tramping new zealand

Overcast. Windy.

I was heading towards Potts Hut, despite the hefty climbing requirement, maybe 1000 m for the day, and needing to walk along the ridge line at 1400 m for a considerable distance.

Even before I reached the turn-off that was 15 minutes from the hut, I was having serious doubts.

What would happen the following day when I was supposed to get to Christchurch? That really was gonna be a big day.

The alternative was to have two nights in Boundary Creek Hut and instead head up the Hakatere Valley to Top Hut on a day walk.

Another big day I sensed despite the wide and mostly flat valley.

As it turned out, that was correct.

Partly the distance. Partly having to smash into a super-strong wind.

But, as usual, it was worth it.

The top of the valley with Ashburton Peak, 2359 m, is impressive.

The valley turned out to have an old four-wheel-drive track on the true left once I crossed the river, and with a bit of cross-country it was pretty easy-going. There was one section about halfway where you do a small amount of climbing, but I crossed the river both ways to avoid the incline. Not sure if it saved time or energy, but my feet were already wet.

The South Branch of the Hakatere River is a relatively small river in summer, but it has a strong flow due to the slope of the valley.

I stopped in to see Wild Mans Hut, still owned and used by Mount Heron Station, with its wet back, and a long walk to a shower.

To get up to Top Hut, it’s just a long way, 14 km each way, despite the ease of the four-wheel-drive track that is reasonably well beaten.

It turned out to be the third-longest day in terms of steps I’d cracked out in the last eight years since I acquired a smartphone that counts such things—42 km.

I slept well.