Скачать или смотреть Facing Torrential Rain and Landslides - Camping in a Conservation Hut in the New Zealand Mountains

On the 17th February 2026 a State of Emergency was declared on the Banks Peninsula, in Canterbury, New Zealand, following a storm that delivered six times the monthly rainfall for that area over just a 48 hour period. I had headed out the day before to go camping in a lovely stone hut (cabin) up on the tops of the Banks Peninsula. Packhorse Hut is close to Christchurch, and has a lovely easy track suited to families and those starting out their hiking journey, so not a destination to offer any reason for concern, even in heavy rain. The rain that eventuated though was far beyond what anyone expected. The walk in was intense, with heavy rain drenching me by the time I made it to the hut. Inside though it was warm and dry and I was soon settled with a warm cup of tea in front of a toasty warm fire. The sound of the rain buffeting the windows was lovely, and the secure stone walls made the hut a wonderful refuge from the storm. The worst of the rain fell overnight and it was still pouring when it was time for me to leave in the morning. Had I known what was ahead for me I would definitely have stayed put and waited it out for another night, but that is hindsight. On the walk out I encountered a small and a moderate landslide that took out the path. Navigating around the slips was challenging, but nothing like what I faced in the pine forest. It was not a refuge, but more like running the gauntlet, with high winds and fallen trees, gushing torrents of water where previously there had been none. I had to give myself a talking to when I started to panic, and it worked. A clear and confident approach was what I needed, and I was soon out of danger.
In spite of all of the extensive outdoor experience that I have, I am still humble enough to admit that I do not always get things right. Some times you think something will be within your comfort zone but an unprecedented weather event comes along to remind you that there is always more to learn.
I decided to include the footage of my walk out because it is unlikely many will ever encounter something like this, but if they do, maybe just maybe they can learn from what I did and didn't do.
I believe that living a life of integrity is more important than pretending you are always right.
I hope you enjoy the video.
Thanks,
Cathy
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