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08.11.2025 – 09.11.2025
10km 4wd
7.5km hike.
Total trip time in: 3 hours
We recently traded our comfortable couches for mud and elbow grease as we set out on an exciting mission: giving Steyning Hut a much-needed makeover! This adventure was part of the incredible ‘Love Our Huts’ campaign, a testament to the community spirit dedicated to preserving these backcountry gems.
Steyning hut
Adventure with a Hitch (Literally!)
It wouldn’t be a true backcountry adventure without a little drama!Our journey hit a major snag just 10 kilometers in.
Bogged down.
We were confidently driving along when, whoosh, our vehicle got seriously bogged down! We were stuck fast in the mud, and for a moment, the mission seemed to be over before it truly began.
A huge, massive thanks is due to the station just a kilometer back. They were absolute lifesavers, allowing us to borrow their Ute to tow our vehicle out of the mire!
Shifting Gears and Treading On
With our trusty Jeep safely extracted, we decided not to risk any further bog-related incidents. We left the vehicle in a secure spot and initiated Plan B: hiking it in!
The hiking part begins
This meant shifting gears quickly from driving to trekking. We strapped on our packs, which were suddenly a lot heavier, and started the 7.5-kilometer haul. Every step of the way, we were carrying not just our overnight gear, but also all the cleaning supplies and equipment needed for the spruce-up. The weight was real, but the mission was calling!
Natural spring 
The trail, easy walking but with heavy packs.
Worth Every Step: A Hut Renewed
Despite the unexpected detour, the sweat, and the mud, arriving at Steyning Hut at 2pm made it all worthwhile.
Arriving at the hut
This hut is an absolutely awesome place. The setting is incredible, and you can instantly feel the history and warmth of the shelter. We spent the rest of the afternoon working hard, cleaning, repairing, and giving the old place some much-deserved TLC. Seeing the transformation after all the effort was deeply satisfying.
Before 
After
The ‘Love Our Huts’ campaign reminds us that these special places are maintained by passion, dedication, and the willingness to push through a few muddy setbacks!
The effort was totally worth it. We left Steyning Hut refreshed and ready for its next visitors to enjoy a clean, well-loved shelter.
Done and dusted.
Did you or are you participating in a ‘Love Our Huts’ weekend? Share your adventure stories in the comments below! -
Saturday 10th of June 2023
- Drive time from Christchurch – 2 – 2.5 hours.
- Walking time – 2-3 hours.
- Weather – Cold with blue skies.
- Hikers – Myself, Antonia, Barry & Nick.
It is another excellent weather weekend for a hike so I messaged a few of my hiking buddies to see who was interested in joining Antonia & I. Barry & Nick reached out to say that they were keen.
We planned to leave our house at 8:30am on Saturday, Nick was picking Barry up on the way & they got here slightly earlier.
We were all packed and in the vehicle before our scheduled departure. Stopping at BP Ravenswood for a coffee on the way. We drove to Culverdan & stopped at the bakery for breakfast & to grab a roll for lunch.
Arriving at Lewis pass car park just on 11am we could see at least another 15+ hikers (adults and children) getting ready to start walking. After Barry & I asked where they were heading (so we could avoid the masses) they told us that they would get to Cannabal gorge hut & see how they go. Leaving us with an unclear decision on what we are doing.
Some of the group of people heading in also. 
Me, Barry & Antonia. We started off just after 11am, walking initially on boardwalk & then descending through the Beech forest on a well graded track to the Cannabal gorge swing bridge. At this point the big group of 15 & two other ladies were just behind us.
Heading down to the bridge. 
Barry crossing the swing bridge. After the bridge it was a gentle climb up to gain 100 metres before reaching the viewing area. The rest of the track was undulating from here crossing numerous slips & side creeks through permafrost before reaching the next swing bridge 600 metres shy of Cannabal gorge hut.
Icy trail 
Nick & myself 
Antonia, Nick & Barry. 
We then had a short sharp climb up through the beech forest before arriving into the clearing where the hut was in plain site. We could see the two ladies who passed us earlier sitting there having a late lunch. We also took this opportunity to have our lunch.
