Hiking Temple Valley, New Zealand - a Wild Pilgrimage

*In this instance, there is a very real call to the Temple. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

Report from October 28, 2023

This one’s a jump (with two feet) into true New Zealand ‘bush’ trek.

Temple Valley has been on the radar for a long-long while, and a weather window arrived as if on special order.

Our kind of ‘highway’. Photo: P.M.Fadden

Temple enjoys a bit of a cult-ish following.

First off, the valley is set amongst a vast geographic family of spectacular sibling terrain, so it’s one of those not-really-secret, but kinda private spaces.

Next on the “awesome list”: the greater landscapes forks into two valleys for the price of one. On this day, we made for the South fork. Anybody attempting this portion of Temple faces not one, but several mandatory water crossings.

Trails duck in-and-out from bands of Beech trees broken by rumble fields and short scree. P.M.Fadden

All told, the South Temple undertaking tallies roundabouts 8km’s, which isn’t huge distance. And the elevation gain isn’t much to speak of either.

However, what does ‘turn the dial’ a touch is the dense Beech forest crowding cliff drops down to strong water.

In terms of overturning a few stones in New Zealand wildlands, Temple does indeed up the ante.

*Sheep, we’re guessing. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

Patience is the trekkers best friend. We’ve found this to be true in snowy mountains, and it most-certainly applies here, in the Temple.

For reasons of a mischievous universe, this valley is one of those vortexes where the end goal seems to persist in being just beyond reach.

While inbound, there is every indication that each hillock, rock scramble, or plain old bend in the trail must surely be the final push before the finish, but nope. Just when the barrel is being scraped but good, there’s a wee bit more yet to be asked.

Apparently Temple Valley is a taunter.

*…And we actually scoped a snow pocket still hanging in post-winter! Surreal. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

We couldn’t have timed a weather window more perfectly-suited. And we made a run at this beauty with glad hearts.

We were prepared to ford the river(s).

What surprised us was the depth, as well as force, of the waters. A bit of homework had us thinking calf-deep current, but those interviewed must stand on abnormally long lower legs.

What we churned through was actually nearer to hip-deep. But the reward at the other side was well-worth the push.

*Above 2. Signs of a laidback night ahead. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

Aside from the odd band of bushman after game, there’s every likelihood that Temple’s little slice of paradise will be a private cross section of New Zealand grandeur upon arrival.

There is a hut at South Temple, specifically. It offers 6 bunks, ample kitchen, and hearty fire. So pack-in, the food stuffs (plus a libation or two, possibly) and a uniquely delightful overnight is quite probably in-the-cards.

The islands comprising New Zealand have a certain knack for getting rad-ly wild with relatively speedy efficiency. And it when it comes to that national magic, Temple Valley is bang-in-the-mix.

Be sure to double-check water flows and extended forecast, and get after it!

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