Kohanga Atawai/Manson Nichols Hut: Lake Daniell, 13-14 December 2020

 A return to Lake Daniells...

Karen and I headed out on another outdoor adventure over this last weekend. We both had time off work so we packed our gear and headed up to Lake Daniells and the Kohanga Atawai/Manson-Nichols Memorial Hut. 

Karen's alternate 'Silver Surfer' at Marble Hill Campsite

Looking up the Maruia Valley towards Lewis Pass

This is the fifth time I have visited the lake and the fourth time I have stayed in the area but this was Karen's first visit to this iconic spot.

The carpark at the Marble Hill campsite...

Gearing up at Marble Hill carpark...

From the carpark at Marble Hill campsite (five kilometers from Springs Junction) you walk on an easy track for 8.4 kilometers or 1.5 to 3 hours walk. Despite its closeness to the road Lake Daniells has a lovely remote feeling about it..it seems like you are a lot further away from civilization than you really are.

The kiosk at the start of the Lake Daniells Track

Information panels at the Marble Hill track kiosk....

It was an excellent weekend and while the hut was busy I never felt like there were too many people around.

Information panel at the start of Lake Daniells Track

Map panel at the start of Lake Daniells Track

 We both had a great time and will be visiting again soon probably to camp at the Lake Daniells Campsite right next to the hut. Anyway...lets have a look at the Lake Daniells Track and the area around Lake Daniells. 

On the Lake Daniells track....

There is an excellent 20 person hut at Lake Daniells...the Manson-Nichols Hut was opened in July 2020 and replaces the older hut that once sat in the same spot next to the beautiful lake. The hut is now on the DOC hut booking system so make sure you book a bunk or campsite before setting out for the hut. There is now a DOC Hut Warden in residence from December through April and also over the long holiday weekends. 

Map: Marble Hill to Lake Daniells

Actual start of the Lake Daniells Track at Marble Hill

The forest starts right from the start of Lake Daniells Track

The track starts at the Marble Hill campsite off SH 7 five kilometers short of Springs Junction...there is plenty of parking at the track start as this is also a popular day walk. It t is a lovely and mostly flat track well suited to anyone with a modicum of fitness and will take 1.5-3 hours.

Sluice Box bridge, Lake Daniells Track

The track is in the forest for much of the way to the hut with the exception of two short sections crossing river flats in the mid reaches of the Alfred River. The first bridge you cross over is the Sluice Box a short gorge about five minutes walk down the track. The river is constricted here from about a kilometer of braids down to less than 30 meters wide so the water is deep and swift. 

Maruia River upstream of the Sluice Box

Maruia River downstream of the Sluice Box

On the far side of the Sluice Box you climb up and around a spur to gain access to the Alfred River Valley where you will be walking for the remainder of the day. The Lake Daniells Track is flat forest travel for about 3/4 of the way and the rest is either open river flats with a couple of small climbs to avoid gorges in the river. 

Alfred and Maruia River confluence near Marble Hill

Lake Daniells Track: on the way around Pt. 771

Thirty minutes along the track and at a spot closer to the Alfred River you will see a sign on the track pointing out the Alfred River bed. There are two river flats along the track...the first is about a kilometer along the track while the second is closer to the upper gorge. These are both prominent on any topo map of the area and provide good waypoints to measure your progress against. 

Sign for the Alfred River along the Lake Daniells Track

Plenty of boardwalk on the Lake Daniells Track

On the Lake Daniells Track...

Pt.1157 and the first flat along the Alfred river

The Alfred is a moderately sized river it is usually around knee deep anything over this will be the river in flood. There are no farm animals or sources of pollution in the Alfred River Valley so it can be used for drinking water. I would still take precautions and filter, boil or treat it before use just to be safe. 

On the Lake Daniells Track near the first flat

End of the first flats along the Alfred River, Lake Daniells Track

Open Red Beech forest along the Lake Daniells Track

As noted in my last post about this track there is a famous tree branch just above the first river flat that serves as a swing and climbing apparatus for thousands of children each year. It is so obvious because it is shaped with right angles something you just about never see in the wild. There is quite a large Beech tree right next to it that must be 400-500 years old....

The famous swing tree on the Lake Daniells Track

Karen wasn't game to try the swing....

Past the tree swing you climb up and over a small spur running right down to the river...this is the lower gorge on the Alfred River. You climb about 60 meters above the river and loss sight of it for about a kilometer but you can still hear it gurgling away in the background about a hundred meters away. 

High above the Alfred River Gorge, Lake Daniells Track

The Lake Daniells Track was dry and well maintained...

At the top of the spur is a flat plateau featuring goblin forest and sizeable sections of board walk surrounded by dense bush. Eventually you start the descent down to the second of the river flats which run along next to the Alfred River for some distance. 

Lake Daniells Track: more of the boardwalk...

