![Penzy Dinsdale at key summit](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/4a38b6e8-bfbb-4a87-90e2-3904d5193f39_rw_1920.jpg?h=5aa0ad99c3e5a5acfdb50f27c5d90386)
Starting out, unfit, disorganised with so much unknown ahead and facing a week of bad weather, hence we are starting at Key Summit instead of by traversing the Serpentine Range - photo credit to Maz Krough
![Snowy waterfall Death Valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/01b9b0ca-907f-4de3-9e02-4840f5bd7f53_rw_1920.jpg?h=17c89309fe6825691e27ab07be2ac102)
The weather threw a late snowy curve ball as climbed up Death Valley
![Native tree in flower](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/af8b727a-7244-46f9-b392-70d50819ecee_rw_1920.jpg?h=a64560fb251688b462286d38bcff0b12)
Focusing on the small beautiful things, stopped me from focusing too much on the very big picture
![Finch](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/6b346706-9801-4f80-a8ac-672fa8fd7a37_rw_1920.jpg?h=788692883a98f1eced74daa683dc8f76)
A finch
![Cuckoo](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/1197c90c-2ae8-4f59-ad98-779fb26de868_rw_1920.jpg?h=28996957acd526737b91599a17f0a9a3)
A cuckoo - yes this isn't a great photo, but I don't feel like I see these birds often so I really wanted to include it.
![Misty Dart Valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/2d5cf452-3e29-4264-ac26-3f1e40b2ae8d_rw_1920.jpg?h=fad9042a8790706208a7ec0c7817a7eb)
Mist rises as the weather changes from atrociously bad to atrociously hot
![Misty dart Valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/528944fb-d6f2-4f4f-9e87-617c251a93d1_rw_1920.jpg?h=30cb18d2bb6cfb81661a50605d866bec)
More mist
![Cattle Flat Rock Biv kettle](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/51d54dd3-7c59-4f58-8230-a44d58004e71_rw_1920.jpg?h=393df8477f41cc7e304746b2313dbc58)
I really enjoyed this kettle at the Cattle Flat Rock Biv
![Waterfall Dart Valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/e904462f-3af7-46b0-815c-8b7bb27ea5ae_rw_1920.jpg?h=f15fdac25d9ee44e514ebe5773bada88)
The Dart Valley really is a rather magical place, and I'd never been until this traverse
![Tarn reflecting mountains](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/6420bd81-980e-4098-9f81-4aa55077de7c_rw_1920.jpg?h=5ef0d9336452f1f6c136621f9105bd54)
Early morning tarn reflections at Rees Saddle, before things got a bit hairy going over to Lochnagar
![Kea](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/cf448cb1-8da5-4b4d-9172-b5feb5130cf8_rw_1920.jpg?h=db995c0450eca0ec3f658916590e825c)
Making new friends in the mountains
![Looking down at Lochnagar](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/1c63cb2c-56ae-489e-bed0-c7006b8ce67c_rw_1920.jpg?h=1f38a4f27eda1cfcc234482857f4198c)
Finally safe, the descent into the stunning place of Lochnagar
![View from the window of Lochnagar Hut](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/a639c9c6-0f6f-4c59-8f3f-bc5e1433e556_rw_1920.jpg?h=43386a454fa4469291c830265af76c34)
Admiring the view at Lochnagar Hut
![Looking into Lochnagar Hut](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/c6f6a882-cfbf-406f-bd10-5a2eea1dd5b5_rw_1920.jpg?h=f2e40672f2ee66fd1710f56692a589c5)
Works both ways, looking in at Maz heating water for dinner
![Lochnagar hut and lake](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/779bff41-01ab-4f32-bc13-cfafab9b672e_rw_1920.jpg?h=d8a8492fe6a2b38e0261d098053e9c81)
This has got to be one of the best hut toilet views?
