On arriving at the carpark for access to the Kaimanawas, we threw our backpacks on then set off on a 5½ hour hike to the first campsite. This particular spot had yielded some good results over the years but we were prepared with campsites B & C in different areas if the first one was occupied.
The bonus about the roar and packing in light was the chance of seeing the odd animal. We passed up on a young 8-pointer Sika stag which was within 10 metres, plus a young hind also in our crosshairs. We spooked about three or four more animals along the way, but other than that,
