Author: Richard

17 Mar. Despite the forecast, there was little rain overnight, but the temperature was near frost levels. Svenja and Daisy had decided to take a rest day and avoid the rain. Richard and I were off at 08:40. After about 3km of road walking, the track took us across farmland to climb the Twinlaw hill … Continue reading Birchwood Hut to Merivale Hut

15 Mar. The weather forecast had rain due in the afternoon, and as it was going to be a long day walking, Richard and I decided that an early start would be worthwhile with the hope of a dry finish. So the morning alarm set for 05:45. It was a cold damp night so tents … Continue reading Telford Campsite to Birchwood Hut

14 Mar. I was up at 06:00 for a 07:30 start as we faced a long day. The imperative was to overnight at the Telford Campsite (just has a long drop toilet), as the following day was 8-9 hours over Mt Linton Station which is private farmland and access was only allowed during daylight hours. … Continue reading Aparima Hut to Telford Campsite

13 Mar. I had a lift with Richard and Paul from the YHA at 07:30, so up at 05:30 to shower, breakfast and pack. Allison was in on the lift as well. We also to took Imri (from Israel) who was in the YHA and about to try and hitch. Paul dropped us off and … Continue reading Te Anua to SH94 to Aparima Hut

12 Mar. A comfortable night in the YHA and a day getting sorted out for the final section. I had to change rooms for tonight, but before I checked out/in, I got my walking clothes in to a washing machine. Fancy networked machines operated by credit cards. Always having problems according to the staff! While … Continue reading Te Anau Rest Day

11 Mar. A longish day ahead with a need for a hitch into Te Anau, so we were up early at 06:30 and Richard and I were off walking at 07:50. A couple of km from the hut we forded the Mararoa River easily. It was briefly up to thigh deep, so wet boots again … Continue reading Kiwi Burn Hut to State Highway 94 and Te Anau

10 Mar. Rain was constant overnight, so it was good to be in a hut and not packing up a wet tent in the rain. Away at 08:30, still in the drizzle for a damp walk down the edge of the North Morova Lake. Richard and I walked together again, as our paces match and … Continue reading Carey’s Hut to Kiwi Burn Hut

9 Mar. As it was a relatively short day ahead, no one was in a rush to get away, so it was about 07:30 when everyone emerged from sleeping bags. Chewy was away first. Richard, Yoan and I left at 08:45 and walked as a group for the day, making use of Yoan’s knowledge of … Continue reading Taipo Hut to Carey’s Hut

8 Mar. Checked out of the Bella Vista for the second time in two weeks at 07:20 to grey skies. The forecast rain wasn’t far away. 08:00 departure from Glenorchy Journeys in the centre of Queenstown with a short stop for coffee in Glenorchy at 08:50. From Glenorchy it was mainly a gravel track down … Continue reading Greenstone Car Park to Taipo Hut

8 Mar. An update on donations. There have been 73 donations overall for the two charities. Thank you to everyone for giving something, it is greatly valued and appreciated. In all, the total is over $5,400. Hopefully there will be a few more donations as I finish. Tomorrow I will have been walking for two … Continue reading Jump: Wanaka to Queenstown