![Reflection on Lochnagar and NZAPA Highly commended](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/5515274a-9ae4-4b6e-a71b-f5be5cd50f00_rw_1920.jpg?h=18b3ca7f44a003a3e6457a955756a627)
Lochnagar had some truly magical reflections
![Reflections in Lochnagar](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/b28bd05a-f664-4fa2-af0d-c7f218dc8c4a_rw_1920.jpg?h=b345228833ce9f89ce39d90a0a6a826d)
Just stunning
![Crossing a flooded creek using a cableway](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/401b385e-b2f7-4126-a729-0631fc292d26_rw_1920.jpg?h=1b70da86bc47ebf4dfaa1096dfa661ba)
The outflow of Lochnagar was up quite a bit though, so we found ourselves trusting to an older cable way to get safely across. - Maz in action
![Matukituki Valley from Shotover Saddle](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/c2828525-595f-419f-8234-1a2febf30688_rw_1920.jpg?h=bbed63393d7652cde1b6ec6a0441f6fa)
View into the home territory of my university stomping ground, Matukituki Valley, from Shotover Saddle
![Cute lamb](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/694c1be6-ef4c-4962-ab60-5f5c3329adad_rw_1920.jpg?h=d845edf73e679b4846adec807413ce79)
By now spring had sprung and the Matukituki Valley was full of gorgeous lambs
![Matukituki River](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/822b2417-3500-4a4a-82b9-581017fa637d_rw_1920.jpg?h=3c24a711fa38c3013560a66d7b63ac59)
Matukituki River catching the light
![Sharkstooth peak](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/0332585e-5e1f-48f5-9aad-9863dfde327c_rw_1920.jpg?h=6d6adbab522033c6f4ec19ed2402488b)
Majestic sheep with Sharkstooth peak in the background
![East Matukituki Valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/54e264bf-3a5b-4961-9aef-19000920befe_rw_1920.jpg?h=370d919e72221be857a05263f85df7cb)
Beautiful lighting in the East Matukituki Valley
![Mountain and cloud panorama](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/1116cc91-4c15-4600-8049-6b14af7a2e10_rw_1920.jpg?h=9203aa36be1ffdf567a2fc7398afa284)
I love that the mountains are playing hide and seek behind the clouds
![Tramper on a three wire bridge](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/4555ce04-3fa9-49f4-a0b3-e9fefab598fe_rw_1920.jpg?h=cfc9fc50d138876d04980784ff9ac7be)
Maz on a three wire bridge
![Wilkin Valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/3204c781-55f0-4b05-ab84-d36560beff98_rw_1920.jpg?h=14cdbd735e0c221e93bfb355b5782e67)
The Wilkin Valley is glorious
![Mt Cook buttercup in the Wilkin Valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/48e7b94b-7d21-4d43-b6f1-1561fab04115_rw_1920.jpg?h=a8eecb927dc98e4516ed02eafe5c6f8c)
Mt Cook Buttercup in the upper Wilkin
![Rock Wren at Lake Castalia](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/785cbe06-a840-4b7a-9749-04b2c2898236_rw_1920.jpg?h=af261dd60cd5fcb07b24594f06518c47)
Rock Wren at Lake Castalia
![Rock Wren](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/3b916a66-2303-457b-ad27-3074ec746105_rw_1920.jpg?h=c2bb64447f5ddfd3416ee98dd967d053)
Now there will be a series of Rock Wren photos as I can never pick a favourite.
![Rock Wren](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/cec85180-d218-4697-8fb3-a79d9cf010c5_rw_1200.jpg?h=1200b46932d743a4d6b22f8c372bea8c)
Getting closer
![Dick Dinsdale and Penzy Dinsdale on Gillespie Pass](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/509019d0-bb7c-4dd6-924e-a03632b8e624_rw_1920.jpg?h=80a1f15c40f03d38880eb75603dde642)
My dad came and joined for the section over Gillespie Pass - thanks to Jess Blyth for the photo
![White flowers](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/bdf431e3-4f7d-4223-9920-8459271405bf_rw_1200.jpg?h=4e486555550881737b187646f5c34a76)
Lovely the lushness of the forest
![Landsborough Valley black and white](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/e7e3adb7-83a1-4fca-8e6a-6a1d4f728e2b_rw_1920.jpg?h=4949a32ac22870483c7d3328bae72fb4)
Heading solo up the Landsborough Valley into a gathering storm certainly felt as ominous as this photo makes it feel
![Mist and hills](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/1bb59412-4ffc-44fa-a29a-3a61884138a7_rw_1920.jpg?h=50c093c538da9ad755003e1cf6a4fbc9)
Atmospheric
![Calf behind barbed wire](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/1619abfa-bca7-45f7-8844-715d82e6d5ca_rw_1920.jpg?h=cfee72ab4e7c5558012dd6d85c959fa4)
Linking up all of the Southern Alps, also meant crossing some high country station, where I met this wee cutie and his friends
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/05046acc-bd2f-413a-8b98-a33ec2bde3d4_rw_1920.jpg?h=51a8278edf07445bd9dadcb494a9ffd3)
The Dobson, I feel this photo well captures the mood of we slogged all the way up, watched some avalanches fall down, then turned around and slogged the whole way back down.
![Lower Dobson Valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/e3603c91-19c4-43ae-becd-132cff69dcb8_rw_1920.jpg?h=2f2e2c26d7a985d19418b5f4a8f71fed)
Admitting defeat after trying another way over the ranges from the Dobson to Mt Cook Village - there's still a 12km section I need to go back and complete. Who's keen to join?
![Paradise duckling](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/fb6b9a64-5d7e-42c0-bd3d-b9ad81d6f066_rw_1920.jpg?h=45b308e447be3d30723f8c014c927389)
A few days to regroup waiting for weather at Mt Cook, meant playing with ducklings!
![Paradise duckling](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/f648acde-12a0-4833-9c0c-f8a93eb6962b_rw_1920.jpg?h=79f773eaf442020f0caf9687971fb7d0)
Having a wee rest
![Paradise duckling](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/ef61a488-3bbd-40ca-9646-02fb070b6903_rw_1920.jpg?h=6bb510dba57305ea7c1082f6ea7f14f5)
Sleepy duckling
![Paradise ducklings](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/83fd99ab-719b-4c97-bdec-49af84bfdb9c_rw_1920.jpg?h=cd306b18b264f051499502081107824b)
Nap time and snuggles
![Paradise duckling pile](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/6ab13be7-3021-4ed3-8d74-b60e3cc69230_rw_1920.jpg?h=3dfaaab5cd78fdf1d30eba706afeae11)
Yep that's probably too many photos of ducklings now, but they're so cute!