We then decided that since it looked like a nice spot to camp down by the river in front of the hut that we would. We set up camp, cut & gathered firewood from the dead trees down in the river (I had my electric chainsaw) & by 3pm after the sun had lowered enough for our spot to be in the shade we seen frost forming on our tents & gear!
Cutting wood It was a cold afternoon & evening, I managed to talk Antonia into claiming a bed in the hut & I would sleep in the tent alone, but also join the other 2 in tenting outside. We were all in bed by 7:30pm after hanging out around the fire trying to maintain warmth.
The fire. It was a long & cold night! I felt like I woke every hour from my cocoon with numb toes & cold knees. Ice had formed inside the tent & even on the outside of my sleeping bag. I would periodically check the temperature & it was generally around -5 to -6 degrees Celsius!
Once my alarm went off at 7am I got up & out of the tent glad that I had survived the night without it being too miserable.
The temperature at 7am. I had left our cooking gear out on the picnic table overnight & it had formed ice crystals. Antonia joined me not long after from the hut & we had a coffee & breakfast before packing up & walking by 9am.
Cooking gear frozen over 
Ice! 
Cannabal gorge hut. It was a cold walk out & it took until around 11am before the temperature had reached a toasty 0 degrees. We were at the car around midday & set back off towards Christchurch.
It was the coldest night in a tent I have experienced! What an adventure & definitely a memorable one at that. I’m actually looking forward to the next winter camping trip!
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Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that don’t go according to plan. This past week, I set out for what I thought would be a quick hut-bagging mission, but Mother Nature had other ideas—and they were glorious.
The beginning Starting from the Mt Robert circuit car park at 12:30 pm, I headed up Paddy’s Track with my sights set on Bushline Hut. The rain was persistent, a steady downpour that soaked the bush and turned the track into a wet path. While the damp conditions weren’t ideal, the trail offered a peaceful, rhythmic ascent. It was just me and the sound of raindrops on my jacket.
About 20 minutes before I was due to arrive at the hut, the rain began to mix with something else wet, heavy flakes of snow. By the time I reached Bushline Hut just before 2 pm, the snow was starting to become persistent. A fine layer of snow dusted the surrounding landscape, creating a beautiful, ethereal scene.
Nearly at the hut The plan was to drop my pack and continue on to bag a few more huts, but the snow was determined. With the flurries becoming more persistent, I decided to settle in for the night instead. I was the only person with a booking, which meant I had the entire hut to myself. Talk about a private mountain retreat!
I took my time getting dry and changed, then prepared a late lunch. The real treat was dinner: I reheated some leftover hangi wrapped in tin foil on the stove. The rich, smoky flavor was the perfect reward after a cold, wet climb. I spent the rest of the evening chopping wood, getting a fire roaring, and sipping a hot chocolate while watching the snow fall outside. The view from the hut, with its fresh dusting of white, was absolutely breathtaking.
Bush line hut The next morning, the snow had settled, leaving a thick, pristine blanket closer to the tops. I packed up gave the hut a good wipe down and a sweep and set off to complete the circuit, a 5-kilometer journey. Parts of the track were completely covered, with the snow reaching nearly knee-deep in some sections. The challenge only added to the experience, and the solitude of the snow-covered alpine landscape was truly something special.
Hangi for dinner 
Kea hut 
Looking Back towards Bushline hut The final leg of the trip was a descent down Pinchgut Track. The name might sound intimidating, but the views are incredible. As I dropped about 600 metres in elevation, I was treated to panoramic vistas of the stunningly blue Lake Rotoiti. The track itself is well-maintained and provides a beautiful, albeit steep, return to the car park. I made it back in about 1 hour and 40 minutes, feeling refreshed and invigorated.
The view heading down Pinchgut track This circuit is a fantastic hike and can easily be done as a day trip. However, if you want to experience the magic of a night in a high-country hut, make sure to book your spot at Bushline Hut in advance. It’s a popular spot, and for good reason—it’s the perfect place to find some peace and quiet, whether the weather cooperates or not.
