Recently, I had just completed a 60km hike in one of the most beautiful landscapes – The Kepler Trek, Fiordlands, South Island, New Zealand. It has one of the most diverse environment with rain-forest, alpine tussock grasses, high mountain lakes, mossy forest floor, beech forest, limestone bluffs, waterfalls, icy cold winds sometimes combined with snow, cozy huts, wildlife with opportunity see the iconic and endemic Kiwi and Takahe birds, huge fresh water lakes, mountain ranges and much more. All this in a 4- day trek. Beware, the fiordland is unpredictable – all four seasons in one day plus icy cold winds without request.
Day 1,The start, near the Control Gates
Kea, the only alpine parrot
limestone bluffs
emerging out of the tree line
alpine tussock grass
cold wind with sun and rain and rainbow!
walking over a boggy area
Luxmore Hut
Lake Te Anau – with light snow
Day 2, Luxmore Hut with South Fiord, Lake Te Anau
sunrise at hut
Luxmore Cave
towards the summit, Mt Luxmore
Forest Burn shelter
Forest Burn Shelter
re- entering the native mixed forest
Iris Burn River
Iris Burn hut
Day 3
Mixed forest with mossy floor
sunset on the shores of Lake Manapouri
Moturau Hut
Day 4
Shallow Bay
Wetlands
bridge over Waiau River, near the end -Rainbow Reach
5 day hike on the Able Tasman Coastal Track in November 2018. Stared at Marahu and finished at Totaranui. Then returned to Marahu by water taxi. Beautiful lagoons, lush native forest, emerald green and turquoise water, tidal inlets, wild life, creeks and rivers and lots more.
A group of us made this 29km in Akaroa Banks Peninsula 3-day trek , off Christchurch, in April 2018. This trek is on private property and permits only 12 persons a day. Porter service is available. It consists mainly farmland, spectacular cliffs and native forest (with a diverse flora) with the trek meandering mainly along the rugged coastline of the Pacific. It had all the seasons plus fierce winds and rain. Small seal colonies nest on the craggy coast. Bird life is abundant. Even caught sight of a Wood Pigeon. The elements were a challenge but rewarded with ever-changing and fantastic views. Life in the hut is basic but comfortable. Some basic food is available, on an honesty basis. Cooking and resting our weary legs in front of the fireplace was soothing. With good company, it was a wonderful trek taking in remote and isolated southern coast of NZ.
Intrepid Nomad - Travel Tales and Stories 