![Aoraki/Mt Cook peaking through the storm clouds](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/d317fccf-c9c0-46ef-bd7e-76e58634168f_rw_1920.jpg?h=8db1a15d64e228f7e084de837882275e)
I always love a stormy day, the photos are somehow better than bluebird day. So as we waited for the weather to clear in Aoraki/Mt Cook Village I was fortunate to get this beautiful stormy of the mountain
![First light on Aoraki/Mt Cook](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/8c684b25-7c19-4c36-b944-a95f80524237_rw_1920.jpg?h=1eb3751fbbbcc110adafff801c39342c)
First light on Aoraki as the storm clears
![Black and White Tasman Glacier lake with icebergs](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/ca4baf09-f195-40be-afe2-76c4b3fe489e_rw_1920.jpg?h=40de96b1135d6c7992cc5475985d8e27)
Playing with shadow and icebergs on the Tasman Glacier lake
![Tasman Glacier Lake with Icebergs](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/392a20d9-e6db-40ff-b7dd-98a0979c2291_rw_1920.jpg?h=105646b08d3e321d4d9f8814d681b416)
While it's sad that a lake like this indicates the relatively fast loss of a Glacier, it is rather beautiful
![Aoraki/Mt Cook from Tasman Valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/a7769f5e-95c2-4191-ba64-72455a5ed465_rw_1920.jpg?h=8f2c6244f0e07378d4b64b996643e177)
Heading up the Tasman
![A helicopter approaching Plateau Hut](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/d7dba28b-9407-40f1-a908-dc8fc51c4d99_rw_1920.jpg?h=e0906943e2ceefa16579982e06a0012d)
My first real look at Plateau Hut, although I've been up and down the Tasman before I've never really looked for the hut. Fitting that here it is with one of the many Helicopters that bring climbers in and out daily.
![Sooji Clarkson about the Tasman Glacier](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/d94fdf54-c357-4c56-94d9-be0333d3218e_rw_1920.jpg?h=566f6192803110672f0ce8e290221bcb)
Sooji, stoked to be having a snack about the Moraine on our way up to Plateau Hut. I was very glad to make my first trip there a walk in
![The Grad Plateau from Cinerama Col](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/79af40c0-f8c9-4973-b57b-9a54cc91aa8a_rw_1920.jpg?h=28f3165998f4b0020be56c2a8fc069f5)
The Grand Plateau from Cinerama Col
![East Ridge of Dixon Peak](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/c7129e9a-ef7c-4e8a-9df0-e40a52764c02_rw_1920.jpg?h=3474a5f44820f508e08be64800d3ec29)
Looking across the East Ridge of Dixon
![Black and White Ridge of Dixon NZAPA highly commended](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/a1325768-324f-46e2-8b69-135307406eb3_rw_1920.jpg?h=4281a82fc1bd3cd95a7370278a9af0ef)
Scouting tomorrow's route and getting carried away with the lighting
![Linda Glacier Icefall](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/22a672a4-9489-4f21-846a-732d1d50d269_rw_1920.jpg?h=42d2fabd9552824750fef4ee264e8ee0)
Loving the texture of the Linda Icefall
![Grand Plateau](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/0294640a-6dab-42f0-a972-90b51f2ba1c0_rw_1920.jpg?h=6ec5ea046213d1b777fb6e35da03d6ce)
Lighting play on the Grand Plateau
![West Coast Neves](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/3ebf6b3e-d2f6-4c7e-a72f-50203c7df99f_rw_1920.jpg?h=4e1e19df24de3649c9a0edd0bb8a11f0)
West Coast Neves, stoked to pass through here on skis
![Old Pistenbully Tasman Glacier](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/47349f69-6d2f-4d8d-9647-e635c28d4b9d_rw_1920.jpg?h=8d31a939a9c0b93fd5648c253c5398f6)
The old Pistenbully on the Tasman Glacier
![Ski touring upper Tasman Glacier](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/a0a2802c-f8e1-44c4-b875-04b35f2c3cf1_rw_1920.jpg?h=39357f28f75e920cd5f4f2b77f1b30e4)
Skis were essential for traversing fast on the soggy afternoon glaciers
![Evening light in the Southern Alps](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/d5310493-0f69-4860-94ea-9427bfb0ca70_rw_1920.jpg?h=c1fdf2e4b9c7eaf5e8efac86dacf2852)
Evening light in the mountains is always special
![Cooking a pancake over a candle](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/67efb3c2-2998-4aba-a4a1-253abeb9006e_rw_1920.jpg?h=dc826c6b3bf23f5dfddc89b02187b129)
When you've been stuck in a hut for a few days and don't have enough gas to cook the hut pasta. So instead you cold soak it to a batter and cook it as mini-pancakes over a candle!
![Sooji Clarkson and a waterfall in the Perth River Valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/32b28a4c-093b-48aa-bf30-139dc83e64c3_rw_1920.jpg?h=46c3de983f08dd71972fe4e04dd2dfc1)
Sooji crossing in front of a waterfall in the Perth Valley, travel in this valley is so much improved thanks to the predator control work by ZIP
![Blue speckled eggshell](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/9b52e412-b65b-4255-95a1-05ca90789a3b_rw_1920.jpg?h=12478514db02a8356b0e954e998ef9cc)
A pre-used eggshell I found
![Blue duck on a river](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/67d6846a-ea5e-41ec-bbc4-4573afb5e2c3_rw_1920.jpg?h=3889be5d498a29e3c19a34e79c38d7ae)
There was a year that I think I saw Blue Duck on every single trip I went out. It was wonderful to once again see them in so many regions - although there is still a long way to go to protect this species
![Trampers in the Upper Perth Valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/e18060c1-96cb-439c-b0a4-46d7fe37e5e6_rw_1920.jpg?h=2b3df542debf88854368f8bdd651d239)
Sooji, Emily and Adam in the upper Perth
![Upper Perth Valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/f592909f-8c3d-4722-b8ca-b49f6588cdeb_rw_1920.jpg?h=87ec561e49e9f2a119dfd3c442458e06)
Stunning spot for a campsite in the upper Perth Valley - and it only took a day to get here this time!