What’s a hiking plan that changed on you for the better? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!
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Saturday 26th August 2023
- Drive time from Christchurch- 1.5 – 2 hours.
- Walking time 3.5 – 5 hours
- Distance – 10.4km
- Elevation gain – 850 meters
- Weather – clear & cold
- Hikers – Antonia & myself.
This is our first hike in about a month & had changed the plan Friday night to be Tarn hut from another hike as it seemed less of a drive & less distance but still afforded us to get some elevation gain & the chance of a bed in a hut.
We left home just before 8am & headed to the local bakery for a hot pie & coffees to start the day & also bought some lunch to takeaway.
It was a fairly straightforward drive to Lees valley, a very windy drive & then the vehicle track to the start of the hike was the first challenge. It was quite muddy & challenging to line the wheels up, but we made it in easily enough in our 2wd Mazda cx5.
After getting ready we were off along the initially muddy farm track, through a few gates and then into our 1st & only river crossing 4km in.
Not long after here we met the junction, you either carry on the valley floor direction to youngman stream hut or start a nice steep climb of the ridge towards Lilburne hill, where Tarn hut is.
The start of the climb looking back at where we had come from. We took the later. With a 750m climb & 5.5km to our destination. We both felt the climb & realised we haven’t done enough hiking lately! Stopping at just over 1000 metres elevation for lunch at a nice viewpoint.
The climb seem to take a long time before gaining the ridge line at the top, here was where we encountered snow. At some points I ended up knee deep as the snow gave way.
The snowy trail. 
Antonia at todays high point. Luckily this tricky section was the last 500 metres before the hut. Walking up to the hut was such a welcoming site! I opened the door & we were the first there! Such an amazing thing considering it’s only 4 beds & I was dreading having to pitch the tent. I also seen earlier that there was another couple about a kilometre behind me, so this meant they would also get a bed.
I went about unpacking & getting changed then needed to refill my water. The water source is the tarn itself, this was frozen over! There was a shovel & pick at the hut so I picked a hole in the tarn to get water. The ice was about 15cm thick before reaching the water underneath.
Angie standing on the frozen tarn. Antonia & I then went for a firewood hunt. Having taken my electric chainsaw this made it a fairly easy task, taking down 5 big branches from standing deadish looking beech trees. Cutting 10-20 cm logs for the fire.
Antonia on the Tarn just behind my water hole. 
Tarn hut with the frozen tarn beyond. It was a pleasant night hanging out & talking with our hut mates Adam & Ange (who arrived 30 minutes after us). We chatted in front of the fire until just after 8 at which point we all retired to bed.
Waking in the middle of the night to strong winds & then the sound of snow, this morning everything is white! A fresh layer of snow overnight with the occasional snow falling lightly this morning. Such a beautiful but cold site!
The morning view. More snow! No rush this morning, 2 coffees & breakfast with a planned leaving time of just after 9am.
We got some photos standing on the frozen tarn & then we headed off back down the mountain with micro spikes on our shoes. The snow seemed a lot firmer this time with only the occasional knee deep drop.
Ready to leave. 
Standing on a frozen tarn! Tarn = a small mountain lake. It was such a nice easy walk out & took us just on 3 hours to the car. Definitely a favourite this weekend where we had great company, excellent scenery & just an amazing weekend.
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Saturday 11th of November 2023
- Drive time from Christchurch 1.5 – 2.0 hours
- Walking time – 2.5 to 3.5 hours
- Weather – clear & warm
- Hikers – Antonia & myself
It’s been a while since we have been out for an overnight hike, so this weekend is the weekend to do!
With the forecast showing blue sky’s & warm weather, we packed our gear Friday night & were ready to leave at a leisurely time this morning.
Stopping at Sheffield bakery it was a late breakfast of a pie & a coffee’s as well as a nice large square of quiche each to carry in for lunch.
Within two hours of leaving home we were at the car park at Hawdon shelter. This has to be the fullest I had seen the car park before & I have been here over a dozen times!