Near the end of the Alfred Gorge, Lake Daniells Track

Dropping down to the second river flat on the Alfred River

Lake Daniells Track: a small cascade just off the track

Both of the Alfred River Flats would be great places to free camp as there are multiple possible camp sites along the river side and under the smaller trees on the edge of the forest. This is all DOC land so you would be totally within your rights to pitch camp...if you do so please take care of your wastes in a appropriate manner. 

Be careful not to camp on a river island...this river is renown for flooding and you could find yourself cut off with no way to reach the track. 

End of the second flats on the Alfred River....

...and back into the forest along the Lake Daniells Track

There is easy access to the Alfred River just before you start the short climb up to the Pell Stream lookout and seat. You can resupply with water from here and this is also one of several places where you can cross the river to get to the 4 W/D track to Pell Stream. 

The Alfred River at the start of the Upper Gorge....

There is a track on the far side of the Alfred River which goes past the upper gorge and then delivers you to Balderson's Camp a private hut at the Peel Stream/Alfred River confluence. BTW: Peel Stream Hut is one of the crown jewels for any budding hut bagger...the track from here to the hut is awful and takes about four hours to cover roughly six kilometers. Fewer than 40 people a year would visit the old NZFS six bunker...

View upstream of the Alfred River near the Upper Gorge

Starting the climb up to the Pell Stream lookout

The climb up to Peel Stream seat is very gentle and this is the largest hill you will be crossing on your way to Lake Daniells. You reach Troll Bridge after walking for one to one and a half hours from the carpark...this is the mid point along the track. From here it is 4.3 km's to Lake Daniells or 4.1 km's back to the carpark.

Climbing up through Goblin Forest near the Pell Stream seat

Karen on the boardwalk above the Upper Alfred Gorge...

Lake Daniells Track: closing on the Troll Bridge

Lake Daniells Track: Troll Bridge is the half way mark

Peel Stream seat is about 400 meters further along the Lake Daniels Track from Troll Bridge and is a good spot for a break. At some time in the distant past it had a view of Peel Stream but the forest has now blocked this out. In fact there is no view except of the forest around you...

There is a steep and not well marked side track from here down the hill to the Alfred River. Please take caution if using it as there are big bluffs along the river...this is the least safe way to access the confluence of the two watercourses. From Peel Stream seat it is all downhill for the next 1.5 kilometers as you drop down to the Alfred River once again. 

The Pell Stream bench, Lake Daniells Track

Resting at the Pell Stream seat, Lake Daniells Track

A handsome Bush Robin visited us while we were having a break at the Peel Stream seat..it hopped around for ten minutes eating the biscuit crumbs Karen and I were throwing it. They are lovely friendly birds and I always enjoy their company when I see them on my outdoor adventures. 

The bird population in the area is getting better with intense 1080 drops and the extensive trapping program in this area of high bio diversity. I saw or heard Tui, Bellbirds, Kiwi, Weka, Ruru, Bush Robin, Kakariki, Kaka, Scaup, Paradise Ducks and Silvereye on this trip.

A Bush robin at the Pell Stream lookout...

A Bush Robin keeps us company at Pell Stream seat

There are a bucket load of bridges along the Lake Daniels Track which is great as it makes this an all weather track. Back in the 1990's you could get stuck up the track due to flooded rivers but DOC has been steadily improving the condition of the track for the last decade. No longer is it the tediously muddy, swampy slog it once was.....

Lake Daniells Track: bridge number seven....

View down to Alfred River from near Pell Stream

The Upper Alfred River is quite gentle...

There are many bridges on the Lake Daniells Track

Another cascade along the Lake Daniells Track

You eventually find yourself back on flat land in the upper reaches of the Alfred River close to Fraser Stream. The Alfred River curves off to the right of the track while you start the climb up and over the ancient debris field that dammed the valley and caused Lake Daniells to form. 

Karen admiring a huge Red Beech, Lake Daniells Track

Bridge over stream coning off Pt. 1086, Lake Daniells Track

The debris fell off what is now Pt. 1086 in some cataclysmic rock fall around 5000-7000 years ago...it flowed down the surrounding hills and up the other side of the valley. Water backed up behind the fall and eventually carved an outflow which is the present Fraser Stream. 

Climbing the debris field that formed Lake Daniells

At the top of the debris field terraces...Lake Daniells Track

A very similar thing happened on the Dart River several years ago and has now formed a new lake in the mid reaches of that river. The debris field rises in three tiers and deposits you at the top in an area of windfallen trees...it is approximately 1.5-2 kilometers to Lake Daniels from this point...

Windfall area at the top of the debris field, Lake Daniells Track

View from our rest spot near the debris field, Lake Daniells Track

Lake Daniells Track: on the last two kilometers to the lake...

After a short break at the debris field we set off on the last leg of the walk to Lake Daniels and Manson-Nichols Hut. The land is flat for the whole rest of the track and is along nicely maintained track and a lot of boardwalk. 

When I first came up here in the early 1990's this was the muddiest, wettest part of the track with puddles up to and over the knee. Thankfully this is a thing of the past and this last section is a lovely easy walk to end your days exhertions...