![Campfire in the Upper Perth](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/ae9b7dda-fc66-4295-896f-9e9b4bcccff7_rw_1920.jpg?h=8c9b66fb38fb6f387fde08ece943c8fd)
Adam, Emily and Sooji relaxing and enjoying a good campfire in the Upper Perth
![Portrait of a Juvenile Kea](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/222efff3-c0d5-4f14-b854-f5881ed3878c_rw_1920.jpg?h=050eeae66b739df605467bc5736a3799)
This pretty boy came to play in camp
![Portrait of a Juvenile Kea](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/bac5d045-1a14-4f84-893e-ded65cc9d1d7_rw_1920.jpg?h=5209dbbf454c82f2a43639f7e9bf0d2c)
Who me? I'm so innocent
![Juvenile Kea](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/511a7539-afeb-49d1-a41c-376e70c72246_rw_1920.jpg?h=d25857c73ccadbf9d19f3e8f8bb055bb)
There he is
![Juvenile Kea](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/c9f26eea-61bf-440d-aeee-558ec66b931a_rw_1920.jpg?h=30910cdb74b36da361acb43b3f5f0f70)
Such a cheeky cutie
![Portrait of a Tahr in New Zealand](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/83078141-55ab-4192-9e2f-41eda9691dd9_rw_1920.jpg?h=cf49a00acfdfa6046be09b65996e1eff)
Oh Hello there! This would be my closest Tahr encounter yet. He watched us climb up the face for ages below him, and fortunately stuck around for me to take this photo before taking off.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/15f41f51-76fa-4907-a98e-b61c510e5784_rw_1920.jpg?h=74f5a97a5512d2b0024d4c8ceffecfd6)
Sooji and Adam climbing up past Tahr Rock on Perth Saddle
![Sunset in a river valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/8bbe75bd-19a1-42b6-9e0b-36269046501a_rw_1920.jpg?h=3c4423f2adb4aa4bf78e53d33b4a4e38)
After another day rain-bound it was nice to see evidence of clearing on the horizon
![Black and White photo of the McCoy Glacier](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/ad505d4e-5f20-40f8-87bc-2ad3eff320e4_rw_1920.jpg?h=917e03a795bf58cd76a660c7e833e03b)
Black and White and moody heading up the McCoy Glacier
![Sooji Clarkson](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/41149fe0-8339-4632-b4a6-3ebef6e36119_rw_1920.jpg?h=d5c9598ade579fd6c171a45b6cb110b3)
Sooji surveying the route ahead into the Lyall Glacier
![Emily Wilson](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/5b93d486-5e54-40a9-96fb-5e17807251a8_rw_1920.jpg?h=ec79aaafe0af0dcf06bc57c807c5a463)
Portrait of Emily
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/c7cfe793-ea55-4d13-81fb-8919f727de86_rw_3840.jpg?h=19c5838db8948f53f42c5489428aac73)
Emily looking like a real badass mountain woman with the mountains reflected in her sunglasses
![Lyall Hut, Emily Wilson](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/ca0ccff7-1440-4687-be17-08022a8bab6c_rw_1920.jpg?h=e2d74dd00cbecca683a8f487cf3c4eb2)
Emily enjoying the wonderful and newly rebuilt Lyall Hut!
![Orange Fungi](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/44042818-2321-43e0-8476-e829445621c5_rw_1920.jpg?h=c77c174cb559b0483cac0ae98a0a9c42)
Orange Fungi!
![Daisy's growing out of a crack in the rocks](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/180a4cf8-9d1a-487a-bc2c-7d36307b4ad4_rw_1920.jpg?h=5cea58ac051002ab29e813a85378f401)
Admire the tenacity of the daisy, growing out of a crack in the rocks
![Classic New Zealand Landscape](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/d9108342-6cf8-4e76-8462-027c63017e30_rw_1920.jpg?h=fa15796329f2982061795d54772e5b69)
Beautiful landscape and routes ahead
![Adult Kea](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/8ac9da53-3001-4bde-9582-d17da4c53b19_rw_1920.jpg?h=20221e190325dcc9bb63174f7ee845cb)
I met yet another kea on my travels! He looks happy to see me
![Portrait of a kea](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/262ece50-1995-4a9e-ba9b-97bedc8529c6_rw_1920.jpg?h=80d37d75f2cdc482d360d3b62749abe2)
Isn't he beautiful?