Getting ready to start at Hawdon shelter car park After getting ready with our packs on, we were ready to start, setting off at 11.15. This hike starts by dropping into the Hawdon river bed & within a few minutes crossing the main river.
Crossing the river I couldn’t help but think we would definitely be camping with this many cars in the car park. Luckily we are always prepared to be self sufficient in any hiking activities we do.
Just over a kilometre in & we were at the start of the bush track on the true right of the river. This takes you about 2 kilometres on easy track up the valley avoiding slow travel of the river bed.
Looking up the valley This time round the bush track had a bit of tree fall with some short detours to navigate but was pretty smooth going. It wasn’t long before we popped out the other end.
The bush track From here it’s a fairly straightforward cross over to the other side of the valley to join the 4wd trail for a few kilometres, crossing the Hawdon river once more. You end up passing where the hidden doc hut (I call it the hidden Hawdon), which you can only see it if you go looking for it.
Crossing to the true left of the Hawdon It was close to 1pm when we were approaching the East Hawdon River crossing, both of us still full from breakfast, so we decided to keep going until the hut before we would have a break & our lunch.
The final approach At about 7 kilometres in we crossed over the Hawdon river for the last time to the true right. This is mainly track with some rock travel for the remaining 3 kilometres to the hut.
Walking over an old slip. We reached Hawdon hut within 3 hours of starting, there was only about a dozen people at the 20 bed hut so was a shock to us as we expected more people. It was only 2pm though.
Approaching Hawdon hut. We sat outside and ate our lunch while we contemplated what our plans were going to be for the night.
It was decided that we would cross the river in front of the hut & set up camp. In my experience I knew that there would be a lot more people coming, as it’s an easy hut to get to & every time I’ve stayed people mainly turn up around 5pm.
Once across the river & wet to the knees for the final time today we hunted around for a suitable spot & then set up the tent, created a fire-pit, seat and collected dry dead wood from the river bed, I then used our electric chainsaw and cut it all up into manageable pieces (yes I carry a 1.5kg electric chainsaw).
Our camp set up 
View of the hut from the camp. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing at our piece of paradise and watching lots of people turn up to the hut & fill the remaining beds, we also watched people walk up & turn around and head back down the valley again once the hut was full (I was told some didn’t have tents or air mats so had to backtrack the 10 kilometres back out again!)
At least half a dozen people after the hut was filled came down the bank, crossed the river & set up camp further up the river from us.
We just relaxed by the fire for the evening, toasting marshmallows & drank hot chocolate before retiring to bed at 8:30pm.
Surprisingly it was a good sleep that night, waking up early as I do I got the water on the boil & made Antonia and I hot coffee’s to go with breakfast. We then set out to pack everything up & were on our way just after 8am.
Leave no trace, except an organic seat & some firewood for the next campers. The walk out was pretty straightforward & was quicker than the walk in. We were back at the car within 2:45 which was perfect timing to drive back to Sheffield for lunch, arriving just after noon.
Another great weekend getaway & another hike where the importance of a tent & an air-mattress is a must.
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Saturday 22.04.2023
- Te Araroa kilometres done: 3026.5km
- Official kms: 23.5km
- Garmin kms: 23.03km
- Total time: 4:53
- Calories burned: 1705
- Body battery: 7/10
- Accommodation: The Quest Invercargill
- Tent nights tally: 19
- Zero days had so far: 34
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. If you have enjoyed my blogs & if you are able to, please donate to the cause below.
https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life
Track me live here:
https://aus-share.explore.garmin.com/curtiss
Today is the last day! Mixed emotions but mainly thankful that I’m completing it.
Dad drove me to pick Lester up & we were at the drop off point at 8:30am. This morning it’s raining but I can’t be bothered putting my raincoat on. It’s awesome having Lester’s company for the final day.
Dad driving off. 
Me & Lester ready to go. The trail was a nice track alongside the road for the 1st 16km & we seemed to pump it out in no time. About 10km in Tim from the local Foursquare stopped to congratulate me & welcome me to Bluff. He also has a pot of Bluff oysters waiting for me at his store. Legend Tim!
