Tuesday, 30 December 2025

Te Araroa 24/12/25

Day 94, St Arnaud to John Tait Hut (2017)

A cloudy morning that threatened rain when I left the hostel but it improved and by lunchtime there was bright sunshine with a few fluffy clouds.

Lake Rotoiti, St Arnaud jetty 
The first section of the walk, with Charlie for company, was beside Lake Rotoiti but the track was mostly in the trees with limited views.
Looking back at Lake Rotoiti 

2000 km marker by the trail 

Head of Lake Rotoiti 
A short break at the lake end hut before continuing on by the river through some beautiful trees and up by the Travers River.
Travers River

Bridge over the Travers River 
The river was also beautiful with the longest suspension bridge so far to cross at the bottom.

Charlie having a lunch time nap 

Through the woods 

Mountains ahead

Rushing water and hills
The water was incredibly clear but I didn't see any fish however we met a fisherman who had caught two small trout.
Last bridge for the day, a fairly sturdy one.

Hut appearing through the trees

There was a South Island Robin on the path that was totally unafraid of me, looking a bit like a big fat grey Sparrow.

South Island Robin 
The hut is in a perfect place with mountains all around and the river running past the door.

Eleven TA walkers and four others in the hut tonight, plenty of space as there are twenty seven beds.



Another good days walk with weather that was much better than expected.

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