Approaching Tamatea Peak from the east, leaving the spectacular alpine lakes of the upper Florence River behind. Photo: Sam Harrison

A dusky diversion

Off the Beaten Track

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Sam Harrison

Sam Harrison is a chocolate addict who tramps on the side and can’t resist a bit of type II fun.

By Sam Harrison

In an effort to save money on the cost of Dusky Track transport, Sam Harrison navigates a tougher route and is rewarded with the most spectacular scenery he’s ever seen

The Dusky Track is said to be one of the hardest tracks in Aotearoa. Treacherous mud, notoriously fickle weather, wild rivers and untameable wilderness greet trampers between lakes Hauroko and Manapouri. I had been trying to organise an expedition there for several years and when the weather opened up early last summer, friends and I […]

About the author

Sam Harrison

Sam Harrison is a chocolate addict who tramps on the side. When he’s not in the bush he can be found pushing paper for a government department in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Sam graduated from the University of Otago in 2021 with a Bachelor of Law, a Bachelor of Arts, a large student loan and a love of all things tramping. He is easily identified in the hills by his oversized camera and his distinctive knack for finding type II fun.