Despite our slight trepidation at the steepness of the track back down from Cascade Saddle, we actually made good time and were able to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine back in the valley.
We arrived back at the hut where we had left our overnight gear, grabbed a snack and headed down to the river. After the steep hike back down from Cascade Saddle, a brief paddle in the ice cold water felt good on our tired feet. As we were relaxing by the water we were surprised to see a large flock of gulls flying in what appeared to be formation up and down the valley.
We later spoke to the warden at the hut who told us that the birds had been nesting higher and higher up the Matukituki Valley. Although the warden had spent many summers in Mount Aspiring National Park, this was the first time he had seen the gulls this far up the valley. We enjoyed watching them skim over the river as they wove back and forth up the valley.
We looped back around the tracks near the hut, crossing a small stream on another rather rickety swing bridge. The track took us back to the hut where we decided to pick up out packs and head over to the camping area for the night.
We found a great spot and were able to enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains from our tent. After a leisurely start, in part waiting for the dew to dry on our tent, we started to make our way back down the valley towards the car.
Leaving the campsite we made our way through the grasslands in the upper part of the valley, making sure we took time to stop regularly to take in the views of the valley.
We left the National Park and started to make our way across the pastures lower down the valley. As we dropped into the lower portions of the valley we had one final view back towards Cascade Saddle and the mountains behind.
Despite stopping to take in our surroundings we made it back to the car in good time and were able to stop for a late lunch in Wanaka before heading back towards Christchurch.
We made a quick stop at Lake Pukaki, it seems that no matter how many times we drive through this way, every time the lake and mountains look slightly different. In the afternoon sun we had great views across the lake towards Mount Cook in the distance.