Transporting in South Westland

[ScottyB]

Hi everyone,

As pilot of my own Maule M7 Bush Plane, i was called up by Glenorchy Hunting Guides to transport 2 keen Deer hunters to the Headwaters of the Arawata River valley (South Westland). So i accepted the invite and was soon taking off from my base a Queenstown airport. It was perfect flying weather - Early morning, no wind, clear skies and mild temps. I cruised up to Glenorchy, checking my aircrafts equipment along the way (just incase the weather turn sour). I touched down at 4:15am and picked up the 2 hunters. We flew up the Dart River Valley, over the main divide and down into the very top of the mighty Arawata River Valley. We touched down at 4:42am on a bumpy strip outside an old raggy hut. I drpped the hunters off and they were soon glassing the river flats in sight of a trophy Red Stag.

I took off into the clear morning sky and flew down the Valley another 10kms. I touched down at the Mid-Valley Hut to pick up another grup of hunters whom i was taking to the Cascade River for some prime season Whitebaiting. We flew right down the valley and along the way we had a good yarn about their 6 days of Thar hunting. We touched down on a slippery Cascade River land strip. I dropped the group off and they were off Baitin'.

Next stop is the Hollyford valley where i am taking a bunch of DOC workers to Milford Sound to gather research on a new Kiwi sanctuary....................................................to be continued........................