Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Te Araroa 19/01/26

Day 120, Royal Hut to Camp Stream Hut (2410)

Clear sky in the morning and the temperature was well below zero, I had a comfortable night but my shoes and socks were frozen and I had to melt them in the stream.

Royal Hut just catching the morning sun 
The temperature soon rose as the sun came up and I headed the wrong way from the hut only realizing that I was following the wrong stream after walking about a kilometer through the tussock grass, a bit of extra exercise.
Up by the now small Bush Stream 
Once on the right track it was a steady climb up by the stream with only a few easy crossings.
Looking back
The path then left the stream and climbed steeply up to the Stag Saddle (1925). There was a choice of route here me, either down the valley or along a high ridge.

Enough said 

The ridge route actually goes higher, 1944
It was a perfect day so it didn't require any thought and I contoured round the scree to the ridge.

Looking towards Mount Cook with the girl who was washed down the river
Amazing view, Lake Tekapo and the mountains around and including Mount Cook. Blue Lake, white mountain and all colours in between, fantastic.
Mount Cook range

And again 
The long easy ridge descent was a beautiful walk with the mountains and lake view in the sunshine, I had to keep stopping to stare.

Lake Tekapo. Yes the colour is real
The path dropped down at the end of the ridge to a track that crossed the Camp Stream and a short climb took me to the hut where there was an empty bed.

Unusual hut pursuit 
Five beds in the hut and four camping outside. We were all here early so spent most of the afternoon chatting and otherwise amusing ourselves in the sunshine.

Camp Stream Hut 
















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