January 27, 2026
Camp Stream Hut to Lilybank Rd via Stag Saddle
TA km marker 2410.0 to 2428.6
Hiked today: 39.0 km

We woke to clear skies and set off early, optimistic that we might see views from the ridgeline. An early creek crossing ensured that we had wet feet and legs for the day. Although the water isn’t deep, the flow is rapid and I found it difficult with my sprained wrist, to use the poles to any good purpose. I found that if we linked arms leaving just my right arm to wield a poke, the crossings were a little easier.

After the creek, we started to climb, first across rolling hills and then up onto the spur which we followed for nearly 10km. In the early morning we were shrouded in mist from low clouds.  We caught distant glimpses of Mt Cook, it’s summit obscured by cloud. The track we followed was wide and smooth and mostly climbed gently as we followed the ridge line. Before summiting the last mountain peak, our trail veered around the mountainside, firstly scree and then boulder fields to finally reach Stag Saddle – the highest point on Te Araroa at just under 2000m.

There was a cool breeze at the saddle  so we didn’t stop for long and retraced our steps. This time, as we took the gradual descent along the spur, we had beautiful views of the valleys and snow topped mountains on either side, and, later, spectacular views of the blue waters of Lake Tekapo.

Since we had made good time, and arrived at the hut feeling good, we decided to collect our things together and see how far we could make it back towards the lake. With perfect hiking weather and a good trail, we managed to get all the way back to the lake. We had a few creek crossings and only a few short steep climbs and the rest of the way was easy. Nevertheless, we were sore at the end of a very long but satisfying day.