Advent Advent our sole is burning

What you definitely have to do in New Zealand: a multi-day track with hut accommodations.

Said - done...

After gradually increasing the number and distance of our tours here in New Zealand, it was now time for the four-day walk to Blue Lake.

So far, we have seen several Blue Lakes here, but this one is supposed to be the clearest freshwater lake in the world.

So we headed towards St. Arnaud and Nelson National Park. Arriving at Rotoiti Lake, we felt at home. A lake, many mountains (and sandflies).

I haven't told you about the nasty animals called sandflies yet - they love blood and they are almost everywhere on the South Island.

We spent a day at the lake, preparing for our tour and Domi went fishing.

The next day, after breakfast, we left Roger and set off.

Our path led us initially flat through a forest. After three hours, we easily reached our lunch destination. After a small snack, we continued to Sabine Hut. 

Now not quite as flat anymore, but still in the forest. Our destination was the Rotorua Lake and after it rained in the afternoon, we sought refuge in the hut, exhausted and a bit wet.

On the second day, we followed the Sabine River for a long time, its water was crystal blue and formed an impressive waterfall in some places. The last stretch was steep, and we struggled over wet rocks to reach the Blue Lake Hut. Since the clouds still covered the sky, we decided to explore the lake the next morning.

We were lucky in the hut and grabbed the last beds. The hut was full of Australians doing the Te Araroa Trail. It is New Zealand's longest long-distance walking trail, about 3000 km long. Respect to the boys and girls who take on this extreme run, it is certainly a unique opportunity to explore New Zealand. (- but we prefer the more comfortable option)

After a somewhat cold night at 1,600 meters, we set off for Blue Lake. Unfortunately, the sun had not yet risen completely over the mountains, and the lake did not show itself in all its glory. The view was still unique. And yes: the bottom photo is not a mountain landscape, but a GoPro shot from underwater.

After walking all the way back, we were overjoyed to finally be back in civilization (civilization = a village without a network and a gas station where you can buy groceries). After a warm shower, we fell tired into bed and swore that we would not hike anymore for the next few days.

But since hiking is simply the best way to explore the area in New Zealand, we soon tied up our shoes again and set off for the next adventure.