We saw nearly no birds except a pair of super small fast flying birds with a white breast. Almost half the size of a fan tail.

Beautiful day, gorgeous river

Pack out weights,
KAH 10.65 with water, 10.2 without water
CRH 11.86 without water.

We stopped at Speargrass Hut for lunch and it was beautiful. Last leg was longer than anticipated. Multiple small creek crossings, some with bridges, one that we decided to take flood route instead of calf deep water. Weather was a ten, sunny with clouds in the morning, little breezy at Speargrass Hut. We saw heaps of Fantails, One gray robin, one black and white looking robin. We saw a dead stoat? In white tree trap (see photo). Made it to car parks minutes before dusk.

Absolutely stunning day. Lots of snow and ice and windy up along ridge line. Ate lunch 100m above tree line and with absolutely stunning views of Lake Rotoroa. Perfect clear blue skies, windy on ridge line but gorgeous day. Below tree line to Sabine Hut was constant steep track. This park of track was most treacherous on legs but Sabine Hut is a beaut. We saw heaps of fan tails below tree line, including an all black fantail. We have one Hut mate from Germany. We did not see a sole on our entire walk!!!

We saw a few fan tails and that was it, no birds above the tree line. Some ice and patches of snow last 2-3 hrs to Angelus Hut. Small lake was partially frozen. Weather was absolutely stunning, clear blue skies, not even a light breeze, wore a T-shirt the entire walk, except when stopped. Angelus Hut had 9 or 10 additional roommates, including Jandels Jesus Adam, Kiwi Carl, and climbing woman from Switzerland. Incredible Hut and absolutely worth it. Make this Hut a priority. No wood, DOC flew in wood next morning.

Pack weights
CRH 14.3 kg which includes 1.75L water and 0.75 wine
KAH 14.0 kg which includes 1.5L water

We saw fan tails (2x), king fisher (1x)