Mixed track and boardwalk along the Lake Daniells Track

There is an interesting hollow log along this section of the track...it must have fallen over decades ago and has slowly rotted inside. It is now totally hollow and is the kind of place that would make a good emergency shelter if lost...block the ends with cut off foliage and stuff it with forest duff and it would make a warm and cosy home for the night...

Hollow log about a kilometer from Lake Daniells

View inside the hollow log, Lake Daniells Track

Just past the hollow log you will get your first view of Fraser Stream which is the outflow channel for Lake Daniells. It is normally at very low flow but if you come up here after a lot of rain and the lake is full it can become a raging torrent of water. Fraser Stream will be off to your left side for the remainder of the track to the lake. 

Fraser Stream...outlet for Lake Daniells

Fraser Stream runs along the side of the Lake Daniells Track

The forest opens up as you get close to Lake Daniells

The forest thins right out when you get down to the lake...because of the dense foliage you cannot access this end of the lake but you can see it through the trees for the rest of the way to the hut site. The hut is only 200 meters away and is first sighted through gaps in the forest... 

Open forest next to Lake Daniells, Lake Daniells Track

First view of Manson-Nichols Hut through the forest

You just pop out of the forest and there is the beautiful lake and in a clearing next to it the Manson-Nichols Hut. This is the second hut to be built at this location the first was built to commemorate three trampers killed in a hut hit by a rock slide in a big storm in 1975. The new hut started construction in late 2019 and was officially opened in May of 2020 just after the Covid-19 lockdown. 

Side view of Manson-Nichols Hut, Lake Daniells

Lake Daniells, Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve

Zippity arrives at Lake Daniells...

It took Karen and I two and a half hours to walk to the lake including a 15 minute break at Peel Stream seat and two other 5 minutes breaks. We arrived at around 1 pm and quickly went inside for a well deserved lunch break before exploring the surrounding area. 

At Lake Daniells on day one:

It was probably the nicest day I have ever experienced at Lake Daniells with clear blue skies, sun and zero wind. Every other time I have been here it has been raining, windy or cloudy....The lake and surrounding hills looked stunning baking in the warm weather.

Manson-Nichols Memorial Hut, Lake Daniells

Manson-Nichols Memorial Hut, Lake Daniells

There is a 20 bunk hut and a campsite at Lake Daniells located next to each other on the new and enlarged clearing made for the new hut. 

The jetty and picnic area in front of Manson-Nichols Hut

Manson-Nichols Hut jetty and Lake Daniells

I really loved the old hut on this site which I last visited back in 2015...it was a classic late 1970's design with a central living space and two 12 bunk rooms off to the sides. A survey of the hut in 2017 showed that it had started to deteriorate and really needed to be replaced. 

The old Manson-Nichols Hut as seen back in 2015....

Manson-Nichols Hut II sitting in its larger bush clearing

 The new Manson-Nichols Hut is awesome and the wider clearing around it has made it a warmer and sunnier place to spend time. 

View of the area in front of Manson-Nichols Hut

The lake was almost still when we arrived and we went down to have a walk along the shore and to take some photos of the surrounding area...

A beautifully clear day at Manson-Nichols Hut, Lake Daniells

The track to the far end of Lake Daniells is on the east side...

The lake water was as warm as a tepid bath and over the afternoon several people including the Hut Warden took advantage and had a swim around the jetty. The water is waist deep up to 60 meters from this end of the lake after which it drops off steeply. 

I'm gathering quartz stones from Lake Daniells...

Northern end of Lake Daniells from the jetty

Karen and I went down and had a walk around in the water to cool our feet. If I was the only person here I would totally have gone for a swim.....

Lake Daniells is very shallow...

After a look around the hut including a short walk along the newly re marked and cleared track around the lake we sat inside and has some afternoon tea and a brew. There were 15 of us in the hut that night including a couple of family groups and three tents set up in the campsite. 

Angler at work next to Lake Daniells jetty...

At the start of the track around Lake Daniells...

The interior of the hut is built beyond capacity so that even with 15 people it was roomy and spacious. There are lots of both bench space, tables plus benches to accommodate a lot of people in the living area. I especially like the separate boot room so you can put your boots on away from the sandflies and the chalk board wall for the kids to draw on. 

The chalk boards inside Manson-Nichols Hut..Chur da Bois...

The whole chalk board at Manson-Nichols Hut

View of Lake Daniels from inside the hut...

Later in the evening we went for a walk an watched a guy land a big Trout from the lake...it was about 45 cm's long and sleekly fat. He caught it by casting right off the end of the jetty in the shallow water. Fishing is allowed in the lake (with the relevant permit...) and I have often seen people catching fish just not this big. They filleted it and smoked it over the firepit for their dinner that night...yum, yum.  

