I can see my rainbow calling me
Jimi Hendrix.
through the misty breeze of my waterfall…
After breakfast I left Kia Ora Hut as a large group of walkers, led by my friends, did yoga on the terrace. Who could blame them? A sunny day, a glorious setting, and a modern hut with a lovely terrace.
2.6km from Kia Ora Hut is Du Cane Hut, ironically named “Windsor Castle” by early walkers. “Luxurious” is not a word that comes to mind when visiting the hut. It is a basic hut, but has a large hearth for heating and cooking. It is the oldest hut on the Overland Track, built in 1910.
From Du Cane Hut the track climbs south for 2.3kms next to the Mersey River Valley. As it climbs there is the opportunity to take side trips down to the river to see a number of impressive waterfalls. First is D’Alton Falls.
A branch of the same side track leads to Fergusson Falls.
Returning to the Overland Track, and 0.7km further is another side track to Hartnett Falls, in my mind the most spectacular. I spent some time exploring the falls and walking around to the base of the falls.
The track then climbs up and through Du Cane Gap before descending to Bert Nichols Hut (aka Windy Ridge Hut), where I stopped for lunch and a chat to some other walkers and the ranger there. It’s not as modern as some of the more recent huts, but has a nice outlook.
I continued southwards for 5.2km to the turn-off to Pine Valley Hut. This track has a number of swing bridges that make the walk interesting.
I found Pine Valley Hut full and the camp spots nearby mostly taken. Luckily I was able to squeeze on to a tent platform next to the hut between two other tents. No shortage of company for dinner!
