Adventure Magazine

TESTING TIMES IN THE BRAEBURN RANGE, NELSON LAKES

SURVIVAL

Enduring a brutal storm in the middle of the night, collapsed tents, falling off a log into a stream, getting lost, unwelcome encounters with wasps, eels the size of pythons, a seconddegree burn injury, hitting the proverbial wall, and - a first for me - unwanted, uncomfortable, and unnecessary interpersonal conflict.

Reaching the more remote Mole Saddle was an eventful five-days. A mix of rugged, steep, and overgrown paths, beautiful clear rivers and streams, magnificent views, vocal native birds, backcountry huts full of history and character, and secluded, peaceful camp sites. We also finished with the warm glow of comradeship that comes with shared adversity. This really was an adventure for the ages.

Roberts Road to Speargrass Hut 3 hours. Easy

Stepping out from the carpark and into the stillness of native beech forests must be the perfect start to a 5-day trip. Lined with mosses and lichens, the path

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