Day one - a 5-6 hour tramp

After you have spent the first night you are ready for day one.
Departure on day one is right from your lodge. It's a short walk to the end of the Ngahape Valley road, a modest river crossing and in minutes you are right into the day one walk.

The climbing is steady. The vegetation is notably varied with rural and pastoral scenes that are exceptional. Just over a third of the way through this day you reach the remains of Len's hut (right). He was a solitary shepherd who lived there for many years. The hut is clean and a good spot to rest by.

Next you climb further on the Kaiwhata hill for spectacular views of the sea and coastal ranges. Now you are ready for the descent back into the Kaiwhata Valley through a most picturesque farm owned by the third generation of the Bannister family.

Your walk now brings you back to the river. You may take the river route which meanders through Edwin Bannister’s farm (with a chance to cool off in the swimming holes) or walk over the lower slopes of the hills to return to the Ngahape valley. Afternoon tea brings day one to a most pleasant conclusion.