Passburn Valley |
Mararoa River Valley |
North Mavora Lake |
An odd thing - there was a jet boat perched high up on a bank, way above the river. We thought it odd, and discovered later that a young lad had taken his Dad's jet boat joyriding up the river and smashed it - and hurt himself in the process. We later watched a helicopter retrieving the boat and wondered at the expense.
We found a lovely spot to camp on the edge of the North Mavora Lake, and enjoyed mushrooms Rob had gathered en route and some delicious pasta donated to us by our camping neighbours.
Our final day on the Mavora was a day of angels, starting with the neighbours bringing us fresh fruit. We think they felt sorry for us, packing up our tent in the rain. We then foolishly turned down an offer of a ride, and plodded down the long, long road for 5 hours. We had heard the riverside track was a mess, and opted to walk out the quickest way. After doing 24 km we'd had enough and very dark clouds were gathering to the SW. Then Tony the Australian fisherman rescued us, went miles out of his way and dropped us at the highway so we could hitch to Te Anau for a much needed rest and resupply. In a few minutes with the skies about to open another angel - the local Presbyterian Minister Karl - picked us up and took us all the way to the door of the YHA - right next to his church! Which is where we are now before we head off into the wild Takitimus.
Notes:
Day 58: Greenstone carpark to Taipo Hut. 21 km
Day 59: Taipo Hut to North Mavora Lake campsite. 28 km
Day 60: North Mavora Lake to near Mossburn/Te Anau junction. 28 km
Day 61: Rest Day, Te Anau