Me, Lester & Tim. Sharon who works at Trents down here & is a member of the local Rotary joined in at the 15km point & is walking the final 8km or so with us.
Me, Lester & Sharon. At 16km we got to the famous Bluff monument. I had to get a photo here! From this point the trail leaves the roadside & heads South around the Bluff hill through grass & rock for the 1st few kilometres.
Bluff sign. Definitely some beautiful scenery here. You can see right across to Stewart island!
Beautiful views. 
Walking around the Bluff. The last 4 kilometres was on really good track in the scrub & we were then able to see Stirling point from about 400 metres away. We could also see friends & family waiting to cheer us on at the end.
Such an amazing feeling to finish it & to have such an amazing team at the end cheering me on.
The finish line. 
The goal post! 
The crew. 
Left to right: Mike, Narelle, Briar, Lester, Andrea, me, Antonia, Dad, Maureen, Warren & Shelley. We all celebrated with champagne, I sat & watched/read the amazing messages from family & friends that Antonia had collected. I just want to thank everyone that has supported me through this journey. There are too many of you to name, but you have made this journey amazing for me & together we have made a difference!
All that’s left now is to go & collect my pot of oysters (thanks Bluff Foursquare!) & celebrate with family & friends.
Oysters. -
Friday 21.04.2023
- Te Araroa kilometres done: 3002.5km
- Official kms: 0
- Garmin kms: 0
- Total time: 0
- Calories burned: 0
- Body battery: 9/10
- Accommodation: The Quest Invercargill
- Tent nights tally: 19
- Zero days had so far: 34
https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life
Track me live here:
https://aus-share.explore.garmin.com/curtiss
I actually slept in this morning! I woke just before 8am. Today is a day of nothing but relaxing & reflecting on what I have achieved over the past 5 months!
It hasn’t been easy by any stretch but it has been a lot of freedom with not too much restrictions that the real world has. You basically wake up & walk where you want to walk. There is definitely some planning involved but nothing like real life.
I went out for both breakfast & lunch today, I also popped into the local Pak’nsave for some supplies & caught up with April, Bevan & Mike, the Seafood & Butchery team & talked to them for a good 20 minutes.
I’m looking forward to my wife turning up tonight along with my Aunty & cousins & Warren & Maureen. We are all heading out for dinner at 7pm to Koji’s Japanese restaurant.
Antonia’s flight was delayed but she turned up at the motel at 6:20pm as well as Dad & Andrea who have come down to surprise me!
We all went to dinner at 7pm & another surprise, Mike Somerville has also come down to see me at the end. It was so good to catch up with everyone & I’m looking forward to celebrating with them all tomorrow night.
From left to right: Warren, me, Antonia, Dad, Andrea, Aunty B, Narelle, Lester, Maureen & Mike. -
Thursday 20.04.2023
- Te Araroa kilometres done: 3002.5km
- Official kms: 11km
- Garmin kms: 12.16km (walked from accommodation)
- Total time: 2:30
- Calories burned: 655
- Body battery: 8/10
- Accommodation: Quest Invercargill
- Tent nights tally: 19
- Zero days had so far: 33
https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life
Track me live here:
https://aus-share.explore.garmin.com/curtiss
My attempt to sleep in this morning was a failure. It’s something I’m not good at. I did potter around this morning though & wasn’t out the door until after 9am.
It’s nearly a 1.5km walk just to regain the trail, I swear you do way more than the 3000km that is the trail.
Today I’m only doing about 11km of the official trail but about 12.5km total, this will make Saturday a shorter day being only 24km to go.
Starting back on the trail. 
The estuary 
Board walk. Todays trail followed the Invercargill estuary. It was quite a nice walk, however there is one part of the trail that goes through the sewage plant so can be quite smelly, all in all though not bad if you are use to a backcountry toilet.
Oh no 
Stinky but not too bad. It didn’t seem to take long before I had completed todays walk & with minimal weight on my back as most items were back in the motel. I also past the 3000km milestone! Although no markings on the ground I took a screenshot of me (blue dot) on the app.
Bluff oyster shells. 
The trail. 
