Nelson Tramping Club - Wainui Hut Circuit, Abel Tasman NP, 19 Jun 2022

It was a rather chilly day, a small breeze gently swirling the crackling autumnal leaves. Life – seemingly taking a deep breath – was offering not much in the way of warmth and comfort. But for while the white blanket gently placed by the soft hands of mother earth, and the cold steam issued out from those who valiantly attempted to breath. While those two deterrents might be enough to slam the doors by many a hopeful wayfarer, they were but a feeble attempt to halt our valiant members. Arriving somewhat solemnly at the tall majestic cathedral, we piled noisily (but with equal haste) into the warm car, we both grumbled and shivered with excitement for the heartfelt endeavours of our labour.

One could say that it was with fast pace that we departed from the picturesque Canaan road. But with jokes and jaunts, food, and comically falling toilet doors it felt just right as we departed up the mountainous hill.

Wading through rivers has its ups, to cool off in a hot summers day, to clean when dust weaves through all manners of places. But for this tramp, when heat was seldom and dust was a memory of what it once was – these disadvantages might have put many off. But after multiple hours of walk and wade, this tramp had now provided its fruits of our labour

Our humble 300m climb much anticipated we reached the top with achievement streaming through our hearts.

After a quick detour (which involved the mud caking of but two of our number ) it felt like but a second as we reached the base of our journey. But before the end – as if it had been waiting for upcoming and long awaited arrival - the sound of kea filled our hearts.

Written by Malachi Ayre – 11 years old.

Thank you to; Gael, Jo, Rosie-Anne and Richard, George, Veronica, Debbie, Scott, Michele (leader!! ), Ben, and Malachi. (scribe!!!)

Also Thanks to; The Creators Of The kea research team (Kea Survey Tool which we completed during this trip), and Mary Ayre For Helping edit!