Ports Water Race to Martins Hut

Well Peewee expected a long walk and wasn’t disappointed. Spending a day wading through chest high punga and crown fern quickly looses its appeal. It is great for young kiwis  who can scuttle through the undergrowth, not so great for companions that are over 1.5 metres.

Lots of the old structures along the race are still standing which is pretty amazing given they were constructed over 150 years ago.

After a very long day we finally made it to Martins Hut. Peewee’s legs and back are feeling a bit tired carrying a heavy load a very long way. With at least three big days coming up we need to have a bit of a rethink. So we have decided to take a few days out to rationalise loads and rest tied bodies.

Colac Bay to Port Waterace

We decided to press on. So continued to road walk to Round Hill. We wandered through the Chinese gold workings. Peewee was back in his natural habitat. Surrounded by ferns we camped the night a kilometre or two up the water race.

Riverton to Colac Bay

Peewee set off early. The day started with a quick walk up a to Mores Reserve for one of the best views in town.

Then  a quick walk over the top and down to the beach. It was lovely and calm with fantastic views over to Rakiura.

After countless headlands Perwee dropped down to Tihaka Beach Road. A strong head wind sprung up and the steep beach covered in deep pebbles got the better of us all so we opted for a trudge down the main road for a long cool drink the Colac Bay Hotel and a photo opportunity with big surfer.

Oreti Beach

Peewee enjoyed his walk down the beach today. With a gentle zephyr at his back we enjoyed the warmth of the sun. We had a snooze waiting out high tide. Then on into Riverton for a well deserved coffee before heading up the hill to our accommodation at Riverton Holiday Park.

Fertiliser Works to Oreti Beach

A lovely walk across Awaroa Lagoon and New River estuary, got going early when it was calm. It threatened rain but it never came to anything. A pleasant walk to the beach after a quick lunch with Dave, Sarah, Grace and the dogs. Peewee posed on the sign.

Bluff to the Fertiliser Works

A trudge down the highway. Our trail angels dropped us off, we took the photo opportunity at the signpost then we were off. It was pleasant enough through Bluff but the open highway was noisy and a bit intimidating. First truck sucked off my sunhat. We stopped for morning tea at the Green Island domain. Lunch at Awaroa Radio museum. By then all we want was to get it over and done.

D Day

Alarm set for 6.30am, feeling a bit nervous for tomorrow we start walking 😬

Final preparations

Spent today delivering the last of our drop boxes. We left five days food at Birchwood, checked out a couple of tricky bits on the route, and then headed to Riverton to leave a pack with overnight gear and our first food box. The plan is to get underway Friday, thanks Sue and Bryce for offering to drop us at Stirling Point. We will do the road section to the Fertiliser Works, spend the night in Invercargill then head back to walk the section from the Fertiliser Works to Oreti Beach.