The monkey apprentice

Lewis Pass Tops, Lake Sumner (Hoka Kura) Forest Park

The wind was howling over the Little Wanganui Saddle as I held my phone out to get reception. It was the first day of 2024, the fifth day of our six day journey through from the Lookout Range and the Wangapeka Track. The forecast showed a beautiful high pressure system shining over the country until the rains would return on 5 January. Although Buckland Peaks tempted me, it was ultimately the tops of the Lewis Pass and the opportunity to bag Brass Monkey Biv that won my heart. Fastforward a day and I was waving goodbye to Hugh in Westport, his poor toes capable of no more walking. I hitched through Inangahua, Reefton and Springs Junction before being dropped off at Palmer Lodge in the Lewis Pass.

1. Walks of Life

Up the Nina Valley

It was 5pm by the time I set off up the Nina Valley Track in the direction of Nina Hut. The last time I had been here was when I set off for my nine day solo trip through to Arthur’s Pass in 2020. I schlepped my way along, dodging mud puddles as I climbed into the valley itself. It was warm under the canopy of the beech…