Monday 7th November: River Valley Lodge Hikoi
The Hikoi was a hike to the summit of Mount Aorangi on Maori land, so led by Richard the Maori guide and his sidekick.
First step was crossing the river from the lodge:
Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!
Then up the steep slope and through the forest, learning about the flora and fauna as we went:
Richard the guide is one of the stewards of the land as part of the trust, and they run the hiking ‘Hikoi’ experience as a partnership with River Valley.
It took us about 31/2 hours to reach the summit, stopping to look at the views and the stunning scenery:
Then after lunch and a diversion up and over to the other side of the summit for fantastic views across the next valley, we headed back down again, another 2 hours or so, in time for beers on the lovely new outdoor furniture in the River Valley courtyard!
Helen and Randall on the road 
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