Day two of a 67km five day hike through the stunning Lewis Pass National Reserve. The St James Walkway runs in a U shape along beautiful subalpine valleys, offering good views for relatively little efffort.

It was a cool and atmospheric start from Ada Pass Hut heading through the bush, over the imperceptible 1,008m Ada Pass.

The track opened up to flats, surrounded by beautiful mountains.

There were a number of Canada Geese around, though fewer than I’d expected based on what others had told me about the walkway.

The track continued with a mixture of shady bush and open areas.

There was a fair amount of birdlife along the track. At one point there were four Fantails flitting around me, and when I stopped for some food two South Island Robins (below) were very inquisitive.

More beautiful views from the open stretches.

And another pair of robins (maybe the same ones?) following me.

Bush and valley views.

There were wonderful views along the valley.

Christopher Cullers Hut is an attractive four bunk hut, mostly replaced in use by the new Christopher Hut 1km away.

More great valley views.

Christopher Hut was a lovely place to spend the night, with stunning views from the deck, and I had the place to myself.

An added bonus was a herd of horses grazing nearby.

I kept braving the persistent sandflies outside to enjoy these views.