22-28th Feb: Day 15 to 21:Queenstown to Wanaka (MOTUTAPU TRACK) Total 348km

Through walker, Clode, from Switzerland!

 Wow - serendipity! I met Clode on the trail in Waitomo when i was there at Christmas with family. She had been walking for 5 weeks I was still planning my adventure. We agreed to look out for each other but was astonished to run into her on the trail to Macetown. We yarned for almost an hour! Very cool.






 

The Arrow River

 Fascinating walking through the history of this area with traces of gold mining activity all around. Lots of rivers crossings too.

Old Pack trail heading up Roses Saddle

 

Gentians

What a contrast between high tops & farmed valley

Can you see the hut? (pretty much dead centre of the pic)

Highland Creek Hut

 Much of this area has been sold to overseas owners (Shania Twain) & the trade off was creating the Motutapu track including building 3 new huts - they are crisp and clean & have great decks for soaking up the sun. Which we did with gusto til 7.30pm at Highland Creek.

T

 Track conditions varied from rugged and steep to more mellow as i headed down to Fernburn Hut.

Copper butterfly

Lyn & Vern (friends from home!)

Calm Lake Wanaka - looking back up the Motutapu valley

 copious skinks entertained me as I trundled downwards but only this copper butterfly lingered for a photo.
A delight to meet Lyn & Vern at Fernnburn Hut & have the hut to ourselves that night.
Lyn & Vern live a few kms from home! They ferried me & my gear all about as well as providing great company & encouragement. Thanks guys!

Best cafe in Wanaka!

The Mighty Clutha River

Wild Lake Hawea!

Day3 (Feb 4th ) -Day 7 (Feb11th) South Coast & the Longwoods Total 133km

The Wildlife sure is variable around here!

My first Te Araroa signs!!!

Heading to Colac Bay

A great variety of signage!

The old water race.......

Nice to start with day walks and even to have company - Lloyd Esler, Ruth Dudfield & her brother Lloyd Blaikie.
Local knowledge & insights a real treat & fresh milk, cream & homemade butter from Ruth's cow were extra special (& no! this is not the cow!)












































Ruth & husband Allen & brother Lloyd did a magic job ferrying me around all the back forestry roads to access the Longwoods.
Scariest moment to date was deep loud "barking" in the dark damp woods of the water-race when i was walking alone. I didn't know deer barked. Just knew it was a large unidentified animal! Certainly added to my pace which was a hidden bonus!

14-20th FEB: Day 9 to 14: Takitimus & into Mavora Lakes Total 258km

First leg with FULL pack!

See I can take a picture of me! And proves the sun is shining too!

Spaniards - Awesome!

First Hut - Lower Wairaki Hut

 Finally heading into the hills & North! Yeah!

Waterloo Valley

Takitimu mountains - leaving them behind!

My Hennessey Hammock in action nr Mararoa River

Does look like a "full" pack in silhouette doesn't it!
I got smarter - but not til later!




















From the top of this "mountain" saw my last glimpse of the south coast.












Great hut & excellent bath in nearby creek in the sunshine but later on scared myself silly reading about Grizzly attacks in a Readers Digest I found in the hut. Dumb huh!










Crazy Hereford cattle & lots of river (well ripple) crossings. Super sunburn & the start of the blisters!
Friendly hunter blessed me with caramel slice & a venison pie - Yum.










Takitimus were an excellent challenge but nice for them to slip behind - feel like I'm really starting to make progress.











Long road slog to get to the Kiwiburn swing bridge & somewhere to camp. Wet boots & road equals BLISTERS! Oww!
Wet feet again the next day & another 20+km - not alot of fun so when a kindly boatie offered me a ride out - I jumped at the chance & got from Carey Hut (on Nth Mavora Lake) to my friend Susi's living room in Queenstown in 3 hrs (2 hitches) - Wow!