Blog

15 Feb. At the Abisko Lodge breakfast, I got chatting to Matthew and Stephanie who live to the north in Darfield and were on a cycle tour for a few days. They are extremely generous and offered me use of their bach when I get to Twizel. I also talked about my journey with Jason … Continue reading Methven 1

14 Feb. Jen and Lisa were starting early so I was up at 06:45 and off at 08:00. It was the flattest day so far, without even a small climb. After a few km the route was a 4-wheel drive track all the way, criss-crossing the Harper River at least every km, so very wet … Continue reading Hamilton Hut to Harper Road and Methven

13 Feb. Not wanting to disturb Allison any further, I waited until she got up at 07:00 and we made our introductions. She had a spent a rest day in Arthur’s Pass having come across Goat Pass the day before me. She has also started the trail at Ship Cove on 9 Jan, but in … Continue reading Bealey Hut to Hamilton Hut

12 Feb. Outdoor time kicking in again so up at 06:30, said goodbyes to Katrina and Mark as they were departing later with a destination of Goat Pass Hut, but I was going further. I was walking at 08:10 and the river bed route continued, getting steeper towards the head of the valley. I reached … Continue reading Lower Deception Valley Camp to Bealey Hut

11 Feb. Today’s aim was to get back on the trail where I left it in Arthur’s Pass. However the intercity bus and the train were fully booked, so it was going to depend on my success hitching the two hours from Christchurch. At 09:15 my friend Anara collected me and my again full pack … Continue reading Christchurch to Morrison Foot Bridge to Lower Deception Valley Camp

10 Feb. It was a super moon last night and very bright on the campsite, providing a good test of my phone camera’s low light level capabilities. After a slow breakfast, we packed camp and drove over the hill to Akaroa. We were on the water by 11:30 for a two hour paddle down Akaroa … Continue reading Akaroa Excursion 2

9 Feb. Another different day from walking; a road trip to Akaroa, just south of Christchurch. On an early start to collect a hire car from Omega Car Rentals, walking through deserted Christchurch streets at 07:30, I hear a shout “Hey Richard“. It was Mike Gilbert from Wellington out for a morning run. He was … Continue reading Akaroa Excursion 1

8 Feb. A Much better nights sleep; must be going soft! Got the outer layer clothing (wind proof and rain jacket) hand washed with Nikwax Tech Wash. (it doesn’t destroy the waterproofing like normal detergent). These will drip dry on the balcony today. Headed into town under light showers to find somewhere for a watch … Continue reading Christchurch 2

7 Feb. Not a great night’s sleep in the Carlton Mills Hotel; need to get back to bush sleeping! Nothing wrong with the comfortable hotel room. The hotel has a guest laundry, so with the first laundry load I had a full breakfast at Vic’s Cafe a short walk away. On my 45 min walk … Continue reading Christchurch 1

6 Feb. The hut occupants fortunately spilt into early and late leavers which eased the breakfast scramble and gear packing within the confines of the hut. The first group got away about 06:45 and I was with the second wave of Demelza, Rau, Fred, Rachael, Miriam and Dan who left a tidy hut for the … Continue reading Kiwi Hut to Morrison Footbridge