On the southern boundary of Kahurangi National Park, where the Matiri River flows into the mighty Buller River at Murchison, an access road and track head north to charming Lake Matiri and its hut, set just above the lake shore.

It’s an easy walk along an old pack track, but care should be taken with the ford over the West Matiri which can flood rapidly during and after heavy rain.

The eight-bunk hut, complete with log burner, is a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the mountains.

There is some easy exploring to do around the lake edge to reach the steady climb to Thousand Acre Plateau and Poor Petes Hut. But that’s likely a trip best left for another day.

The quiet at Lake Matiri on a winter’s morning will long be recalled as a place of special beauty and peace.