Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that don’t go according to plan. This past week, I set out for what I thought would be a quick hut-bagging mission, but Mother Nature had other ideas—and they were glorious.

Starting from the Mt Robert circuit car park at 12:30 pm, I headed up Paddy’s Track with my sights set on Bushline Hut. The rain was persistent, a steady downpour that soaked the bush and turned the track into a wet path. While the damp conditions weren’t ideal, the trail offered a peaceful, rhythmic ascent. It was just me and the sound of raindrops on my jacket.

About 20 minutes before I was due to arrive at the hut, the rain began to mix with something else wet, heavy flakes of snow. By the time I reached Bushline Hut just before 2 pm, the snow was starting to become persistent. A fine layer of snow dusted the surrounding landscape, creating a beautiful, ethereal scene.

The plan was to drop my pack and continue on to bag a few more huts, but the snow was determined. With the flurries becoming more persistent, I decided to settle in for the night instead. I was the only person with a booking, which meant I had the entire hut to myself. Talk about a private mountain retreat!

I took my time getting dry and changed, then prepared a late lunch. The real treat was dinner: I reheated some leftover hangi wrapped in tin foil on the stove. The rich, smoky flavor was the perfect reward after a cold, wet climb. I spent the rest of the evening chopping wood, getting a fire roaring, and sipping a hot chocolate while watching the snow fall outside. The view from the hut, with its fresh dusting of white, was absolutely breathtaking.

The next morning, the snow had settled, leaving a thick, pristine blanket closer to the tops. I packed up gave the hut a good wipe down and a sweep and set off to complete the circuit, a 5-kilometer journey. Parts of the track were completely covered, with the snow reaching nearly knee-deep in some sections. The challenge only added to the experience, and the solitude of the snow-covered alpine landscape was truly something special.

The final leg of the trip was a descent down Pinchgut Track. The name might sound intimidating, but the views are incredible. As I dropped about 600 metres in elevation, I was treated to panoramic vistas of the stunningly blue Lake Rotoiti. The track itself is well-maintained and provides a beautiful, albeit steep, return to the car park. I made it back in about 1 hour and 40 minutes, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

This circuit is a fantastic hike and can easily be done as a day trip. However, if you want to experience the magic of a night in a high-country hut, make sure to book your spot at Bushline Hut in advance. It’s a popular spot, and for good reason—it’s the perfect place to find some peace and quiet, whether the weather cooperates or not.

What’s a hiking plan that changed on you for the better? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!