Summary:
| Metric | Info |
|---|---|
| Day | 1 |
| Start | Bluff |
| Finish | Invercargill |
| Km | 38 |
| Moving time | 8 h |
| Terrain | Flat |
| Lunch | Melted cheese |
| Accommodation | Tent |
Highlight:
The coastal track on the western side of Bluff was beautiful! A mix of the rocky shores of Kaikōura, and the rocky outcrops of Castle hill.
While this track was not on the current Te Araroa map, it has been part of the trail and avoided climbing up and down to the Bluff look out.
Challenge
It was a hot day out there, and while there is clear progress with shared cycle/walkway between Bluff and Invercargill, there was a bit of road walking, that dragged on. We spotted a bus shelter, and grabbed some shade and grub. Refueled and rested, we walked on past the most Southern Milk Factory, South Pacific Meatworks, and a Balance fertilizer factory. Finally we had past Awarua, marking the end of the road.
Learning
"35km is enough, don't do the last 2". Words from Trent as his legs stopped functioning as we make our what from the trail to camp.