Hurunui High Country Walk

We did this walk last weekend. It is a three night, 2 and a half day exercise. The first night we stayed at the old shearers’ quarters on the farm and set off from there in the morning.
In New Zealand “high country” generally refers to land above the coastal plains, in the foothills of the great alpine chain.
The farming is generally marginal and over the years much of it has reverted to bush.

The walk is pretty easy, particularly as packs are transported. All the rivers and streams are crossed by bridge – no wet feet at all.

There is a variety of flora and fauna. I have never seen so many bellbirds.

Of course there were a few sheep.

Here is a little pixie we spotted on the track.

The walk is very well organised and we had a number of treats. We found afternoon tea waiting for us at this shelter on the first day.

The route tends the follow valley floors and then ascend up and over hilly ridges.

This is Valley Hut where we stayed after the first day’s efforts.

Picnic tables are provided at strategic locations. This is morning tea on day two.

The track climbs to about 700 metres where there is a wonderful array of sub-alpine vegetation

From the ridges there are stunning views of the high mountains to the north.
Lower down the forest is mainly beech.
The last night was spent in Bush Hut which is more rustic than the others.
More photos for each day -

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3