tramping new zealand

It took me a day to get around to Karamea, and that was the first day I didn’t have a big day of walking for a while. Perhaps I underestimated how tired my body actually was.

My intention was to visit the last hut that I hadn’t been to in Kahurangi National Park. However, my trip up to Grey Hut didn’t last long. Just getting onto the start of the track had me apprehensive about my knee, and within minutes, it felt justified. Then, I reached the first point where rock scrambling would be required, and it was clear that this was the easy bit. Heavy rain had fallen overnight, and I needed to take the track in the bush, rather than follow up alongside the river, which was in a flood situation.

I turned back after some philosophical reflection.

My body won’t stand up to what my mind is requesting. I went back to Karamea to regather my thoughts.

The options were several. I could move off immediately towards Canterbury, or on the other hand, even go straight home, where I could be sleeping in my own bed for the night.

But it was worth testing out my knee on a more benign track. I thought, why not go up and camp at Kohaihai. Then, why not the Heaphy River?

My pack was already sorted for an overnight trip, so why not give it a go? It’s only five hours easy walk each way, which sounds about right.

I didn’t leave until around 1 pm, which still gave me plenty of time to get to the campsite thanks to the long summer evenings. The track is smooth and wide, quite the opposite of the morning’s effort. I could walk along without needing to think about where every foot should be placed. Perfect conditions for your average daydreamer.

People caught up and passed me. Some caught up, passed me, and then I passed them when they next took a break.

What a sensible idea to walk on an easy track! Not so much the slight rollercoaster of the first half, just the generally smooth track. Best to build up a few kilometres under my belt to develop some knee strength rather than tackle another seriously testing route underfoot.

Ended up talking to a South African woman who has been in New Zealand for nine years with a keen interest in tramping on her way to do the Kepler Track.

The wekas were rogue and made a nuisance of themselves.

Just the five hours for the afternoon, and eventually it was early to bed.