Torrey is originally from Texas but now lives in Hawaii.
Aloha !
He has been living and working at Autumn Farm for several weeks now and we decided to get away for a while in the bush.
We went on a short four day hike up the Stanley River to Lake Stanley, over a low saddle, and then back down the Anatoki River.
On our first day we hitched a lift to the trail head, and made leisurely progress along a well worn trail. Lunch was light: crackers and cheese. Kill Devil Track - the name of the trail - seemed far too melodramatic for such a gentle route.
Climbing only a few hundred metres, Torrey and I arrived at Riordans hut after only a few hours on the trail. Riordans Hut, originally a shelter built by two brothers who herded cows on the highlands which surround the hut, has been maintained by DOC with its historic character in mind.
Next morning we rose late and took our time packing up. Our route for the day was short and leisurely.
Back to the main track, we turned west, upstream, to follow the river valley. Descending gradually to the river bank, we took advantage of the sunshine for a little light skinny dip.
The route to Waingaro Hut took us over a dramatic foot bridge as the Stanley River carved deep gulleys into the bed rock below. A quiet night, save for the interminable pestering of sandflies.
The next morning we rose early for the only challenging day of the hike. Tracking west along the Stanley River, past fallen scree wilderness of rocks and warning signs, we reached the edge of Lake Stanley in time for lunch. The lake is eerily still, with hundreds of trees standing grey and dead waist high in water. 
Turning north we followed the Stanley River to a steep saddle, where the path wavered as it found the high waters of the Anatoki River. North. North. North. Descending through several flavours of forest, we arrived in time for tea at the luxurious Anatoki Forks Hut. Hot showers all round.The next morning was so beautiful. Bright sunshine and blue blue skies. Torrey and I decided to spend the day doing nothing.
We wandered down to the river bank, found a place to sit in the sun and read. Torrey braved the ice cold water.
The next morning, we took up our walking again, following a well tred path east along the south bank of the Anatoki River. Beautiful views.
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Map images courtesy of Department of Conservation, New Zealand. Map used: Cobb 1:50,000 260-M26
