Wednesday 6th February 2019 - Anchorage

Today is Waitangi Day, the day of the signing of the agreement between the UK and the Maori people in 1840.

It rained in the night. And rain sounds so much louder in a tent! However we got up at 7 and it was dry, albeit overcast.

The night’s sleep was not good - hot, uncomfortable, but never mind. Food is interesting too, but when you are outside you are happy to eat whatever is going. Leftover pavlova for breakfast though?! And yes it was carried in a backpack all day yesterday by a guide. That’s dedication for you! They checked the cream was ok by smelling it!

Today’s walk took us from Barks Bay, along the coast path to Anchorage Bay, stopping for lunch at Torrent Bay. We had to carry our packs all day, so we we’re glad it was so much cooler. Much of the trek was in the shade of the trees which was very pretty, and then every so often views across bays and inlets.

Considering the only way into the National Park is by boat or on foot, there are a lot of people around, and even more when you stop at a beauty spot like Cleopatra’s Pool. A very pretty pool of rocks and boulders, plus a natural slide! We watched as someone decided to try it out!

Our campsite tonight is just back from the beach and under trees. There are plenty of people here too, all prepared to put up with the privations of a campsite, although we do have flush loos again!

The kitchen block is bigger here. Workbenches, sinks with cold running water. Basic but ok!

We have 2 people from Hiking New Zealand taking video footage and talking to people about why New Zealand and this holiday in particular. It was my turn today! James, the videographer is from just outside Norwich!

Having put our tents up and boiled water we then went foraging for mussels for tea. The tide was just going out and there were many there to be picked off the rocks. Now that will be fresh food!

N.Z. army soldiers have been at both our campsites on leadership and team building training. They have left food for others to share which has been appreciated by more than just us. Tonight we were also able to do a short orienteering course, at each point converting some morse code symbols which made a message at the end. Our team of 4 were only a minute behind one of their teams and 4 minutes behind the winner. Great fun!

A weka. Plenty of these around the camp sites, they are happy to steal whatever is left lying around.

A New Zealand robin. Slightly larger than ours and a grey breast. Like the weka it is endemic to New Zealand.