trek

Date: 24 April 2005 - 2 May 2005

9 Day 8 Night Kokoda to Port Moresby Anzac Trek:
Trek 1 - 24th April - 2nd May 2005 - Kokoda to Ower's Corner: Trek Schedule Number 62:

Fly into Kokoda and walk back to Ower's Corner:

1. Derek James Brown - paid a deposit 14/07/04 - paid in full 28/01/05
2. Jeff Head - + requires a porter - paid in full 28/02/05
3. Mark Dungey - paid in full 15/04/05
4. Rosemary Dungey + requires a porter - paid in full 15/04/05
5. Colin Brown - fully paid 08/04/05

We fly into Port Moresby on the 23rd Apr 05, then fly to Kokoda on the 6AM flight on the 24th April 05, Complete the trail on the 2nd May 05, visit the Bomana War cemetery/shopping on the 3rd May 05, and flying back to Australia on the 4th May 05.

ANZAC at Isuarava Trek - 2005

Date: 24 April 2005 - 2 May 2005

9 Day / 8 Night Trek - Kokoda to Port Moresby 24th April - 2nd May 2005 - Trek 83

1. Warren Turner - + requires a porter - paid in full 19/04/05
2. Phillip Turner - Requires a porter - paid in full 05/04/05
3. Patrick Turner - paid in full 05/04/05
4. Steven Percival - paid in full 07/04/05
5. Haydn Fletcher - paid in full 07/04/05
6. Sue Scott + Requires a porter - paid in full 2/3/05
7. Louise Peach + Requires a porter - paid in full 2/3/05
8. Damian Ward - paid in full 29/03/05

THIS TREK NOW CLOSED:

1. Ex trekker - journalist Jason Kovac's wants to fly in on the same aircraft and walk to Isurava returning to Kokoda, over to Lae by boat and back to Goroka by PMV.

2. Deahne Turnbull - Australian High Commission. Flying in to walk up to Isurava for Anzac Day - Requires a porter. Returning the following day to fly out with Executive Excellence.

List of extra people on flight:

1. Jason Kovacs - will supply own food
2. Jason's girlfriend - will supply own food
3. Jason's friend from Australia - will supply own food
4. Deahne Turnbull - Australian High Commission
5. Paul Kennedy - Channel 10 Sydney
6. Channel 10 Cameraman
7. Colin Taimbari - Tourism Promotion Authority

Included booking a seat on KTL 1 down to Popondetta following return from Isurava & overnight at Family block.

4. Deahne Turnbull (Australian Federal Police - Australian High Comm) + requires porter - no food will supply her own - fly in with trekkers and walk up to Isurava. Overnight and then walk back down and fly out with Executive Excellence Group.

7 Nights 8 Day Trek - Anzac 2005 Trek 2

Date: 17 April 2005 - 24 April 2005

8 Day 7 Night Trek from Kokoda to Ower's Corner:

17th April, 2005 to 24th April, 2005:

Trek 55-A:

1. Peter Dalziel - paid in full 15/3/05
2. Scott Dalziel - paid in full 15/3/05
3. Neil Walker - does note require a porter-paid in full 22/02/05-Gateway Hotel
4. Hayley Tomlinson + Requires a porter - paid in full 22/02/04-Gateway Hotel
5. Paul Turner-Does not require a porter - paid in full 22/2/05-Gateway Hotel
6. Christine Bowen - Requires a porter - paid in full 22/2/05-Gateway Hotel
7. Anne-Marie Delahunty - Requires a porter - paid in full 22/2/05-Gateway Hotel
8. Andrew Charlton - paid in full 08/04/05
9. Brett Ireland - paid in full 08/04/05
10. Shannon Hewett (shagger:bretts mate) - Does not require a porter - deposit paid 29/07/04
11. Jamie Mackerill - final payment 14/4/05
12. Stephen Kennedy - deposit paid 7/11/04, paid $2000 15/02/05
13. Matt Kennedy - Sharing a porter between father & son - deposit paid 7/11/04
14. Wayne Havenaar - paid in full 09/04/05

THIS TREK IS NOW CLOSED - If you want to book this date, please refer Trek 2 below:

OPEN FOR TREKKERS TO JOIN:

Trek 55-B: OPEN TO OTHER TREKKERS - Guide Tony Evari:

1. John Walton + Requires a porter - paid in full 14/3/05
2. Amanda Ashwin - Requires a porter - paid in full 14/3/05
3. Steve Sleswick - Does not require a porter - deposit paid 13/01/05
4. Mr Cameron Brown + Requires a porter - paid in full 22/3/05
5. Bob Robertson + Requires a porter - paid in full 29/3/05
6. Dan Towler - paid in full 12/04/05
7. Michael Sztachanski - paid in full12/04/05
8. Ken Toombs - Does not require a porter - deposit paid 24/11/04
9. Alissa Crossley - paid in full 12/04/05
10. Daniel Livingston - Does not require a porter - deposit paid $300 31/1/05

2005 sees us offer two different treks. One commencing from Ower's Corner and the other trekking from Kokoda. If you would like to join either of these Anzac Treks, please contact us

Both treks will end up back here in Port Moresby so anyone wanting to stay on can attend the Bomana War Cemetery for the Dawn Service, followed by a Gunfire Breakfast at the Australia High Commission. Later in the day if you still wish you can go to the Royal Papua Yacht Club for lunch and a game of two-up

Anzac 2005 Trek - 9 Days & 8 Nights

Date: 16 April 2005 - 24 April 2005

Ower's Corner to Kokoda - then fly back to Port Moresby on Sunday 24th April, 2005 and be able to attend the Bomana Dawn Service on Anzac Day. Trek Schedule 51:
Trek 51-A:

1. Jason Peters - paid in full 1/3/05
2. Brian Whitehouse - paid in full 21/3/05
3. Peter Elliot - paid in full 23/2/05
4. Darin Bell - paid in full 1/3/05
5. Kevin Bell - paid in full 1/3/05
6. Grant Bell - paid in full 14/02/05
7. Michael Cook - paid in full 17/02/04
8. Peter Hesse - paid in full 16/02/05
9. Peter Fraser - paid in full 16/02/05
10. David Fraser - paid in full 16/02/05
11. Scott Levy - paid in full 2/11/04
12. Adam Long - paid in full 21/3/05
13. Lindsay Kelly + Requires a porter - paid in full 28/03/05
14. Leon Lincoln + Requires a porter - paid in full 22/2/05
15. Michael Lincoln + Requires a porter - paid in full 22/2/05
16. Craig Farrant - Does not require a porter - paid in full 23/2/05
17. Stuart Small - paid in full 28/2/05
18. Murray Farrant + Requires a porter - paid in full 23/2/05
20. Michael Pesle - paid in full 12/04/05
21. Mark Appleton - paid in full

Trek 51 - B:

1. Lora Brown - paid in full 21/3/05
2. Ben Odonnel - paid in full 30/03/05
3. William Tooher - paid in full 08/04/05
4. John O'Donnel + Requires a personal porter - paid in full 30/3/05
5. Adam Clarke - paid final payment 12/4/05 - paid for personal porter 10/05/05
6. Vasco Soyanov - paid in full
7. Anita (Acock) Watson - paid in full 24/03/05 (is a vegetarian but eats fish and seafood)
8. Troy Watson - paid in full 24/03/05
9. Catherine Thomas - paid in full 12/04/05
10. Darren Nicholson - paid in full 12/04/05
11. James Kaminski - paid in full 14/04/05
12. Colin Petrie - Does not require a porter
13. Lynda Shaw - Requires a porter - paid trek $900 12/04/05-not porter
14. Steve Lloyd (our Staff Member) to monitor all three treks 51-A; 51-B & 51-C

Trek B - Itinerary:

Day 1 - Ower's Corner to Va'ule; Day 2 - Vaule Creek - Ofi Creek, Day 3 - Ofi Creek to Nauro; Day 4 - Nauro to Manari; Day 5 - Manari to Efogi; Day 6 - Efogi to Myola Junction; Day 7 - Myola Junction to Iora Creek; Day 8 - Iora Creek to Isurava Village; Day 9 - Isurava Village to Kokoda and fly back into Port Moresby.

You are all invited to overnight at Russell Eroro's family block on the night of the 23rd April. The next day your flight will leave from Kokoda to Port Moresby.