![Portrait of a kea](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/d6e7d61c-f269-46fd-b660-2ec00105f11c_rw_1920.jpg?h=4204aa46d844819c6cf2f15749e54b4e)
Yellow on the edge of his eye indicates he's only just becoming an adult
![The Wilberforce](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/97d22675-ca54-4fd2-a612-f8129984c9ff_rw_1920.jpg?h=bf0c8f2d4deb64489bf9eb93004d71fd)
Views in the Wilberforce
![Flax/Harakeke flowers](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/229eb6b3-6100-4337-b402-a880a72597cd_rw_1920.jpg?h=fa411c5de03f858e6b771ff9d2b3ce92)
These Harakeke flowers caught my attention
![View from Carrington Hut](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/c1da189c-2cc4-40b6-a5b8-e4c16e95aef4_rw_1920.jpg?h=6a5261bd2bcef71e15b2fd81d8c2fa90)
Ah this is a familiar view, from Carrington Hut on Christmas Eve
![5 leaf plant](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/851651ad-cada-4972-9e5f-f9a6038b511c_rw_1920.jpg?h=f33435f4d7716d99976401be407e2ef3)
Christmas Star maybe?
![Lake Mavis](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/e423fbc2-a44a-4f66-9630-cf000423083a_rw_1920.jpg?h=90808d60759de3cdfc52954b8e6318e5)
Lake Mavis proved to be a popular place for just after Christmas, with some beautiful lighting too
![Distant mountains in cloud](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/122403fc-1a05-498f-bda2-a4c5c953210a_rw_1920.jpg?h=0f96e790d06d35f3e8fff7a058976a22)
By now I'd walked many mountains but still had a long way to go
![Christian Ruegg enjoying camp at Lake Mavis](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/0b8ab70b-dedd-4d5b-bda9-ff96a67b9633_rw_1920.jpg?h=888e39bfeb1386a7bcf53da7ca8ef47e)
Chris enjoying camp at Lake Mavis
![Sooji and Chris on a rock](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/1c61b1d7-d025-4fd9-91a0-d7ac29933f3b_rw_1920.jpg?h=f150e9535df1acd4c3040ecd0306c084)
Sooji and Chris waiting for me to stop taking photos and continue walking
![Rock Wren (female)](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/8dc81273-b304-4dca-b823-87dc9e5902c0_rw_1920.jpg?h=302141b6915e02953d3cbadc390e3f57)
But then I found this little one hiding in amongst the rocks and was even slower taking even more photos
![Rock Wren (female)](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/8e6929d9-e74a-4ed7-8922-254166d2c806_rw_1920.jpg?h=6e679eab118952366cca944374c65ac1)
She's such a cutie
![Rock Wren (female)](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/3dfca83c-dacc-4e22-9f16-2660d70a256a_rw_1920.jpg?h=75dcfdc768d9f83fe3c4577077891810)
...
![Rock Wren](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/48a21571-5fc6-4b54-a909-3da1b3109186_rw_1920.jpg?h=54726d1dcc349baf0d1fdca449ab14d1)
Even closer
![Rock Wren](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/3dfff5af-22a5-490f-a27e-d4cf3f35054b_rw_1920.jpg?h=cf21a1c6b405d8a1030a1ec61be382cf)
In beautiful light
![Rock Wren](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/280baaec-b703-4164-bf3c-8b6d1edad90f_rw_1920.jpg?h=adb0a06c3f649f4b47fe7dff61b07e33)
Both sides
![Rock Wren NZAPA Commended](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/62b4e692-884e-4ccc-a3b7-454ad287fb8b_rw_1920.jpg?h=97b350b618ed12e92b377d0cbb1314a8)
And even a cheeky over-the-shoulder shot
![Climbing Tarn Col](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/00b2b9ba-53e5-4cbf-bde4-ffa53181ef94_rw_1920.jpg?h=7893718a9c8b259e47009db0e48675a9)
A Sooji taking a Sooji-route up Tarn Col
![Lake Minchin](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/20464444-1554-4027-a271-32238192e39d_rw_1920.jpg?h=91eb928e22e9da7cc97db592d9ee5c63)
Lake Minchin
![South Island Robin](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/49db1139-347e-460e-a48a-045023cba472_rw_1920.jpg?h=1f60bb2f1b8143843f89cba210a73602)
A Robin!
![White flowers](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/75f9a88f-dcbe-4139-b649-a9df752a5607_rw_1920.jpg?h=267b3cb4104c4943c14d494a72ff5edd)
Everything in nature is just beautiful
![Whio](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/b239e95f-7c50-4a88-aa8f-680d778b7c8b_rw_1920.jpg?h=0d746384e9d0dfffa81024414fdb910a)
There were also Whio
![Whio calling](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/b08bbca2-72bb-43a0-861b-8036ec4cac8f_rw_1920.jpg?h=99f4aff4a94a53cbc121e5fafa2a4f3d)
Calling for his mate
![Whio](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/a744c2aa-9462-4585-b8de-cbe791293a48_rw_1920.jpg?h=fcb1138225d192c3e48f00476237fd45)
So close - eyeing me up
![Whio](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/eac367f9-e97f-4358-b152-7685836a55db_rw_1920.jpg?h=cc8a4ef13438a7ad1b9e8ec0c4b9ded9)
I love the ripples in this one
![Bed of white flowers](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/2336c429-5977-4a21-a721-d529c56b3281_rw_1920.jpg?h=aa6ffa62c090b2065efe702376191357)
It was beautiful to see carpets of flowers
![Kea in flight](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/b2267a3a-5788-417a-ba4f-4e94b2832735_rw_1920.jpg?h=ae8bf08a41ff8bffbee6a4e797f0192e)
Kea in flight - always the elusive photo, but I'm making some progress
![Kea in flight](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/0a083214-5907-4037-8151-52867915b01b_rw_1920.jpg?h=d9568cd8ed30f6a3337b5483be4273d3)
This one's not half bad!