Cheez-itz for a pre dinner snack....Manson-Nichols Hut

Picnic tables in front of Manson-Nichols Hut

Firepit at front of Manson-Nichols Hut

The Manson-Nichols Hut campsite shelter

At dusk we saw some people shining a light into the lake near the jetty...we went to have a look and a couple of moderate sized freshwater eels were swimming around the jetty. They are an endangered species so you are not allowed to catch them here but Freshwater Eel or Tuna (Maori name) is bloody delicious smoked...try it if you ever get the chance.

Kohanga Atawai/Manson-Nichols Hut in the early evening

Late we sat in the hut near the wood burner and talked to a group of older trampers from Christchurch who were also there for the weekend. They had visited a lot of the same spots I have been too so we compared notes on new and visited tracks. I recommended Rakuira/Stewart Island as none of them had ever visited...

Manson-Nichols Hut in the early evening..

Another couple lit the fire to cook their dinner...unnecessary in my opinion as it was quite warm that night. It was lovely to have Karen for company...I really appreciate having her with me and we both enjoyed the atmosphere. We slept that night in the bunkroom with the sleeping platforms luckily up against a wall due to our early arrival at the hut. Only one snorer other than myself so that was ok.....

Interior of Manson-Nichols Hut

It was a really lovely day and I am just sorry we didn't book in for two nights instead of the one. We have already decided that next time we will stay for longer so we have time to walk up to the far end of the lake so Karen can see what it is like there. I would also like to go over the spur and visit the Wilderness Forestry hut located in the next valley....for the baggins!!! 

Day 2: Lake Daniell to Marble Hill Campsite

I was up and moving about around 6.30 on day two of our tramp...the first person up as usual. I stoked the fire as it was chilly and soon had it merrily blazing away and warming the living space in the hut. I went out for a walk around the campsite and walked down to the jetty to watch the ducks swimming around. 

Lake Daniels just after dawn on day two

The Lake Daniells Track starts on the western edge of the clearing

Jon on the Manson-Nichols Hut veranda

Lake Daniells in the early morning light....

We were keen to go to Hanmer for a swim on the way home so we wasted no time in making coffee. Breakfast that day was Backcountry Cuisine Porridge for me and Muesli and Yoghurt for Karen followed by an O-Meal Hashbrown Potatoes packet with tea and coffee for drinks. 

Preparing breakfast for Karen and I, Manson-Nichols Hut

The Backcountry breakfast meals are some of their best and the Hashbrown Potatoes are always good vittles. I normally spend more time on breakfast when I tramp with other people so we took our time eating.

O-Meal Hashbrown Potatoes are top vittles!!!

Once breakfast was finished we quickly packed up and were ready to head out the door at 8.30 am...we were the first to leave the hut that day. Everyone was heading out to the carpark that morning so anyone staying in the hut on Monday night was going to be a new visitor. 

After some last photos of the lake under a light cover of cloud we jumped on the Lake Daniells Track and headed for home...

Last view of Lake Daniells on day two...

Back on the Lake Daniells Track heading for home

Lake Daniells Track: walking along the lake edge

First boardwalk of the day on the Lake Daniells Track

Heading along the Fraser Stream on Lake Daniells Track

We made excellent progress along the track...it is much cooler walking in the early morning and you are on a slight decline all the way out to the carpark. We heard a lot of birds calling in the forest including several different Kaka up near the hut. They have recently started to recolonise the area after a multi decade long absence...

More boardwalk...Lake Daniells Track

Kaka are one of the bird species on the rise...they used to be confined to the mountains of Fiordland and Kahurangi NP in the South Island. They have started to move to new areas and in the last three years I have seen/heard them in Abel Tasman NP, Nelson Lakes NP, Lewis Pass, Arthurs Pass and around Mt Somers. 

Passing the hollow log on the Lake Daniells Track

Karen leads the way down the Lake Daniells Track

Fraser Stream from the Lake Daniells Track

Before we knew it we were descending the debris field and crossing the flat ground between it and the climb up to the Pell Stream seat. 

Descending the debris field along the Lake Daniells Track

Back at the first bridge of the day...Lake Daniells Track

The sun broke over the top of the surrounding mountains as we got closer to the start of the climb and it made for the usual beautiful photos with the play of light and dark on the trees...

Making our way through the Red Beech forest...

On the climb to the Pell Stream bench...

You cross a couple of bridges before you get to the seat...the second is about 5 minutes walk from the Pell Stream lookout...

Crossing a bridge along the upper Alfred Gorge, Lake Daniells Track

Start of the climb to Pell Stream seat

We made it to Pell Stream lookout in under 40 minutes and sat on the seat for a 15 minute break before continuing on our way. We had a conversation with the group of older trampers from Christchurch near here...they were also heading for Hanmer Springs for a swim. It is a great tonic for sore limbs and tired muscles after a tramp...I often stop on my way past and soak for an hour or two...

Lake Daniells Track: Pell Stream seat on day two...

Lake Daniells Track: moss covered fallen log along the track

Lake Daniells Track: heading back down to the Alfred river

Twenty five minutes more saw us back down at the Alfred River and I walked down to the river and took some photos. The water was knee deep...this is the best spot for crossing the Alfred provided you are happy to bush bash your way to the Peel Stream 4 W/D track. 

