Day 1 Brown's Hut to Perry Saddle

So here we are ejected from the comfort of our chartered trek explorer bus onto the pathway to Browns Hut, heavy packs at our feet and lunch to be eaten. Our first encounter was one of the insect type - sandflies - you know those small black pesky flies who love to bite bush-virgin skin? After a sudden scramble for the repellent we attempted a quick consumption of lunch quietly wondering to ourselves if we brought sufficient repellent for 4 days? As soon as we started our walk those flies disappeared much to our relief.



The Heaphy Track can be walked from either the western or eastern end. We chose the more common way to begin - from the east- but certainly not the whimp's route. Ahead of us on our first day lie some 17.5 km to walk - estimated to take 5 hours as it was all uphill. We were booked to stay at a hut at 880 metres elevation and on the way there reaching a point 912 metres-the highest point on the track.




Fortunately, the track climbs gradually as it was a century-old plus track for packhorses! However our 5 members of the 16 and under division decided that every hour we needed a "packs off stop". Given that they were the rate limiting step we older trampers gave in and enjoyed more of the mountain scenery as a result.




The day passed with ease and was interrupted by several mountain stream stops to refill water bottles. There were many means of crossing these streams and rivers from sturdy bridges to shakey 1- person- at- a- time swing bridges and a few almost- get -your- feet-wet crossings. Luke enjoyed some close encounters with wildlife especially the South Island robin.

The track was covered mostly by forest canopy so it was cool and pleasant for walking. The time passed easily marred only by our realization that our packs weighed more than we had anticipated. Maybe we had brought too much food after all.

The lookoff called Flannagan's Corner was definitely worth the 5 min diversion with sweeping views over the Aotere valley below. This was the point 912m above sea level. (remember we live at the beach)



Finally we arrived at the Perry Saddle Hut sweaty but excited about our planned dip in the swimming hole, dinner of dehydrated food and our first night in the hut. It was definitely quiet and without electricity very dark - great for sleeping - after a game of cards that is!