![Kea in flight](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/2db02523-d65a-459e-a2ba-2c813aa68287_rw_1920.jpg?h=0e8803cc69b6ab6e68555eac7a8c0393)
Oh the colour of those underwings!
![Kea in flight](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/05fcf9fa-cb78-41c3-b9a6-13d24c48bf0d_rw_1920.jpg?h=3de1e1fa3cafb461e987d7348f967fcb)
The feathers!
![Kea in flight](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/89fa5ffc-78fc-4c18-8a28-7750e95a0f15_rw_1920.jpg?h=35305a1d25b50785c8aebd4645fb6dcf)
The power of flight
![Smug kea sneaking up](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/8eed5b38-a392-4bc7-ae3b-d3e073f802a5_rw_1920.jpg?h=ae36e3f1849517e62be859134d69b744)
So this cheeky group of Juveniles came to visit me on New Year's Eve and played the game of sneaking up behind me while I read my book.
I had planned on an early night for New Years Eve, but one of these buggers spoiled that plan by chewing on my tent until well after midnight
![Kea ready to destroy](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/84fd424d-e904-4423-bbd3-287ff88b5ab5_rw_1920.jpg?h=aaf28eea44dac8a330a9ba6bfe485816)
Beak set to damage mode
![New Years Eve campsite](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/f6bab290-0678-4da5-9bde-5d41771b15d5_rw_1920.jpg?h=736911cd854bcb8136888776908593f3)
It was a beautiful camp for New Years Eve!Â
![Kea Silhouette](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/56bece14-8ab0-4d42-a561-d1dbe4a30f16_rw_1920.jpg?h=2e74d1ae7786563a650597caedff24c9)
Feathered pest! - not really, I love these birds
![Clouds on distant mountains](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/2009d2ce-9716-4cbc-bac2-6ab92df1a08b_rw_1920.jpg?h=c5f21ef7f2495d8a8111fbd8c81edc66)
Clouds from a distant summit
![Deer resting and nibbling alpine flowers](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/dddf2d94-9ea6-47af-8ea3-d2a34d413c65_rw_1920.jpg?h=3c509bbeaf904cef5ad66bb635f593b5)
I've never come across deer just chilling on alpine flowers. But then again I guess I rarely travel alone and thus I'm never this quiet.
![Tussock tops](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/0bcad2c7-5171-4268-9631-6570ad462876_rw_1920.jpg?h=af82f76a990ceee69624fa16cfc44c74)
Just kilometres of beautiful tussocky tops travel
![Tussock tops](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/d7cb8b3a-69e3-408f-b5fd-a6b67ff05781_rw_1920.jpg?h=415c080a8d946d3d8bfff960f38bc087)
I love tops
![Distant snowy mountains](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/6d578620-13b9-4558-8984-65776f0d3566_rw_1920.jpg?h=d2d2561b3c1dc0db9a840cd1f79635ed)
Distant snowier mountains
![Sunset lake](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/3b79d42a-7777-4fe5-a789-6e39fd509fff_rw_1920.jpg?h=3a21c3e21da59a0ee2b9ef12a734d392)
Sunset lakeside camping
![Sunset lake panorama](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/8f099306-3dd8-42e3-9470-c149cc0d5361_rw_1920.jpg?h=4aa0246a4f9cf79d6a1ec99186acab71)
It really was a great campsite
![Sun streaming through forest](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/a628a46c-e08a-40ac-94ac-5429dcf91a0b_rw_1920.jpg?h=3f95e09f44c16c39f55846ed36040a92)
Sun in the forest
![Sunny forested creek](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/5ccc62e0-bd38-43ba-931e-35b779e736a0_rw_1920.jpg?h=024ac84b384c562eb5cd5ef1dd1e59fe)
Who wouldn't want to walk up this stunning sunny creekbed
![Beautiful NZ forest](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/c6b23bbc-808c-4376-960a-b5c64693da4a_rw_1920.jpg?h=bc27d782c7d75acbfe5c9801c69f44a0)
Beautiful forest
![Beautiful creek travel](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/70b3691f-8275-4533-8c1a-031d162086b8_rw_1920.jpg?h=e7536935a855d253df903092c4e0edf9)
Oh what a wonderful creek to walk up
![Brass Monkey Biv](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/2a8e47cc-6e64-4eca-97c5-b1c0ac32a8a8_rw_1920.jpg?h=be701ad6f88da459db54fd9d39c33c62)
Brass Monkey Biv. How is it I never see the view when I visit?
![Tussock valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/f124dad4-2be3-4912-8103-f137ab016a65_rw_1920.jpg?h=a59db4e5ac2338ac96b79686245ffc59)
I love secret valleys like this
![Snow Totara berries](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/4ab72201-303a-427e-a953-903e52203b54_rw_1920.jpg?h=b4e959414888d6213f52f8f34b7ea8d6)
My favourite mountain snack - snow totara! I got so hungry on the traverse, that I was always glad to stop and harvest these!
![Rifleman on a tree](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/afe75e3d-4f85-4b1c-a6fd-808738cad18e_rw_1920.jpg?h=ecde72f77d379601cf9f64b9cb63bfd3)
I actually think the Rifleman might have low key been the bird of the trip, I was delighted to hear them everywhere. A lot harder to get a decent photo though.