On the bed of the Alfred River...

Alfred River below the upper gorge...downstream view

Alfred River below the upper gorge...upstream view

After a ten minute break at the Alfred River we donned our packs and headed back down the track...it was just starting to warm up as we headed out once again. 

Lake Daniells Track: on the flat ground along the Alfred River

Breaking out into the second flat on the Alfred river

At the eastern end of the second river flat we stopped and rested for five minutes...enough time for a drink and a snack. I was admiring the interesting looking ferns growing at this spot and seen in the photo below. Karen thought they had the same shape as Marijuana leaves.....which they kind of do!!!

The river was gurgling along just next to the track...I looked over the side of the bank and spotted a excellent looking swimming hole located there. It looked cool, deep and inviting...

Lake Daniells Track: an interesting fern near our rest spot...

Mid reaches of the Alfred from the Lake Daniells Track

Lake Daniells Track: open forest between the two river flats

More fern flanked track near the Alfred river

We headed down the track once more and soon found ourselves at the start of the first river flat along the Alfred River...it is just over a kilometer from here to the Sluice Box and about 1.5 km's from the end of the track.

Back on the first river flat along the Lake Daniells Track

Plenty of campsites on the first flat of the Alfred River

 Some child had dropped a toy on the track through here...I hope it was one of the kids in the hut with us the previous evening and that they retrieved it on their way home...

Deputy Dogge gets lost in the woods...

...someone is missing a Police dog.....

Lake Daniells Track: start of the sidle around the last spur

We headed along the last section of the track the climb up and around the last hill before the Sluice Box. It is easy climbing especially knowing that you are almost finished and on your way to a toasted ham, cheese and onion sandwich with fries and a cold fizzy drink...

Climbing towards the Sluice Box...Lake Daniells Track

Last climb up to the Sluice Box bridge...

We stopped on the bridge over the Sluice Box to take some photos and admire the water. It had cleared up a lot from the previous day so Karen was able to fully appreciate just how deep it is at that spot. The channel is kept clear by the force of water and would easily be 3-4 meters deep. 

If you are passing over Lewis Pass enroute to other destinations it is well worth stopping and just walking to the Sluice Box...it would be a nice 20 minute return trip from the carpark. 

Karen taking photos on the Sluice Box bridge

Then the final 400 meters through the forest on the way to the information kiosk at the start of the track...we passed a family group through here who were headed into the hut for the night....the second such group we encountered that day.

On the last forested stretch near the Sluice Box, Marble Hill

Back at the Marble Hill campsite road end....

Back at last at the start/finish of the track...Karen had noted the time as we left and it took us 1 hour and 50 minutes to walk from Lake Daniells to the carpark. That includes about 15 minutes of breaks spent on the the track so it is possible to cover the distance in around one hour and thirty minutes....

I am walking off the Lake Daniells Track...

Start and end of Lake Daniells Track

We had fun on this trip despite the number of people at the hut. The Lake Daniells Track is a lovely wee walk...long enough to getaway from civilization yet short and easy to walk. I have always loved this track since the first time I visited many years ago and every time I come back the feeling is amplified. Karen loved it as well and we are already planning a return trip to camp next to the hut for a couple of days. 

Lots of cars at the Marble Hill carpark

Lake Daniells is near the peaks in the middle of the photo

Lake Daniels is a fine destination for anyone but now that the hut is on the DOC hut booking system this is just about as good a first tramping destination you will ever find. You know from the get go that you have somewhere to sleep for the night. Lovely track, beautiful trout filled lake to swim in and a brand new and super comfortable hut...what else do you need?

You should plan your trip today.

Access: Take SH7, the Lewis Pass Highway, turn off at Marble Hill camp site 5 km's west of Maruia Springs, track starts next to car park shelter

Track Times: 8.4 kilometers or 2-3 hours to Manson-Nicholls Hut at Lake Daniell

Hut Details: Kohanga Atawhai/Manson-Nichols Hut: Serviced, 20 bunks, wood burner, water tank, wood shed, toilets: Lake Daniells campsite: standard rate, space for 5-10 tents with additional space in the forest. There is a very nice campsite cooking shelter with a bench, water tank and several picnic tables. 

Miscellaneous: All weather track to a good standard with all streams now bridged. Kohanga Atawhai/Manson-Nichols Hut is on the DOC hut booking system. It can be busy in summer or over the holidays and a hut warden will be in attendance at these times. 

Tramping Food: Ideas for breakfast when tramping

 Breakfast is the cornerstone of your day...

It can be argued that breakfast is the most important meal of the day when you are out tramping or otherwise engaging in some outdoor pursuit. Hard physical activity means your body will be working to keep you going and food is the fuel that keeps the engine running.

Enjoying a brew at East Hawdon Bivouac in 2015

In your everyday life you might be able to get by with the most minimal of morning meals or you may skip breakfast altogether. Doing this while engaged in demanding tasks is a recipe for poor performance or failure. You need a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, fats and sugars to keep you going so the food you consume must have enough of and the right ratio of each of these. 

