7 km (1 – 2 hours walk)
A relatively flat 12.4 km ride/walk through the spectacular Gouland Downs with expansive tussock plains, distant mountain ranges and granite rock outcrops. Along the way, you’ll pass the famous tramping boot post, which has had a collection of tramping boots and other tramping equipment attached to it over the years and provides a fun photo opportunity. (We may soon see bike helmets, gloves, wheels etc added to the collection of artifacts on the post!)
The historic Gouland Downs Hut is about halfway and provides a good spot for a lunch break, or to shelter in case of bad weather. Near the Gouland Downs Hut, a grove of beech trees adorns a limestone outcrop that contains several caves, arches and caverns that are well worth exploring. Kiwi are often heard at night around Gouland Downs Hut.
There is long-drop toilet, fresh water and a great old-school fireplace here, but no lighting, or gas-cooking facilities.
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