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Day 1 Glenorchy to Greenstone Hut We were greeted by a rainbow over the mountains as we waited for the pick up outside the camp store. Transport by the water taxi across Lake Wakatipu led to the bus taking us to the start of the track. A gentle climb led beside the Greenstone river to the confluence with Caples river. A snack stop made us aware of the sandflies and repellent was applied. Onward through beech forest to a suitable lunch stop where Barbara shared a devotions about God’s sovereignty in relation to the elements and beauty of creation. We continued through the forest until at 3pm we reached the track notice directing us on a 10 min track to the hut, down to a bridge over a deep gorge and climbing up the other side to a clearing and relatively new hut. Here we met several nationalities – a Japanese hut warden, a Polish family, Israeli tramper and others. With 20 bunks there were plenty for all. Day 2 Greenstone Hut to Taipo Hut The day began with a gentle climb up the hill behind the hut through the forest for about one hour. We came to a clearing in the sunshine with views up the valleys behind and ahead. After climbing higher the track re-entered the bush and descended to a river crossing with large boulders to step across. Colin took the packs first. We continued for 2hrs or so in forest with wet areas and tree falls. We kept climbing and a final clearing at the saddle at 772m turned out to be above the actual saddle which was clearly boggy with pools of water. May and Colin sighted a family of deer. Val gave a lunch time devotions on peace and tranquility. We descended down the valley following a poled route over tussocks and mounds, eventually reaching Taipo Hut about 2.30pm. A lovely stream for washes and a swing bridge to cross to explore the area. Plenty of bunks for all with 4 wide bunks. An opossum was reported dancing on the roof and testing the boots in the night. Day 3 Taipo Hut to Boundary Hut Departed 8.25am. Windy and cold so put on the polyprops! Followed a poled route with stream crossings and lovely valley views. Noted a variety of alpine flowers including very small blue ones emerging from a bog here and there. Path led across a flat area and past the hut on the other side of the river before reaching a swing bridge to the hut. Late lunch. Barbara’a devotion about seasons in life. A cool wind continued. Four wheeled drive vehicles came up to the hut and one group came and talked with us. They turned out to be people from Gore area who knew Peter York! In the hut ‘Pete the Plumber’ fixed a leaking drainpipe. Day 4 Boundary Hut to Mavora Lake and Road end. 7.30am Glenda and Barbara made an early start, ahead of the rain. Others left by 8am and the path followed the toe of a hillside, whilst sidling higher to give good views of Lake Mavora which was now coming into view. We continued past the head of the lake, now walking in the rain, and were glad of Carey Hut by the shore to take a break and boil up for hot drinks. 10.15 we set off again in a fine spell, and were able to photograph the lake. Following the shoreline the walk stretched out ahead of us. After brief lunch stops we finally reached the camping area at 1.15pm. Here we were greeted by the Gore campers – the Cox family – and served tea, Christmas cake and mince pies in the rain, sheltering under a tree, while waiting for our 2pm transport to Te Anau – true Southern hospitality! |