I met one guy who had walked from Le Puy and was pretty scathing about, found it really difficult to find his way, places to stay and thought the trail was ill cared for and not so keen on the French hospitality. (he was English
Then the next day I met another guy who had also done this route within about 5 days of the first guy and he raved about it and highly recommended it. Doesn't it amaze you how the Camino juxtaposes things all the time? You have tempted me now .....
Do you teach in Palmerston North? Not sure if I told you but I was born in Taihape and we lived in PN from 1992 to 1996 and loved it. We lived in Rangitane Street