Day 73 - Rakaia Gorge to Mt Somers

Such a lovely meal last night and catch up with Don, Kelly and Charlie.

Charlie was our chauffeur back to the same spot at the Rakaia Gorge. A carved pou featured part way up the hill out of the gorge.

The farming landscape again unfolded before us. We were in the rhythm of walking and strode on vigorously until Staverley. Here we stopped for a cafe feed. They closed at 3pm and we made it there by 2.30. A distance of 24k in just 5 hours. 

Tummies filled and on we went. Mt Somers Domain camping ground became our evening destination. There was a rugby training under lights. Karl joked about joining in. He will join the Morrinsville Sports Colts team when he returns from this hikoi.

A 33k effort for the day.

Great to reconnect with Kelly, Don and Charlie in Methven.

A beautifully carved pou (totara) representing the taniwha of the Rakaia River.

Heading towards Mt Hutt.

The mana stick looks over the whenua.

Bridge over the Ashburton River.

Moa roaming.

A hedge of carved macrocarpa. Can you read the words?

Tent pitched at Mt Somers Domain. Rugby training over in the background as the sun sets.