Iain's Great Adventure - Te Araroa

Garmin Connect A fine night in kiwi hut, nearly full 6 bunk hut Great setting in the trees looking out over a grassy clearing. It was a lovely walk down the valley, followed the river and disregarded the trail, coming out at the highway.  Alison (73 years young) was doing the Harper pass section and her husband was there to collect her and us with a surprise beer. We stuffed into their campervan for the trip to Arthur's pass. Camping tonight at the sanctuary, as the coast-to-coasters have taken all the beds.  No worries, happy for another night under canvas, protected by the smallest electric fence to keep the Kea away from nibbling the tent. Just need to remember not to pee on it if I get up in the night.

Garmin Connect Garmin Connect Woke with a kiwi squawk which sounded like it was just outside my tent. Had a look but nothing to see here. Perhaps the kiwi was just saying good morning as it returned to it's den for the day. It was a wet morning so a bit slow in getting going. Lay in the tent a while listening to the rain and hoping perhaps it would clear as the sun lifted in the sky. Given the narrow valley it would be some time before the sun could make a difference, so might as well get on and pack up in the rain. Planned to get over harpers pass and breakfast at the Locke stream hut. it was a bit bleak on the pass. As I continued down from the pass, the route was wet, slippy and not particularly well formed. At one point a massive washout has destroyed the track and left a lot of debris is it's wake. Stopped at the hut for breakfast and re-grouped with Jane & Alison from the bivvy and Michael, who caught up from Boyle village. The

Garmin Connect Nice relatively easy 21km today from huranui hut to hapers pass bivvy. Tiz a cute we thing to be sure. It has a bunk.. and that's about all. Camped near the bivvy, a bit too small, could say cozy, for me I think. But great setting by the stream in amongst the trees. A restfull afternoon chilling in the tent, keeping safe from the sandflies. I did have a near incident today. Leaving the haranui no. 3 hut after a short snack stop, there was a fallen tree, I grabbed a branch to climb up it, which snapped, sending me to the ground with a thud. I mostly landed on my pack, but winded myself a bit and hurt my ankle. Fortunately no real damage, but a good reminder to be careful, even on easier obstacles.

Garmin Connect Another long day 26km from kiwi halfway hut to hurinui hut, lots of forest and a little bit of lake summer. The hope kiwi hut I didn't make it to last night was very nice, but happy with my lonely night at halfway. Pasted some forest destruction.  Everyday needs a swing bridge.

Garmin Connect Enjoyed a lie in and a slow start to the day. The outdoor adventure centre at Boyle village was excellent. 8 of us stayed there last night, a mix of NOBOs and SOBOs. 4 of us headed south this morning, with the option to hitch to windy point, or walk the 10km. I walked. It is as nice, clearly not as well trodden, due to the road option.  Continues on up the river through the forest to the hope halfway hut. Not one of the more modern huts, but cute, and it a nice spot  and it has a view too 19km today. Feels like enough. Could have pushed on another 6km to the more popular hope kiwi lodge, fancy new flash hut. But will save my legs for tomorrow and I suspect enjoy a quiet night in by myself.