Hurunui Hot Springs MTB.

At Lake Taylor, we were greeted to mostly clear skies with a fresh warm head wind. Initially we rode round the bottom of the lake on a rough 4WD track. Soon the track began to climb gradually away from the lake and force us into a solid head wind. Thankfully, once we reached the very subtle saddle, the wind subsided and the track was all down hill to Loch Katrine.

We had a quick dip in the cool waters before continuing on again, past the locked gate and out toward Lake Sumner. Here the track passed through gently undulating farmland, with Matagouri, sheep and the occasional fence to negotiate. The track was pretty good riding, with few hills and not too many rocky or muddy sections. Our views out to the lake were just wonderful, with backdrops of Beech forest and mountain tops.

Once at the hut, we unloaded gear and chose to walk to the Hot springs instead of ride. Just down the track we regretted our decision, as the track was well ride able for the first 1hr or so of walking. At the hot pools, we savored wine, cheese and crackers as well as hoards of hungry sand flies. A few rain drops had us scurrying on our way, but didn’t really end up turning to proper rain.For dinner we had Butter Chicken (with more wine) before turning in for the night. The trip home was considerably faster, being mostly down hill, despite the wind changing and being head wind again!

At Lake Taylor raring to go

Heading downhill to Loch Katrine

Hurunui Hotsprings

Hurunui Hut

'Portaging' a rough section