![Two riflemen on a tree](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/a4cd3c3c-eb5f-48d0-b9b3-8aafe1714493_rw_1920.jpg?h=46223175ce34543fcb85cc7a001cfcce)
Two riflemen in one photo!
![Cute riflemen on a tree!](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/4cacfa0d-0daa-4458-8622-fa7e8ba4bc20_rw_1920.jpg?h=37793bcdcca5a018b3e7cf5f665376c7)
Aren't they wee cuties!
![Rifleman!](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/4efa70a6-dc32-4ba2-bf75-085efc6364ea_rw_1920.jpg?h=5c8c959ddf577c013acadb801926246d)
They move so quick!
![Three wire bridge over a beautiful blue stream](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/56c7af74-2cc8-4ea0-a462-86c5a588537c_rw_1920.jpg?h=c5a92429c6880b71b78cba595765db78)
Stunning wee three-wire bridge
![Tomtit on the 3-wire bridge](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/bb43d314-8210-49f5-87ff-3fdf8034907f_rw_1920.jpg?h=095d51f4ee29de3f9ee31b23803eb7e0)
Tomtit on the bridge
![Beautiful creek in forest](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/68f9ff92-106d-4a16-b1e5-a183533eca00_rw_1920.jpg?h=54ae31b53ba22305b04bb439dbfb96f8)
I love just finding beautiful spots like this. They aren't famous spots and I probably would struggle to tell you exactly where they are, but somehow that makes them even more special. Like they are my secrets.
![NZ beech forest and moutains](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/9ab58d18-b867-4f51-98a8-0bf52fd4771e_rw_1920.jpg?h=f1877e0d7c72efab11b3917f6f6084ba)
Just classic New Zealand
![Close up on vegetable sheep](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/17709b1e-94ac-4bb4-adf1-fc81ce50a15c_rw_1920.jpg?h=1d87d619615d5356ea12fcebd1bc6d4a)
Mountain textures - a vegetable sheep
![Robin in sunlight](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/5407d32c-2193-4d63-8d94-1e8fafe720a6_rw_1920.jpg?h=2af406138c049acb25a5b6e22e16766a)
I love the way the light was catching this robin
![Feathers on a robin's head](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/dbfe1d9a-bfee-4e59-92c1-c3786ca39763_rw_1920.jpg?h=afc61209aaf78ec9933ca07f6dc74924)
I love how close I could get to the texture of the feathers of his head
![Feathers on a robin's head](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/b0c9ebae-d9fb-42ab-a132-5d2dbed28187_rw_1920.jpg?h=4b49fbf55552164bb61c9d1e7b5e0fd3)
Even closer
![NZ south island robin](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/5039b2be-1bb8-4885-bb6e-dc6212fc318b_rw_1920.jpg?h=1a2803bcf689edd555cb76ab6fa6e282)
Just the perfect model
![Feathers of a robin](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/b0b717d7-192b-4206-a05d-6438c769469d_rw_1920.jpg?h=d1a31328918ca4808f337f66f0c938c3)
I love the textures of nature
![Blossum](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/1b7356f3-ff1b-425e-ba02-876adcc15d80_rw_1920.jpg?h=4c83bcb5cdbce6cb390cd9e9b1975913)
The number of times I've looked at this photo and only just noticed the insect approaching the flowers!
![Matiri River reflections](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/93802cdc-92dd-4f65-862a-bf1ac69982eb_rw_1920.jpg?h=4b8367238761372c55fa414be5fc82c8)
The Matiri Valley is a strange feeling place, the track has been left to its own devices. Now the river is often better for travel than the track.
![Matiri Valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/c473c5ee-32cd-42c3-b215-b7bb738c6c9b_rw_1920.jpg?h=182a790d4e72e0b6b1011e22ea2e7123)
Upper Matiri Valley
![Up above the head of the Matiri Valley](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/6264fedf-fe07-4124-af44-d4603a05375c_rw_1920.jpg?h=9dfb51568b783cb21832fb7a9a0f8e48)
Climbing up above the Matiri Valley, heading to the Wangapeka (incidentally the site of one of my first ever South Island tramping trips). It's a pretty spectacular traverse.
![Tree trunk texture](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/607b3ff9-3059-44cd-9dae-5acc29a08659_rw_1920.jpg?h=5f67c3596603dc262cc9847d40532eab)
I love the texture of this tree
![Rifleman](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/0e1f38ec-21a6-40e8-ab9a-a883da3277aa_rw_1920.jpg?h=5767150cba7d217b1b45ed7acaedc340)
I love the colours I caught on this rifleman! Seriously bird of the trip!
![Beautiful creek in moss](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/5c81cf1c-5b3a-4cfa-81a4-2cb53135cd84_rw_1920.jpg?h=a415da41801b99f0ed4eb884cf78e863)
Magic forest moment
![Kahurangi National Park](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/3b4b979f-985e-4ff0-934f-ee5cb2c8ff36_rw_1920.jpg?h=395838ead28f98bfeb985acaec5e5719)
Kahurangi National Park has so many beautiful green moments
![Kahurangi Forest](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/ea2f69df-0470-4165-aa69-f5ae35b61224_rw_1920.jpg?h=5b7d7e780699e185c36512550012ed36)
And the green forest goes on for miles
![Rifleman!](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/f757d776-43df-4be1-991f-518074e827be_rw_1920.jpg?h=400ccd7a4faadf643b73c993992ed679)
Another amazing rifleman!