Massive hill climbs burn plenty of energy...McKinnon Pass Track

Additionally the food you take with you will be dictated by your tramping style. Are you a late riser who cannot move without a full cooked breakfast or a ultra lighter who doesn't want to carry a cooker or pot? Is morning coffee a requirement before you can think straight? Do you mind eating on the way or do you need to sit down while you eat? Questions like this will influence what you eat, how you eat it and what gear you require to prepare it. 

Meal preparation often means dirty dishes...

Personally I am fairly easy when it comes to my needs, I am willing to adapt to overcome if you like. I like a hearty breakfast in the morning and enjoy tea or coffee but I am totally happy to just eat on the go if required. I would prefer to carry as little weight as possible so whatever I eat must be made with a minimum of equipment. I don't like cleaning dishes in the morning so I prefer meals from the bag. 

Tucking into a Backcountry meal at Mid Robinson Hut in 2015

All of these factors have influenced what foods I carry not just for breakfast but for all of my tramping meals over the years. 

My top menu items for breakfast...

Here is a short list of my top breakfast meals I use eat when I am out tramping. All of these have been used multiple times and all will see you through the first couple of hours of any tramping day. These are listed in the order that I have tended to use them in the past. 

Porridge/Instant Oats/Cream of Wheat/Oatmeal:

An oldie but a goodie and my favorite outdoor breakfast meal is stick to your ribs porridge. Easy to make, light weight, tasty and filling Porridge is the most common morning meal you will see people eating in the backcountry. A good hearty bowl of porridge has all the fats, carbohydrates, sugars and protein you need to keep you going for the first 2-3 hours of the day. 

Porridge/Oatmeal is the number one tramping breakfast...

Personally I like to use the Uncle Toby's instant oats sachets...I place two packets in a sandwich sized Ziploc bag with dried fruit, a tablespoon of milk powder, sugar and a pinch of salt. I just add boiled water to the bag, let sit for 5-10 minutes and eat. I will have it with a salami slice or three for a bit more protein...washed down with tea or coffee.

Porridge oats in a Ziploc ready to go..

As well as porridge and oats I also like Cream of Wheat (or Cremota to the other olde folks out there...) which is a finely cut version of oatmeal from the United States. It is much creamier and I find it more palatable but it is hard to find here in New Zealand. I occasionally see it at Asian food warehouse's and it can be brought online. I comes in many varieties my favorite is Maple Brown Sugar and Cinnabon.

Cream of Wheat is delicious...

You can make porridge from scratch and it will taste better but it requires a lot more effort, time and creates a lot of mess. Don't bother...leave the homemade stuff for home and just eat the instant oat packets. 

Mixing up some oatmeal in the field...

Quick tip...chuck a knob of butter in your porridge if you have it...or some brown sugar as both make it much more unctuous and flavorsome. Chia seeds and the such may be added if that is your thing...

Other Cereal: Muesli/Granola/Just Right

My second most carried breakfast meal is cereal with milk powder and sugar added to it in a Ziploc bag. Have it hot or cold it is really up to you but I personally find the milk powder dissolves best with hot water added to it. You can make the milk separate but I just cannot be bothered and it is all going to mix once you eat it anyway. 

Tucking into some cereal on trail...

Typically I will use some form of commercial muesli usually something like Uncle Tobys, Hubbards or Sanitarium here in New Zealand. My preferred is Just Right as it is a much lighter form of muesli. I will sometimes add extra dried fruit for a bit more body as well as nutmeg, cinnamon and sugar for flavor. It doesn't need to be muesli/granola though...I have seen people eating all kinds of cereal including Weetbix, Nutrigrain, Cornflakes and even Fruit Loops.

Eat it from the bag to save on clean up time, dish washing and mess. 

Kellogg's Just Right cereal...

Backcountry Cuisine make a very fine version of both Porridge Supreme and Muesli with Yoghurt that make for very simple morning meals.  The muesli with yogurt is delicious and is a easy way to eat with the minimum of fuss and preparation. 

Backcountry Porridge Supreme...just add hot water

Both these can be prepared by simply adding water to the bag and waiting 10 minutes for it to fully hydrate. Again you can eat it straight from the bag to save on clean up. 

Hot meals: Bacon and eggs anyone?

If you have the time and the inclination then a lovely meal of hot bacon and eggs, fried egg sandwich or pancakes with bacon is the perfect way to start a long, hard day of tramping. With a piece of bread it will give you the full spread of everything you need to make you body work to its full potential. Anything you can make at home can also be made out tramping with a bit of thought. 

A feed of Bacon and Eggs camp style...

Other excellent options are scrambled eggs (fresh or dehydrated) on a wrap, omelets, baked/refried beans, Kedgeree (fried rice and oily fish), canned spaghetti/beans, steak sandwich, burger patties, precooked sausages/frankfurters fried on bread or a wrap, mashed potatoes with cubed ham/salami/fried bacon etc. Look for items that cook quickly without a whole lot of preparation required. 

