Here’s a short, sweet, and perhaps surprising, statistic from DOC’s latest annual report:
Truth be told, that’s not short at all! But it certainly would be sweet to have the chance to walk it all. Who’s up for the challenge?
Learn more on the DOC website:
By Angeline Barnes, Community Outreach Coordinator
In today’s busy world, it is too easy for me to make excuses as to why I don’t get out into the great outdoors as often as I would like to.
Getting ready to take on the Sunrise Track
A few weeks ago, a group of us took the plunge. Leaving behind our flat whites, we made our way up to Sunrise Hut—a fabulous modern hut perched high on the hills of the Ruahine Forest Park. This hut was no draughty tin shack; it was warm (insulation really works) had triple bunks, a fire, great cooking facilities and was the perfect place to hit the ‘reset’ button.
The track was an easy gradual climb and well maintained
Our route up was an easy gradual climb on a wide and well maintained track—a perfect width for chatting as we walked. Surrounded by trees, the warmth of the autumn sun and the chirp of our native birds, we seemed to reach the top quickly. As we approached the hut, the vegetation changed (sub-alpine) and my imagination went into overdrive, I was walking in the enchanted forest, just like the fairy tales I read as a child.
Learning about native plants along the way
And if ever there was a hut that’s name was appropriate, it is Sunrise Hut. Usually I struggle with early mornings, but the temptation to watch the sunrise over Hawke’s Bay was enough to force me out of bed—a decision I don’t regret. The view was spectacular and I felt like I was on top of the world.
This hut was no drafty tin shack
Was my night away enjoyable? Yes. But a better word would be AMAZING. The questions is, why don’t I do this more often?
The sunrise over the Hawke’s Bay was amazing!
Watch this video of Angeline’s trip to Sunrise Hut:
In April, 11-year-old Summer Jubb tackled the mighty Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park after her family won the experience as part of DOC’s involvement in the Venture Southland campaign.
Summer and her dad conquered the whole track in some challenging weather. Her mum, Mel, plus younger sisters, 9-year-old Poppy and 6-year-old Bella, met up with them at Luxmore Hut and Moturau Huts during their adventure.
Summer writes:
Let me tell you about my experiences on the ridges and valleys of the Kepler Track.
Summer high up on the Kepler Track
The first day was so much up hill — it just kept going up, up, up. About three quarters of the way up there were limestone boulders. They were so high and huge that it made me feel very small.
Walking, up, up and up!
The bearded forest (that’s what we called it) was amazing— there were drips of moss hanging off the trees that looked like a beards.
When we finally got to Luxmore Hut we were exhausted, but we still had enough energy to go for a 10 minute walk to the Luxmore Caves. They are amazing! Then I found out that food is really, really good when you are cold and hungry.
Family photo on the Kepler Track
I think the second day was the best. It was first up hill then in the alpine and ridges of the mountains. I loved the part when you are on the top lookout, when you can see everything below you. When there is an hour and a half to go it is all down, down, down. There are 97 switch backs and 24 stoat traps to count along the way. Finally there was Iris Burn Hut. There is a river just by the hut that you can go swimming in, it is quite cold though. As well as the river there is an amazing waterfall that’s 20 minutes away from the hut.
Along a ridge on the Kepler Track
Thankfully, the third day is all flat. There were these gorgeous purple mushrooms along the way. At Moturau hut there is a lake that is just warm enough to swim in and cool down your feet.
A misty valley
I loved all my experiences on the great four day walk known as the Kepler Track. It was awesome to do with my family.
By Rebecca (Becs) Gibson, DOC Community Relations Ranger, Great Barrier Island
Walking festivals are becoming increasingly popular, so it was no surprise that the recent inaugural Great Barrier Island Walking Festival was a great success.
Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to the beach we go. Wild and windy Whangapoua
As this was our first walking festival, and due to our remoteness, we decided to start small and limit numbers. Despite this, people came from all over: New Caledonia, Australia, Te Wai Pounamu and, of course, Raetihi 🙂
Eight walks were offered over the three day weekend, ranging from full day tramps to shorter learning expeditions.
Walkers enjoy the view from Hirakimata Mt Hobson on the Over the Top walk
Hosts were allocated for each walk, and accompanying the groups were subject experts and ambassadors, including local iwi representatives, Auckland Council and DOC staff, café owners, fire fighters, ecology professors and historians, who all volunteered their time to give the visiting walkers an experience ‘one step beyond’.
Unique wildlife encountered, banded rail
Aotea Great Barrier Island is an oasis for travellers; a replenishing place and a site that reflects human history as old as the name Aotearoa itself.
Subject expert, Simon Cook, describes the unique rata species in
Windy Canyon
One walker said that the Great Barrier Island Walking Festival ‘has been a real eye-opener’ and that was on day one – we were just getting started!
The richness of the experience, the wonderful scenery and unique wildlife had many expressing they would be coming back for more.
Great Barrier Island walks – ‘one step beyond’
The Great Barrier Island Walking Festival was funded by Auckland Council’s Local Board with DOC assistance.
The Great Barrier Island Walking Festival is a three-day walking experience that will leave you wanting to come back for more. Walk through spectacular scenery, learn about the local mining and whaling history, walk with subject experts and take away wonderful memories. For more information visit the Great Barrier Walking Festival website.
Olivia is 9 years old and lives in the Fiordland area. She writes about her recent trip to the Lake Howden Hut on the Routeburn Track.
Enjoying all the Routeburn has to offer
I liked going to stay at Lake Howden Hut. On the walk up the hill there were lots of water falls and big rocks. We had a drink of the water, saw a kaka bird and had a close look at the ferns. Some big trees were over the track that we had to go under like a tunnel.
At the hut there was a lot to do. We played in the lake and made a dam so we could have a pool, but the water was too cold. We found big rocks to climb and a stage to do our gymnastics and ballet on.
Liam on top of the world
We had pasta for dinner, then milo and chocolate biscuits for supper. We played cards before going to bed. We all wanted the top bunks but there were plenty of them so there were no fights. We played with our torches and in our sleeping bags, it was fun with everyone there.
Our Howden Hut home
The next day we walked to Key Summit, it was amazing. It is a beautiful place, even the climb up was ok! But my legs did get a bit sore.
Learning about the alpine environment.
There was information on the different plants. Liam, my brother, was our tour guide and led the way around the track. We went across bogs, around tarns and up to the top.
On the way home it was all downhill. We talked about the next track we wanted to do, maybe the Kepler or Hollyford Track?
What track will we conquer next?
