A leisurely 50 km weekend excursion to a hut and hot springs in reasonable weather, and the maiden voyage of my automobile. A long drive down a scenic dirt road found us at Lake Taylor where common sense said to leave the vehicle and walk the muddy, car-consuming water-filled pothole-laden four-wheel drive road past Loch Katrine and Lake Sumner. Not the most scenic hike, but the lack of bush at least allowed the view to change constantly. It was one of those hikes where you avoid every puddle on the way in and on the way out you can not be bothered and trod right through the middle of them. Rain pounded the tin roof through the night while I slept comfortably inside. The highlight was definitely the hot springs. Copious amounts of hot water emanate from over three different sources and cascade down an algae-coated hillside to the Hurunui River down below. A shuffling of rocks and a hose delivering cold spring water always ensured the perfect temperature in the constructed pool. A one minute walk puts you at the river's edge where you can go for a brisk swim before quickly retreating back up the hill to the hot pool.