![Kahurangi Tops](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/748d1c6a-59e4-4c47-90e5-3cf34f9e9f38_rw_1920.jpg?h=594f95e90ae862b85eb79140508dc162)
Tops nearing the end of the traverse now
![Weka Chick](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/763734bb-c8f2-4160-9998-25359cbef36d_rw_1920.jpg?h=06eb50f5378728bf7ad40452f9c41e89)
And as luck would have it a super cute fluffy weka baby!
![The dragon's teeth in black and white](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/95af0c66-acf8-4861-9ded-cdc25cebbe8e_rw_1920.jpg?h=72a1828e30749cc2a666266e65a9fec2)
The Dragon's teeth looking beautifully atmospheric! - I'll have to do the high traverse/climb them one day.
![Dragon's teeth route](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/80e6ddbc-b29a-4cd7-bbc6-c1a5fe67637b_rw_1920.jpg?h=8d14f779948687a9c5e7fa2301626369)
Route to the Dragon's teeth
![Lonely Lake Hut](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/212ba01c-d230-43f9-9ed6-8b487310effe_rw_1920.jpg?h=384ee9b94f305efbb4d5dbdb52e76de4)
Lonely Lake Hut - I actually think this might have been my favourite hut of the traverse. It had been done up since the last time I was there and was beautifully thought out on the inside. As well as so snug for one person, I think that's why I loved it so much after rattling around solo in much larger huts.
![Lonely Lake picnic table](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/3df3683d-e561-4b72-a480-97c9f3c06425_rw_1920.jpg?h=8692032a50d85dfb1652a991be6a90da)
I mean what a spot to sit for dinner
![Lonely Lake Hut sunset](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/67a56f40-be52-44cc-9466-c74c7f58c3f8_rw_1920.jpg?h=ebb5ecc928a51c5954985e8f591d54cd)
What a stunning sunset!
![Lonely Lake Sunset](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/26f1a790-ab97-4adb-8e23-1f2e37f3c682_rw_1920.jpg?h=34e5d1720f49dc23ddfd51c1f301d6ec)
Oh that lighting!
![Sunset with beams!](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/9310496b-3605-4726-9afc-3d12af3ac426_rw_1920.jpg?h=1485e08844c18c1bde8a4d240d910577)
Beams!
![Stunning sunset](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/6e6f4b20-9171-4fa5-8cbc-3a7dbb1b82e2_rw_1920.jpg?h=3a9ab822f106866066ad40b8c106483c)
Just magical light
![Goat in Kahurangi national park](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/e37611eb-10f9-473d-88d0-e8f77c3336b4_rw_1920.jpg?h=f6ef9f84cf2824c491bfed62da521d3a)
Goats are a bit of a pest in this national park, but he still looked pretty cool
![Kahurangi forest](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/5a49cc73-2c23-4fbd-9e6e-2680fa412d6e_rw_1920.jpg?h=6e6271f15f9cf4db9be6af9c3a254b05)
Love the Kahurangi Forest, love the tree tumour! Low traverse of the dragon's teeth. As much as I wanted to do the high traverse safety prevailed alone and heading north instead of south...
![Adelaide Tarn](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/5adb71af-96e3-4b79-ad7c-f0c87e9d5788_rw_1920.jpg?h=57643a1396f7bb90d14f607a603bb250)
Adelaide Tarn!
![Swimming hole at Boulder Lake Hut](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/f4490167-6e95-406f-bcb1-731e7079a17b_rw_1920.jpg?h=7ee4f964caf6c1aac3e462f9589252e6)
So I feel like I can say that I've now searched the Southern Alp along it's entire length, and this has to be the best swimming hole out there. Right behind Boulder Lake Hut.
![Beautiful waterfall](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/e5b02a83-6486-4ddd-beb2-21ca7263afab_rw_1920.jpg?h=e88d8d13384caf143d911961f7b2d2d3)
Seriously what a waterfall
![Boulder Lake reflection](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/ef57903c-bbbc-450a-b041-7c47d0e4f9b2_rw_1920.jpg?h=416de5cb53da81f005de0d899fbbe64b)
I love the reflection on Boulder Lake
![Boulder Lake panoramic reflection](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/5f7f106b-2c77-4ec9-9c42-424f4b85f19c_rw_1920.jpg?h=37f18d015f8fc098e75cca3301c9bfc9)
Just an amazing final morning in the hills
![Flax flowers and coast](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/b0dcb8f0-753d-4497-8b97-abb4f83014b5_rw_1920.jpg?h=c332fbad7ff3e84cf7ea6dd63e43401d)
And after 84 days, I've finally reached the coast
![Footsteps on sand, Farewell spit](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/5eb92cb4-3be3-42c7-a5ea-c88bde0aeb3a_rw_1920.jpg?h=57c5eaaf36ca5e2b85a9386f5d1dea5e)
The final day, a wander onto Farewell Spit
![Pied Oystercatchers black and white](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/e82a5271-8d75-48db-a81f-61fa07d6b5e3_rw_1920.jpg?h=ded0d445456b98d96a9f30b166d54158)
Pied Oystercatchers facing the weather
![Pied Oystercatchers](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/c45a5add-dbb3-4ca1-b6d8-870ac7a9190e_rw_1920.jpg?h=d242d92056351740a820086040b7cc1c)
I couldn't tell if I liked it more in black and white or colour