Breakfast Burrito's are muy bueno!!!

 

You can also consider eating freeze dried meals for breakfast and not just the all day breakfast versions. I have eaten many of the Backcountry Cuisine meals as a breakfast item...go for the smaller one person serve so you do not feel too full. Backcountry, Absolute Wilderness and Radix all make breakfast items including scrambled eggs, baked beans and Cooked Breakfast. Try all of them on a tortilla or wrap...with or without Tabasco as you see fit.

Absolute Wilderness Bacon Mash is great for breakfast...

Some people like to eat left overs from the previous night but I would recommend you NOT do this. Without refrigeration you are much more likely to get food poisoning so I would only eat freshly prepared hot foods. Leaving a pot of food on the bench is also likely to attract insects and vermin...pasta alfredo with a medley of Rat urine is not a taste you want to try...

Don't tempt him with your left overs!!!

You are probably going to need a frying pan for some of these hot meals..look for a light weigh camping fry pan at your local outdoor store. MSR, Jetboil, Kovea and TOAKs all make good ones. 

The Jetboil frying pan...decent kit!!!

Some huts have fry pans in them but you can never be sure...take your own if it is required for the meal you intend to make. 

Breakfast bars, OSM, Pop-Tarts and their ilk:

A lot of trampers will just eat bars for breakfast...this is a good option if you just like to get up in the morning, pack your gear and get on trail. Bars can be eaten while on the go and there is no food preparation or cleaning to slow you down in the morning.  

A selection of hikers energy bars....

I have seen people eating many different bars...things like Natures Valley, Em's Power Bars, Bumper Bars and Clif Bars. Some people like the special protein rich items like Aitkens Bars, Lara Bars and OSM's etc. These are all perfectly fine items to eat for breakfast but they are also high in sugar. You will get a sudden rush of energy off these items but it will quickly ebb away. I also tend to find all of these bars a bit dense and overly sweet for my taste. 

OSM bars are popular in New Zealand

Other people will eat pre packaged items such as Pop-Tarts, Honey Buns, Cinnamon Scrolls, muffins,  individually wrapped cakes, biscuits and buns. Pop Tarts can actually be eaten un-toasted although they do not taste as good...still pretty tasty though and one packet of Pop Tart contains a whooping amount of calories.

Pop Tarts are one breakfast option...cherry!!!

I do eat bars and Pop Tarts (cherry/strawberry is my preferred flavor) but I prefer to take dark fruit cake or fruit bread for a fast breakfast item. There is a type of dense European style fruit loaf sold in supermarkets here that is perfect for tramping. Rosedale fruit loaf is firm so does not squash and is chock full of fruit and delicious with or without butter. 

Rosedale fruit loaf is great tramping food...

I also love Mrs Freshley's Cinnamon Swirl Buns, even if it gets 'squot like a pumpkin' it still tastes good....

Delectable Mrs Freshley's Cinnamon Swirl Buns

If you are eating any of these items which are not specifically made with protein added have some cheese, dried meat, beans or milk powder to up the protein levels for sustained energy release.   

The no cook breakfast:

'No cook' or 'cold cook' are methods of food preparation gaining in popularity in recent time. Both have come out of the long trail community where the weight of cookers, pots and ancillary equipment is discarded in favor of more miles walked. Less weight will always mean an easier passage...

A late breakfast of filled rolls at Anapai Bay, Abel Tasman NP

Energy bars are also great 'no cook' meal ideas

No cook is just that...no cooking or complicated preparation is required in these meals. A typical no cook meal will be some form of carbohydrate such as bread, wraps, crackers, muffins or bagels. To these will be added meat, cheese, pate, spreads (jam/honey/nut butter), salad, fresh vegetables, fruit, olives, sun dried tomatoes etc. 

Pate and spinach wraps at John Tait Hut

Really you are only limited by your imagination here...anything you could also have for lunch is good for a 'no cook' breakfast. The best no cook breakfast I have ever had was some crusty bread, hard boiled eggs, salami and half an avocado washed down with orange Raro. 

Let me tell you...it was damn fine eats!!! 

Hard boiled eggs last 2-3 days if handled carefully...

The advantage of the no cook breakfast is that there is no complicated preparation involved...you get up, eat your food and get on the trail. There is little to no mess to clear up...no pots to wash, cutlery to scrub etc. It is a menu well favored by European trampers especially those from Holland, Germany and Austria as this is what they typically eat for breakfast in those countries anyway. 

Typical 'no cook' tramping breakfast...

'Cold cook' or 'cold soaking' is when you place some food into a container of some sort and soak it with cold water for a length of time in this case overnight. Generally cold soak enthusiasts carry a plastic jar or container to soak their meals in but Ziploc bags can also be used to save on cleaning. The water rehydrates the meal and while it is cold it will still be perfectly good to eat in the majority of cases.