3000km!! Once I reached the main road I put my thumb out for a hitch. It took a good 20 minutes to get picked up, I guess a hairy & dirty looking hiker is not everyone’s cup of tea lol.
It was nice to get back to town by lunchtime & do some shopping for a few things. Day off tomorrow! Looking forward to doing nothing much & Antonia turning up in the afternoon!!!
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Wednesday 19.04.2023
- Te Araroa kilometres done: 2991.5km
- Official kms: 29.5km
- Garmin kms: 32.36km
- Total time: 7:12
- Calories burned: 2173
- Body battery: 7/10
- Accommodation: The Quest Invercargill
- Tent nights tally: 19
- Zero days had so far: 33
https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life
Track me live here:
https://aus-share.explore.garmin.com/curtiss
My sleep was a little better last night but I’ve realised that I have Sciatica in my right leg, the description of this is Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs down one or both legs from the lower back. It’s usually caused when a herniated disc or bone spur in the spine presses on the nerve.
I’m hoping this just goes away on it’s own. It sometimes feels crippling when I walk.
I was packed and left just after 8am this morning, it was a wet start, not rain just drizzling. It took about 1.5km to reach the beach. From here it’s 22km along Oreti beach.
Walking to the beach. 
Approaching the beach with Bluff in the background. High tide is after midday & I need to cross a river mouth, it’s going to be about 11am before I get to it. After reading comments on the TA app, it sounds like it’s waist deep about this time before high tide so I am going to get fairly wet.
Starting the beach walk. 
On the beach. It was fairly fast walking & nice & easy. I reached the river mouth in just under 3 hours from starting. It looked daunting.
The river mouth. 
Here I go. I started crossing, initially it was ok but started getting deeper & deeper until it was waist deep. That was ok, the problem was the incoming waves that would roll up under the armpits! It started getting shallower again & finally I had crossed, now pretty soaked from the chest down.
I stopped took my bag off, not to get changed but to take more painkillers as my right leg was giving me grief again. At this point it had stopped raining so I decided to just walk in wet clothes. It didn’t take long for me to dry out.
Beautiful rainbow. After 22km the trail took me off the beach from a southerly direction & on a path beside a road in a easterly direction. Since it was only another 10km I decided that I would just keep walking & have a late lunch when I have finished.
As I was walking along the path I seen a vehicle pull over & 2 people get out & start walking across the road. It was Thomasina & Renee from work, they recognised me & stopped to say hello as they were on their way to the airport.
Thomasina, myself & Renee. 
Invercargill in the distance. After arriving at my accommodation, I showered, got washing on & ate a very late lunch (4pm). At 5:30 I was picked up by Sharon as I’m guest speaker at the Rotary club tonight. They also put on a very nice meal & dessert.
After leaving from here I met up with some hiking buddies who have all now completed the trail but are staying in Invercargill tonight.
Me, Shane, Jen, Thomas, Veronique & Arnoud, Tomorrow I plan to do about 10km of the trail take Friday off & complete the last 24km on Saturday with my cousin Lester.
34km left…..
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Tuesday 18.04.2023
- Te Araroa kilometres done: 2962
- Official kms: 0
- Garmin kms: 0
- Total time: 0
- Calories burned: 0
- Body battery: 8/10
- Accommodation: Airbnb Riverton.
- Tent nights tally: 19
- Zero days had so far: 33
https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life
Track me live here:
https://aus-share.explore.garmin.com/curtiss
I was in pain last night so took painkillers just to get some sleep. I’m glad this is almost over as I feel like I’m starting to physically suffer.
Another cruisy zero today. I managed to get all my clothes washed & have just had a chill day letting my body recover.
Not much else today. There’s only 66km to go & I’m going to do this over 3 days, Wednesday, Thursday & finishing Saturday.
The main thing that keeps me going is the cause, knowing that we are making a difference through‘I am hope’ & allowing those that desperately need help to get it. When I see a donation come in it gives me drive & motivation. So please if you can spare even just the price of a coffee you are not only helping me to the finish line but you could also be making someone’s life better.
https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life
Sponsored by:
The Backcountry hiker 