Trek 51 - C:

1. Raymond Noel Mitchell + Requires a porter - paid in full 5/3/05
2. Ben Mitchell + Requires a porter - paid in full 5/3/05
3. Dean Mitchell + Requires a porter - paid in full 5/3/05
4. Craig Armstrong + Requires a porter - paid in full 24/3/05
5. Martin O'Malley + Requires a porter - paid in full 31/3/05
6. Nicole Henderson + Requires a porter - paid in full 16/02/05
7. Millie Plowman + Requires a porter - paid in full 4/3/05
8. Dave Sutton - Requires a porter - paid in full 4/3/05
9. James Dyer - paid in full 22/2/05
10. Miles Flanagan - paid in full 1/3/05
11. Brett McKinnis + Requires a porter - paid in full 18/01/05
12. Gill Dear - requires a porter between the three of them - paid in full 23/2/05
13. Anna Dear - Does not require a porter - paid in full 27/2/05
14. Ian Dear - Does not require a porter - paid in full 27/2/05
15. Simon Foxall - Does not require a porter - paid in full 01/03/05
16. Bill Foxall - Requires a porter - paid in full 28/2/05
17. Amy Livingstone-Foggo - Requires a porter - paid in full 27/02/05
18. Walter (aka The Fox) Kelly + Requires a porter - paid in full 23/2/05
19. Steve Jones - + Requires a porter - paid in full 14/03/05

Trek C - Itinerary:

Day 1 - Ower's Corner to Uberi; Day 2 - Uberi to Camp 44; Day 3 - Camp 44 to Nauro; Day 4 - Nauro to Manari; Day 5 - Manari to Efogi; Day 6 - Efogi to Templeton's Crossing #1; Day 7 - Templeton's #1 to Iora Creek; Day 8 - Iora Creek to Russell's Family block in Kokoda; Day 9 - Fly back to Port Moresby

Editors Note: We welcome on board, Walter Kelly who is aged 81 and who has always wanted to walk the Kokoda Trail. I have been emailing back and forth for the past 6 months with Colleen his daughter and this is what she has to say:

Hi Gail

Dad will be 81 on the 7th May. He has just returned from the Great Victoria
Bike Ride along The Great Ocean Road. One thousand gave up and returned
home on the first day with that one. Not dad though. He was home a week
when he went to Tasmania and did the great Tasmania Bike Ride. unquote

What a truly wonderful man. Walter, I have already informed Russell in Kokoda of your impending trek and he is just so excited and like me cant wait to meet you.

Triathlete's head out a day early!

Date: 15 April 2005 - 24 April 2005

10 Days, 9 Nights - Ower's Corner to Kokoda - 15th April to 24th April, 2005: Trek Schedule 107: Staying at Gateway Hotel:

List of 'Triathlete' Trekkers:

1. Anthony Alliston - paid in full 28/2/05
2. Paul Alliston + Requires a porter - paid in full 16/03/05
3. Jonathan Alliston - paid in full 16/03/05
4. Peter Hodgson - paid in full
5. Michael Crozier - paid in full
6. John Domandl - paid in full 24/2/05
7. Brenton Fielke - paid in full 07/04/05
8. David McCormick - paid in full 23/2/05
9. Anthony Shakeshaft - paid in full 11/04/05
10. Gregory Tighe - paid in full 06/04/05
11. Daniel Smith - paid in full
12. Ryan Vesper - paid in full 20/3/05
13. Edwin (Ted) Anderson - paid in full 11/04/05
14. Stewart Clark + requires a porter - paid in full 11/04/05 but not for porter.
15. David Tape - paid in full 11/04/05

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Ower's Corner's to Uberi ; Day 2 - Uberi to Ofi Creek; Day 3 - Ofi Creek to Nauro; Day 4 - Nauro to Manari; Day 5 - Manari to Efogi; Day 6 - Efogi to Myola Junction; Day 7 - Myola Junction to Iora Creek; Day 8 - Iora Creek to Isurava Battlesite Monument ; Day 9 - Isurava Battlesite to Russell Eroro's Family Block in Kokoda ; Day 10 - fly back into Port Moresby from Kokoda

Russell Eroro and his family invite you to their block for the last night before your flight back to Port Moresby on the 23rd April:

Additional Message: As discussed, it is our intention to travel out to the start of the trek on the afternoon of Friday the 15th and camp so that we may get an early start on the 16th, the day we are scheduled to commence. It is still our intention to finish the trek as scheduled on Sunday the 24th. We have arranged accommodation at the Gateway Hotel for the 14th April (the night we arrive) as well as the 24th (the night we finish) and the 25th (the night after Bomana Dawn Service).

Editors Note: As we will be travelling out to Vesilogo/Ower's Corner to pick up our trekkers returning from their 10th April - 15th April trek - your dropoff will have to co-incide with the arrival of this group. As this group is walking from Va'Ule Creek to Ower's Corner, we estimate they should arrive around 12 noon.

Your pickup from the hotel would therefore be 9am on the 15th April.

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