As starts to expeditions go, this one was not good. Firstly I was
suffering from a heavy cold, sprinkled with bouts of diarrhoea. Then despite
being 30 minutes early for our boat taxi we'd forgotten our prepared sandwiches
for lunch and the following morning's breakfast. To top it off, and probably
the most severe lapse of all, we'd also forgotten the sausages for dinner. This
was a double blow as sausages are Chris's favourite, and the only meat we'd
packed for the trip.
Not to be disheartened we took the boat taxi from Picton (top east
of the North Island) to Ships Cove at the far north-eastern end of the Queen
Charlotte Sound. Ships Cove is an east facing bay on a finger of land that
stretches into the sound. This is where Captain James Cook moored the
Endeavour. He arrived in 1769 and climbed up to a vantage point to observe that
there was a channel splitting New Zealand into a North and South Island. Ships
Cove was chosen to harbour Cooks expeditions another four times, generally for
about three weeks at a time. They collected botanical samples, conducted
astronomy, re-baked ration biscuits to get rid of the weevil infestation and
traded with Maori tribes. The area was used seasonally by the Maori as there
was superb fishing to be had and the natural forest provided materials for
medicine and building.
The meandering 71km Queens Charlotte Track was our target for the
next four days. The landscape here is famed for flooded valleys, or 'sounds'. These
are created when the landmass sinks, as opposed to the 'fjords' which is where
a previously glacial-covered valley is flooded when the sea-level rises.
We found a Weta scavenging along the shore, he didn't seem to mind
the rain! It rained all day; it was heavy rain, the type that creates bubbles
in puddles. The views of the surrounding bays were shrouded in a veil of
clouds. We completed the first 15km section by early afternoon and I collapsed
into our hut's bunk bed at the Endeavour Inlet trying to sleep off my cold.
Whilst I was slumbering Chris happened to start up a conversation with a party
of guests who had chartered a boat to go fishing for the week. We were
surprised when a lady from the party arrived to give us some fresh Blue Cod.
Chris waved it in the direction of the stove and it was absolutely delicious.
A second soaking day along the well marked track took us through
tree ferns (yes, ferns the size of trees!) and black fungus covered beech
trees. We saw a stoat dart across the track, obviously the numerous traps set
to catch these invasive species were not 100% effective. Our homestay was with
Noline, an 84 year old who welcomed us with warm scones topped with three inch
thick slabs of butter. She provides accommodation and cooking facilities for up
to six people per night in her home. The income funds her travelling, which she
does alone each year. Her late husband did not like to travel, so after his
death 20 years ago she started to take in guests and in the winter travels the
world. We were amazed that she had visited over 60 countries since she started
her homestay business. We met some fellow trampers - Chloe and Angus, who
entertained Chris with their cheery banter whilst I spent the evening resting
in bed.
The rain cleared for our third day which covered some steep climbs
in dappled sunlight. We walked about 25km that day, and I remember spotting
evidence of wild pigs snouting up the forest floor. The track did not follow a
ridge line and the numerous climbs and descents as we wove in and out of bays
were punishing on the joints. Keeping an ear out for the native birdsong from
the bush-clad hills, we glimpsed Fantails and Grey Warblers darting in to the
thickets and the occasional Weta browsing in the grasses. We were rewarded for
our labour by some superb views over the sounds.
The final day was another 20km with a 400m climb at the start. The
thought of this sudden ascent right outside our doorstep did not encourage me
to hop out of bed. Yet I didn't grumble (that much). We were walking by 8am as
we had arranged a collection at 3.30pm. It was a slog to keep climbing upwards
to the crest of a hill only to see the path ahead fall and then climb again up
the next hill. The weather held good though and we set a fantastic pace.
In the end we arrived a couple of hours early in the small settlement of
Anakiwa at the western end of the track 72km later. This gave us a chance to
relax in the sun and read our books until the boat taxi arrived to ferry us
back to Picton. That night we met Chloe and Angus on the Picton waterfront to
congratulate ourselves for a walk well done with a beer or two.
The first tentative steps along the jetty at Ships Cove
The monument to Cook and The Endeavour
The best views on the first day looking across the mouth of Endeavour Inlet
Shelter from the rain in our cosy cabin
Sausage and mash without sausages but with cod!
Sarah looking enthusiastic about starting a soggy day two
Beautiful views from Noeline's balcony over the sound
The jetty at Noeline's where Chris went for a relaxing dip to warm up after a day's walk in the rain!
A much drier third day in the sunshine
The views just get better
and better
Our first Weta (pronounced Wekka) very curious creatures
Beech trees and tree ferns
Looking towards Picton our final destination
As you go higher everything gets steeper
Our bay for the third night
The final few hills on day four
The cicadas played constantly the whole route, often flying off the trees into your face and body
Final destination - waiting for our speed boat home - 72km done wahoo!
