What a great feeling to finally be underway as the ferry leaves Wellington and another hunting South Island adventure starts.

After a four hour drive I arrived at Berridale station where I met my hunting companion for the week, Jonesy. Gear was transferred to his truck and we were off on the two hour drive to the chopper hanger. We’d had a call from the pilot saying not to waste any time getting there as a big Nor ‘wester was coming in. After a very bumpy flight we were soon heading downhill to a beautiful little basin, which was to be home for the next week, or so we thought. The location meant a 20 minute climb each morning but in this sort of country camping on the open tops leaves you very exposed to strong winds.