Lake Rotoiti, where the hike starts (and ends)
Hiking up to the ridge with a view of the lake
Along Robert Ridge.
Dropping down to Lake Angelus tucked in among the mountains
The next morning I watched the sun work its way down the
cliffs on the other side of the lake.
Angelus Peak
Alas time to go back down
Morning fog (looks more like a alien mind control ray)
The walk out was actually very relaxing and fun.
Had a swim in the lake after I was sufficiently warm.
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Nelson & Dun Mountain
Couldn't go on without mentioning the town of Nelson,
my home base for the last couple of hikes.
I got there by train on the Pacific Coast Route
This is the Anglican Cathedral built in honor of Lord Nelson
after his defeat of Napolean
Like Christchurch there are some lovely gardens
On Saturdays and Sundays there's a market featuring local
products and crafts.
The quality of some of the art was quite impressive
There's some great hiking within walking distance.
And a chance to reward yourself afterwards
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Heaphy Track
First a confession. I don't like beachwalks. It's not the
personal-ad thing, walking on sand just slows me down.
That being said the Heaphy Track is just above the beach
and was my favorite part of the track.
The Nikau palms along the way gave it a very tropical feel.
The only downside is that you have to keep moving to avoid the
sand flies
The trail turns inland. The McKay Hut has a great view back
down to where the Heaphy River flows into the Tasman Sea site
of the Heaphy Hut.
After that the trail got less and less interesting. The moss
covered rocks were one of the highlights of Gouland Downs.
Gouland Downs is a big plain high in the hills.
You know you've been spoiled when a nice morning view seems
boring compared to some of the truly spectacular views you've
seen on other hikes.
