Category: TA Trail

22 Feb. It was a cold night and the first where I have really appreciated my sleeping bag. Today’s walk destination was Tekapo but the last 17km is on gravel road, so I yesterday, while I had mobile reception on the ridge, I booked a shuttle from Boundary Stream for noon. The other walkers wanted … Continue reading Camp Stream Hut to Boundary Stream Car Park to Lake Tekapo

22 Feb. The weather was of concern today with rain and high winds forecast; it might prevent crossing Stag Saddle. Off at 08:00 up the valley to Royal Hut. Rain started on the way but nothing heavy. I arrived at 10:00. Pablo, Joe and Coey were already there and were waiting out the rain. A … Continue reading Stone Hut to Camp Stream Hut

20 Feb. The shuttle left at 08:15, close to the Crown pub outside the Central Cafe which opened at 06:00, so by 07:00 I had ordered my big breakfast to get the day off to a caloried start. Michael took us on the 90 minute journey to the section start at Bush Stream. Svenja had … Continue reading Geraldine to Bush Stream to Stone Hut

19 Feb. I was out of my tent at 06:00 thinking that I would have to be quiet around the hut but everyone was already up getting breakfast. All were anticipating a long day. Fiona and Sheila were off before us, heading out to their car. There were fewer streams for drinking water along this … Continue reading Manuka Hut to Potts River Car Park and Geraldine

18 Feb. There were a few drops of rain overnight, but the air is very dry and it was the first camp on the trail where I haven’t woken up with a wet tent due to condensation. Nice to pack away a dry tent. Up at 06:30. 07:45 departure, one of the first off. I … Continue reading Comyns Hut to Manuka Hut

17 Feb. A slow start to the day reloading my pack and checking out of the Abisko Lodge. Steph has been a great host there. The Alps2Ocean shuttle journey pickup was scheduled from the Primo cafe at 12:00 and cost $30-45 depending on numbers. The shuttle gets me back to the trail on the other … Continue reading Glenrock to Comyns Hut

16 Feb. A day waiting for the worst of the cyclone to go through. Late morning I had a leg stretch (without pack) 9km around the Methven Walkway which circles the town. It was a dry day with strong winds and dark clouds hanging over the mountains. I expect most of the rain will be … Continue reading Methven 2

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