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So day one, I slept on the bus on the way down hahaha, it was a long drive. Anyway we got a boat out to the start of the track and had an easy start of only 1.6km to the first nights stop, Glade House. I met 2 new zealand couples, they were hilarious (as they continued to be throughout the trip). So it was dinner then bed for a big hike the next day.
The second day was a nice flat day but was still was a long way, 16km infact. We were technically still on the east coast of the south island to the beech forest was pretty interesting. We follwed a river the entire way and it was so slear and blue, so inviting to swim in it! But wasnt the hottest day! We also passed a couple of lakes along the way, one infested with eels which didnt entice me for a swim, the other I went for a swim cause the sun came out but didnt go in the whole way as I found out that one lonely eel lived in there byb himself, it was about the size of my leg! GROSS!!!!! We arrived at Pompolona lodge and it didnt feel like christmas eve at all. I had made friends with a younger english couple who had been living and working in NZ for 2 years now and they were great fun. So lights out at 10pm again cos thats what time the generator went off and then wake up at 6:15, it took me the first 5 mins i was awake to realise it was actually christmas!
The third day was the best day of all!!! Over the Mackinnon pass! It was cloudy and raining but none the less a great day! We set off to find those zig zags that would lead us to the top! Along the way the guide behind me was pointing out all the different flowers and plants that changed as we went up the mountain. When we got to the top the view was a mass of cloud moving 80km past our heads, so we could see much but as experience to remember, it wasnt raining but the cloud was being whipped around us we were getting drenched!. So off to the Pass hut for lunch and a hot cuppa and back down the other side finally and technically reaching the west coast of the south island! The plant life was much more abundant down this side due toi the higher rainfall. On the way down literally one minute there were clouds blocking our view the next minute you coulkd see them move before your eyes and there was a fantastic view, then ther next minute clouds again. SO the weather up on the pass changes so rapidly its unbelieveable! Back dow the other side we followed a cascading creek the entire way which just kept impressing!!! We reached Quintin Lodge and I set off for the extra walk to Sutherland falls, the highest falls in NZ and I think Australasia as well. 580 m tall amazing!!!!!! I found a comfy rock and sat back just mesmorsized by the falls, the force at the bottow by the water was so powerful! I think I fell asleep for a little bit there to actually, so I woke up then headed back for some Christmas celebrations, Kiwi style (such as 12 days of christmas kiwi edition) I then stayed up with the staff at the lodge and the guides for a few extra drinks.
Th 4th day was a half marathon. 21km! So we got started eartly and we saw some magnificent falls along the way like Mackay falls and bell rock. The day wasnt the best day prob about 18 degrees and raining we passed the falls called giants gate falls, the water was instant pain when i tested it with my feet, but i thought stuff it im only here possibly once so i went for a swim! crazy!!! I went under and instantly frozen solid hahaha, it was great fun. No one else was up for it though hahaha. We continued on to the end called 'sandfly point', by the way sandflies are me new worst enemy!!! Like mosquitoes except smaller and ahh everywhere!!! I even just squeshed one just now whilst typing this!! I am covered in bites, they are so itchy!!!
So I completed the walk, 54km all up or 33.5 miles etc. We got transferred from the end of the trek to the Milford sound mitre peak lodge. I got all cleaned up and got stuck into dinner then straight down to the pub to celebrate the 3 and a bit day trek! The nezt day we got a boat cruise out in the fiord!! It was amazing, mitre peak is the worlds largest mountain protruding directly from the ocean. We saw some great water falls and some good sea life like seals and a pack of about 30 dolphins! We then got taken back to Queenstown via bus where I slept most of the way home!
All in all an amzing walk, I highly recommend doing this walk!!! It was a great experience! As I sit here now and type this blog I am still a little sore from it! Until next time, Churs Bro
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