Winter in the Kaipo

2026-06-26

I have been away for 8 days in the Kaipo checking traps for the Hollyford Conservation Trust.

We flew in from Milford on a beautiful sunny day, after a big rain had passed. I was dropped at the hut on the way, for 8 days of solitude in the wilderness.

The first thing I did was fill the hut water bottle, then I discovered the tank. Next I was off to the toilet, then I discovered there is a toilet, with toilet paper! I spent the afternoon flat out orienting myself for the next 7 days grinding, checking easy traps to make life easier on following days.

Fiordland in winter is no walk in the park. Days are short. The forest is always wet. I knew i had 4 big ridge loops with 5-700m height gain, at least 1/2 a day on the flats left, and rain expected 1 or 2 days.

The first 2 full days were for big loops to the West. Then it rained heavily, which was fortunate, I was stuffed, hut day. 2 more big ridge loops, my 1/2 day on the flat. Then the drama of the flight out.

It rained all morning, the chopper was unable to leave Milford. Eventually late lunch I saw a sliver of blue sky far out at sea, and then miraculously heard the machine fly over to the Hollyford.

Fortunately they had space for me on the way out.

Thanks Lindsay and the Hollyford Conservtion Trust.