Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey starts with exploring the mouth of the Heaphy River, then heading upstream to the hidden Field Cave. From there I continue following the Heaphy River upstream to Lewis Hut secluded deep in the giant forest.
Today's Journey
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Heaphy Hut in the early morning as I head out to explore the mouth of the river behind me. Drizzle is falling but no more heavy rain is forecast. |
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Heading along the main track before diverting inland along the original track long abandoned, a group of us reach the entrance of Field Cave. |
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We explore the cave, occasionally passing a hole up to the surface in the roof overhead. |
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Some sections are a bit tricky requiring a bit of scrambling, but otherwise it is an easy cave to explore. |
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The group from Melbourne I explored the cave with. |
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After returning to the hut, I pack up and begin hiking upstream. The forest is very dense in this sheltered microclimate. This is perhaps the most subtropical part of the South Island and perhaps the only area of forest to have survived the past ice ages which covered much of the island in glaciers. |
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I have the occasional glimpse of the river, but it is mostly very thick vegetation. Fortunately the track is wide and of an excellent grade. |
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The steamy palm jungle is thick as I continue following the silent Heaphy River upstream. The air is still and devoid of sound, a huge contrast to the constant roar of waves yesterday. |
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I eventually reach an area with enormous rata trees towering above the rest of the forest. Their multiple intertwining trunks rise up over the gravelly valley floor. |
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A large swing bridge crosses the Heaphy River to the Lewis Hut where the Lewis River meets the Heaphy. Here I stay the night. |
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