Day 21: Motatapu Track, Highland Creek

Highlight:

Fresh snow. It quickly melted as the days heat took effect.

Challenge:

There was two decent climbs today. On the steep uphills we took a breather at each marker pegs. Eventually the poles leveled off and breaks weren't needed. Trents regular elevation updates were useful in letting us know we weren't headed to the top.

I also took a slip twice.

• Once on a slidling, were I had missed judged the width of the path.I grabbed hold of the grassy bank,  and got a dirty knee.
• The second was on a decent, my pole ended up in the ground behind me. So I was quickly on my bum.

Learning:

Kāreare, the New Zealand Falcon, is the country's most threatened bird of prey, with only around 3000–5000 breeding pairs remaining.

Summary: