Te Araroa 04/01/26

Day 105, Hurunui Hut to Locke Stream Hut (2181)

A nice bright morning which was made even better by the fisherman who was staying in the hut when he offered to take our rubbish out.

Morning sun

Today's walk was easier than yesterday as most of the fallen trees had the section across the track cut out.

Hurunui hot pool

Dead trees

The first section stayed on the flats beside the river, sometimes going into the trees when the river came close.

Fallen tree cut to allow the path through 

Before getting to the next hut there was a small stream of geothermal water with a little pool big enough for a couple of people.

Camerons Hut

I heard later that another group of five people all sat in the pool together.

Grassy flats

I was there early and had it all to myself for a lovely soak.

Ancient tree

It was actually much quicker to get to the hut than the notes said and I could have done it yesterday but I'm glad I didn't as I wouldn't have had time for the hot soak.

Beautiful Beech woods

On then to Cameron Bothy where the flats finish and I was forced into the forest and at times into the river itself as the trail gets steeper on the way to Harpers Pass.

Harper Pass Bivvy

There was a nice little two bed Bothy before the pass that would have been a good place to stay if I wasn't on a deadline to reach Arthurs Pass where I have a bunk booked for three days time.

Harpers pass

There was a steep descent from the pass and I made a mistake by descending too far. When I realized what I had done rather than retracing my steps I thought it would be just as easy to go straight up through the bush to the path. Another mistake! it took twice as long and three times the effort that retracing would have.

Down to the Taramakau River

A long steep descent to another bridge before the final walk along the river to arrive at Locke Stream Hut.

Across the river

A nice old hut and only five of us here for the night.

Hut hidden in the trees

Adze smoothed floor boards