UK Hiker Carries Abandoned Kitten 50km Through NZ Mountains

When Katie Evans spotted a black kitten emerge from the forest logs near Lake Sumner, she knew her solo hike was about to change completely.

The UK hiker had been trekking New Zealand's challenging Te Araroa trail since November when the unexpected encounter happened earlier this week. The tiny kitten watched her nervously from behind roots and fallen timber, clearly alone in terrain far too dangerous for such a small creature.

Evans waited 40 minutes, hoping a mother cat would appear. When none came, she made her decision. Despite knowing how protective New Zealanders are of their native wildlife and aware that feral cats pose serious threats to local biodiversity, the animal lover couldn't walk away.

After several attempts, she finally wrapped the hissing kitten in a towel. Then came the hard part: carrying it one-handed while climbing over fallen trees and crossing a swinging bridge over the Hurunui River to reach the nearest hut 6km away.

Fellow hikers at the shelter helped her feed the frightened kitten milk powder and dried yoghurt through the night. The next morning, Evans got creative with her hiking gear, tucking the kitten into her shoulder bag and securing it with her hoodie to keep it warm and safe.

For two more days, she hiked 25km daily across rough backcountry with her tiny passenger snoozing against her chest. The kitten, which she named Lady Bluff, mostly slept during the journey, waking occasionally for feedings of powdered milk.

When Evans reached Arthur's Pass and shared her story in a Te Araroa WhatsApp group, adoption offers poured in. She carefully vetted responses, wanting to ensure the kitten would receive proper veterinary care and vaccinations.

A Christchurch resident with experience caring for strays reached out, already having booked a vet appointment just in case Evans agreed to meet. That confidence sealed the deal.

Sunny's Take

At the Wednesday handover, Evans learned the kitten was healthier than expected, already weaned despite rejecting her trail food. The mystery solved itself when the kitten devoured scrambled eggs at an Arthur's Pass café.

The vet gave the newly renamed Bluffy a clean bill of health, though slightly underweight from her forest ordeal. The new owner was already smitten before the appointment even happened.

Evans is now sheltering from rain before continuing her journey south, her pack lighter but her heart full knowing her unexpected trail companion is safe and loved.