January 29, 2026
Twizel to Lake Middleton
TA km marker 2498.3 to 2527.5
Hiked today: 29.2 km

Well, our room at the Backpackers had a great shower and an electric jug and a small fridge, so it was quite adequate for our needs. In the evening, however, it sounded like a herd of elephants was sharing our building. Actually, it was a large group of 15 year old boys, who were yelling and stomping around and slamming doors until about 9. We thought we might get our own back when our alarm went off at 6am but no, they were up clattering around at 5am.

Anyway, that got us moving and we were on the road before 7, hiking the 30km track past Lake Ruataniwha to Lake Ohau. Apart from being a hard gravel surface for our feet, the walk was quite beautiful, first winding beside a canal and then around the shores of Lake Ohau.

A hawk took flight just in front of me and I watched it catch the wind currents and circle and soar in the blue sky. The water of the lake looked inviting, and as we were hot from hiking, I took a quick bracing dip.

We were tired when we finally made it to the DOC campsite, and enjoyed a well earned cup of tea. Rob set up the tent while I scouted for water. There is a tap and toilet facilities or you can take water from Lake Ohau. Our tent site is between Lake Ohau and tiny Lake Middleton which is fed by the bigger lake.