 

Rissoni and Orzo pastas make good cold soak meals

Any meal that can be made with hot water can also be made with cold water including rice noodles, pasta, polenta, couscous, buckwheat, instant potatoes, muesli, porridge and dehydrated meals. Rice can be done this way but I usually find it is still a little crunchy and will make you thirsty through the day. Ramen noodles are a very effective cold soak meal as is porridge or oatmeal. 

Ramen are classic cold soak ingredients

I have tried it,,,didn't really like it. I like to have a hot drink with my breakfast either tea or more commonly coffee 3 in 1 sachets. If I am boiling water for a drink I might as well use it for my meal as well. It is another option for you to keep in mind. 

Other breakfast options...

In addition to my usual suspects here are a couple of meal ideas I have used over the years to varied success. Some of these still get the occasion foray while others were tried the one time and discarded as they did not meet my particular needs in some fashion. 

O-Meal Range:

O-Meals are a new addition to the Kiwi trampers pantry...these are pre made and packaged meals that Hunting and Fishing have started selling. These meals are in retort pouches with a FRH or Flameless Ration Heater pack which heats your meal through thermo-chemical action.  You simply place the meal pouch in its bag add the chemical pouch and about 100ml of water and in 3-4 minutes you will have a piping hot meal.

The O-Meal range of retort pouch meals...

There is a variety of meals but the ones that interest the most are Spaghetti with beef sauce, Oatmeal with Brown Sugar and Hashbrown Potatoes. I have tried all of these and they are excellent in particular the Hashbrown Potatoes. The hashbrowns are excellent with salami sticks, a sausage or two, bacon, frankfurters or just on their own. 

O-Meals Hashbrown Potatoes..damn fine vittles!!!

The downside are price (around $15 per pack) and weight (200gms) but if you can overlook these factors they make an important and useful addition to the breakfast pantry. 

O-Meal Hashbrown Potatoes

The Oatmeal is good but at $15 per pack it makes no sense when a 12 pack of Uncle Toby's sachets is about $4.00. See my article about the O-Meal range I posted earlier this year. Any of the various meals will also be great for breakfast as most of them are based around beans. 

Breakfast Couscous:

 Couscous is an excellent meal starter for trampers as it just requires hot water, salt and a little oil to prepare. Super light, super simply it is something I often carry for dinner meals as should you as it is so versatile.  

Couscous is a perfect tramping base...

I tried out sweet couscous for breakfast after reading about it on a long trail blog from the US. It is meant to recreate a meal enjoyed by many people in North Africa of a morning. To the basic couscous is added fruit (raisins, chopped apricots and dates), nuts, sugar, sweet spices (Cinnamon/Nutmeg) and coconut milk or yogurt powder. Add hot water, stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes. 

My breakfast couscous was similar to this...

To be frank I just didn't like the taste...I found the savory couscous and sweet fruit just didn't suit my palate. You should give it a go as many people feel it is Ambrosia of the Gods...

Rice pudding/Creamed rice:

Creamed Rice AKA Rice Pudding is tailor made for breakfast meals...it is filling, tastes damn fine and it has all the carbs, protein, fats and sugar you need for a busy day. It is one of those desserts I remember fondly from childhood as my mother used to make a killer rice pudding in the day. I have taken rice pudding tramping several times and will continue doing so going into the future. 

Classic homestyle rice pudding

I have used a variety of methods of preparing rice pudding...I have a couple of homemade recipes using instant freeze dried rice, coconut milk powder, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and dried fruit. I have used canned rice pudding and rice pudding in shelf stable individual pre packed cups. All of these work but most have some negative point...wasteful packaging, weight issues, inefficient hydration etc.

Ambrosia is the best canned rice pudding

The best way to add rice pudding to your menu is by using the freeze dried packs made by Absolute Wilderness. They have three rice pudding meals in their range: Apples on Creamed Rice, Cocoa and Banana Pudding and Mocha Creamed Rice. I have tried all three and they are high quality and totally delicious. 

Absolute Wilderness Apples on Creamed Rice

The Apples with Creamed Rice from Absolute Wilderness

All of these are easy to prepare...just add hot water, stir and sit for 10 minutes..eat it right out of the bag! 

Precooked bacon:

Is there any finer food than bacon...I don't think so. Cooked bacon is good for up to two days if you wrap it tightly in tin foil and store it in the coolest part of your pack. Fry half a dozen rashers per person at home, wrapped it and add to bread, wrap or bread roll at camp. If you want it warm put the wrapped bacon on the edge of a fire, on top of a wood burner or suspend it over your cooker for a couple of  minutes turning it frequently. Don't burn yourself and BTW the HP sauce is optional.

Classic bacon butty...

A bacon butty and a big mug of sweet milky tea is a perfect way to start any day...

I am always looking for ways to widen my breakfast options as I find this the most difficult meal to plan without menu fatigue. I hope this gives you a few ideas for tramping breakfasts you can try the next time you head out..good tramping and good eating everyone.