Rose and I  packed our bags and headed off to explore a new walk opened this season in the Awatere valley approximately one hours travel from Blenheim. We met the delightful owners Simon and Linda Harvey who welcomed us even though they were busy crutching their Merino ewes.

Merino wool is reknowned for its softness and warmth and is the perfect fibre to have in superior outdoor clothing. It is whiter and brighter than any other merino fibre in the world and has been made famous by New Zealand labels like “Icebreaker”.

Back to the tour and with Simon’s map we progressed towards the back of the farm. This property covers 1200 hectares and runs 3000 Merinos and 120 Angus cattle. All the stock we saw looked very healthy and were a tribute to their combined stockmanship.

This old hut has been restored and is typical of the hard work this couple have put in to make this a fascinating walk.

These tobacco tins were placed above the fire place and will bring make many memories. At this hut we decided it was time to try out Will’s new pumpkin and walnut loaf.

Also beside the hut was a old apple tree which made one’s lip pucker on bite but would be great for cooking!

In amongst the grasses was this beautiful we native butterfly ( common blue) and also Pipits feeding on the nearby ridges.

We then headed for the main hut  where the walkers spend 2 nights if doing the 3 day walk.

This would have to be one of the best back country huts I have stayed in. It had solar powered lighting, gas fridge and stove plus hot water all generated from the same system. With plenty of height from the water tank the shower was penetrating and pleasurable!! The veiws from here were also fantastic.

This photo was taken looking Northwest and shows the  fertiliser trail of a topdressing plane on a nearby property.I thought the formation replicated the “Love Marlborough” logo magnificently and the pilot should be commended. After lunch we headed off behind the hut to check out some native flora and veiws.

It’s steep country and you need good boots and walking sticks which are available at the hut for a small fee. Onwards and upwards things just became better.

The sky was simply amazing and seeing clouds moving in differing directions was incredible.

Big Cregan 1015 metres due east of Hut.

Coral plant close up (Helichrysum coralloides)

NZ native honeybees were very busy in the Blue Borridge(vipers bugloss)

NZ native buttercup.

We were surprised by this goat on the ridgeline. These animals are a threat to much of our endemic plants as they love browsing rocky outcrops.

Wild animal domain.

Rose and I thoroughly enjoyed this journey and would reccomend it to all walkers who love New Zealands outdoors.

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