Day One in N.Z.! It was a decent flight over... meet a cool chiropractor from Maui, who is headed to Auckland for a week to surf. The start of this trip features snow, cold, Bob's legs purple - back into the High Country near Bob's place at Arthur's Pass, where last night I enjoyed the hospitality of Bob and and his lovely spouse Frances. Anyhow, Bob and I get up into the snow at higher elevations. We go way freakin' back on the Mount Whyte Station. We meet with owner Richard Smith (and pay the $50 fee); long 4x4 track into gorgeous highland. Then we hike down a BIG descent into the Esk, only to learn that we had to turn around and hike back UP at the first pinch-point, due to higher than expected water. We briefly check out a local river with the politically incorrect name "Nigger Stream", with no action. Back down into the valley of the Esk we go, further upstream. Bob makes a great spot on a nice brown (I estimate at 5+ lbs.) -- comes undone. Later... classic spot (simultaneous!) in big pool; I scramble down; Bob is on the bank providing directions... 2 casts later and a lovely 7.5 lb. hen takes the nymph and is in the net. No photos of this big brown trout due to temporary camera malfunction, which of course I hate. It is a loooong slog back up the banks once more... my legs are actually wobbly and jellylike by the top of the hill. My back is also acting up from the long flight as well. Spend the night at the groovy "Lochinvar Hut".