Pregnancy friendly Back Country hut hike
We love New Zealand because it has nature on your doorstep and amazing hikes to enjoy. This hike was perfect for me when I was twenty-eight weeks pregnant. We were missing those adventures and wanted to get out to the backcountry and enjoy one last adventure before bubs arrived. We found the hike to the Blowfly hut and thought this would be perfect. It’s also a great one to start with if you are new to hiking or coming back for an injury.
Blowfly Hut is located on the West Coast. The area is known for its lush rainforests, rivers, and dramatic mountain landscapes. The track was well-marked and easy to tackle when pregnant and I got my fix of nature I was craving. The walk is marked at taking 1-3 hours, it took us an hour and fifteen minutes. The best time to hike is from spring to autumn (September to April) but be prepared for rain at any time of year. We went at Easter and were provided with amazing blue skies the whole time.
The West Coast is known for its dense, temperate rainforests, and the track to Blowfly Hut is no different. You'll pass through lush, moss-covered forest with towering trees, ferns, and the sound of nearby rivers. Wildlife sightings, particularly birds like tūī and kererū, are common. Be prepared for slippery and muddy sections, especially after rain. You may also encounter river or stream crossings, so waterproof footwear is essential. I tend to wear my trail shoes at this time of year. I love the Hoka Torrent trainers.
Blow fly hut is a basic backcountry hut with 4-6 bunks, no electricity, and a long-drop toilet. There is a gorgeous log burner that keeps you nice and toasty. You will need to bring your own cooking gear, food, and sleeping bag. Thankfully my boyfriend is a packhorse and carried the heavy gear and the extra comfy sleeping bags. We were thankful that we got there and the hut was completely empty, we had carried a tent incase I couldn’t get a bunk. So come prepared with all the gear!
The hut is situated in a quiet, remote setting, ideal for those wanting to experience solitude and connect with nature. It’s a great spot to relax, enjoy the surrounding bush and go for a dip of fish in the river near by. Be sure to pack your sand fly spray, like everywhere on the West Coast, they are nasty here.
Packing for an overnight hike requires balancing weight with ensuring you have everything you need for comfort, safety, and preparedness. Here's a list of essential items we always pack
1. Backpack- you need a 40-60 litre pack. I love my osprey bag, its comfortable to wear and fits everything I need into the 40 litre pack
2. PLB (Personal Locator Beacon): You never know when an emergency might occur so always a great idea to carry one, especially in remote areas like New Zealand’s backcountry.
3. Tent or Bivy sack, especially here as its first come first serve for the hut beds
4. Sleeping Gear, sleeping bag and a mat, something to make into a pillow, I tend to use my sleeping bag and fill it with my clothes
5. Clothing: I tend to use Merino now, I love how it is lightweight, warm, and never smells after a bid day hike. So I tend to bring base layers, a warm jacket, waterproof pants and coat, hat, gloves, socks, and a change for nighttime so I can get out of the sweaty clothes
6. Cooking: We bring the small camping cookware and remember your gas!! It’s great as the pot is there and it can double up as a cup. I used to bring dehydrated meals but I don’t anymore as I don’t enjoy them. So I tend to take pasta and sauce, wraps, fruits and snacks for the walk. I love having a bladder so you can fill it with 2 litres. Always remember to pack a lighter.
7. First Aid Kit: make sure to check prior to setting off. A head torch is always needed, bug spray and sun cream. A toothbrush and small toothpaste is great. I always carry a hat and sunglasses
8. Essentials: Don’t forget your rubbish bag, toilet paper, dry towel and I always love to have a book
Double-check your gear for specific weather conditions and terrain, especially in places like New Zealand, where conditions can change quickly. I have invested in some of the more light weight options as I love having a lighter pack!
But have a great adventure out there!
Ally x