The Backcountry hiker

Saturday 10th of June 2023

• Drive time from Christchurch – 2 – 2.5 hours.
• Walking time – 2-3 hours.
• Weather – Cold with blue skies.
• Hikers – Myself, Antonia, Barry & Nick.

It is another excellent weather weekend for a hike so I messaged a few of my hiking buddies to see who was interested in joining Antonia & I. Barry & Nick reached out to say that they were keen.

We planned to leave our house at 8:30am on Saturday, Nick was picking Barry up on the way & they got here slightly earlier.

We were all packed and in the vehicle before our scheduled departure. Stopping at BP Ravenswood for a coffee on the way. We drove to Culverdan & stopped at the bakery for breakfast & to grab a roll for lunch.

Arriving at Lewis pass car park just on 11am we could see at least another 15+ hikers (adults and children) getting ready to start walking. After Barry & I asked where they were heading (so we could avoid the masses) they told us that they would get to Cannabal gorge hut & see how they go. Leaving us with an unclear decision on what we are doing.

We started off just after 11am, walking initially on boardwalk & then descending through the Beech forest on a well graded track to the Cannabal gorge swing bridge. At this point the big group of 15 & two other ladies were just behind us.

After the bridge it was a gentle climb up to gain 100 metres before reaching the viewing area. The rest of the track was undulating from here crossing numerous slips & side creeks through permafrost before reaching the next swing bridge 600 metres shy of Cannabal gorge hut.

We then had a short sharp climb up through the beech forest before arriving into the clearing where the hut was in plain site. We could see the two ladies who passed us earlier sitting there having a late lunch. We also took this opportunity to have our lunch.

We then decided that since it looked like a nice spot to camp down by the river in front of the hut that we would. We set up camp, cut & gathered firewood from the dead trees down in the river (I had my electric chainsaw) & by 3pm after the sun had lowered enough for our spot to be in the shade we seen frost forming on our tents & gear!

It was a cold afternoon & evening, I managed to talk Antonia into claiming a bed in the hut & I would sleep in the tent alone, but also join the other 2 in tenting outside. We were all in bed by 7:30pm after hanging out around the fire trying to maintain warmth.

It was a long & cold night! I felt like I woke every hour from my cocoon with numb toes & cold knees. Ice had formed inside the tent & even on the outside of my sleeping bag. I would periodically check the temperature & it was generally around -5 to -6 degrees Celsius!

Once my alarm went off at 7am I got up & out of the tent glad that I had survived the night without it being too miserable.

I had left our cooking gear out on the picnic table overnight & it had formed ice crystals. Antonia joined me not long after from the hut & we had a coffee & breakfast before packing up & walking by 9am.

It was a cold walk out & it took until around 11am before the temperature had reached a toasty 0 degrees. We were at the car around midday & set back off towards Christchurch.

It was the coldest night in a tent I have experienced! What an adventure & definitely a memorable one at that. I’m actually looking forward to the next winter camping trip!

Tuesday 31.01.2023

• Te Araroa kilometres done: 1671.5km
• Official kms: 28km
• Garmin kms: 27.75km
• Total time: 8:30
• Calories burned: 3190
• Body battery: 7/10 feeling better after a better nights sleep.
• Accommodation: Bed in dorm room at Camp Elsdon.
• Tent nights tally: 14
• Zero days had so far: 12

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life

Track me live here:

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My alarm was set for 6am & I slept through until then! I have a 28+km day today so am hoping to leave around 8am. Mike is in the cabin next door, he is not generally a morning person so we will have to wait & see what time he gets up & ready.

Well, Mike was ready before me! He sat around waiting for me. We took off just before 8am & walked the 2km back into the centre again (we did this yesterday afternoon). We stopped here for a takeaway coffee before continuing on.

After a few kilometres we made it to the start of the Escarpment track. There was a warning sign to let you know it is steep, exposed & on edge. Interesting.

We started a steep ascent initially with stairs & switch backs & then it eased off. It was a fairly decent track & wasn’t too bad to climb & descend.

It wasn’t long before another hiker caught up behind us, to my surprise it was Sam. I hadn’t seen him since before Waitomo where we camped after Pirongia, that was before Christmas & 800 kilometres ago! He then walked with us for about 5km until we stopped for an early lunch at the dairy.

The dairy was about 12km in, considering it was another hot day I decided an ice cream was in order. The dairy only had Hokey Pokey left so it was an easy choice!

We walked a further 6km into Plimmerton where Mike called it a day, this is where the train station was so he could get a ride back to Paekakariki & walk 2km back to his car. Really good effort doing a 16km yesterday & an 20km today! The terrain wasn’t that pleasing on the feet either! I continued on as it was only 10km to go from here, I’m staying with Mike the next few nights so will be catching up with him tomorrow.

Once arriving in Porirua I stopped at the local New World to grab some stuff for dinner & breakfast tomorrow as well as 2 cans of Heineken, I think I deserve them after todays heat!

With 2km left & a heavier pack with my few bits & pieces from the supermarket I set off again.

It wasn’t too long before I got to the camp ground where I had prebooked a room (prison cell).

It’s actually not too bad considering it was only $28 for the night, I’ve paid as much for a tent site before & at least this bed should stay up tonight (I really need to sort out my airmat!)

It’s been a chilled evening & I’m almost ready for bed. Tomorrow looks like a few decent climbs & I’m hoping to make it into Wellington central, which will mean a 31km day.

That’s the aim anyway, I will let you know tomorrow how I go……

Monday 30.01.2023

• Te Araroa kilometres done: 1643.5km
• Official kms: 15.5km
• Garmin kms: 16.59km
• Total time: 4:35
• Calories burned: 1441
• Body battery: 6/10 slept badly last night.
• Accommodation: cabin at holiday park.
• Tent nights tally: 14
• Zero days had so far: 12

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life

Track me live here:

https://aus-share.explore.garmin.com/curtiss

I had such a restless sleep last night. It was so hot & I felt uncomfortable. I think I didn’t fall asleep until after 11pm & I woke just before 7am.

Mike is driving up this morning so I’m going to hang around the accommodation until he turns up & then it should be a fairly easy 15km stroll to Paekakariki where I have a cabin booked for the night.

At around 8:30am the fire evacuation alarm went off & the whole of the campground had to evacuate & meet at the fire evacuation points. This was just a drill but was a bit disruptive.

I managed to be packed & checked out by 9:30am & sat near reception as I knew Mike wasn’t far away. He turned up about 10 minutes later & after a quick catch up we started.

The first part of the trail followed the river out to the estuary then onto the beach where Kapiti island was right there in plain view (I’ve been seeing this island from on top of the mountains for days!)

We walked down the beach until we reached Paraparaumu & went up off the beach to grab a coffee. As well as some stuff from the bakery for lunch.

Walking a further 3km down the beach we came across a toilet & picnic table so we sat there for lunch. I had a very nice carrot & oat muffin. It wasn’t long before we set off again to complete the final 5kms for today.

We reached the holiday park about 2:30pm I checked in & then Mike & I walked a further 2km into the main town centre where I purchased stuff for tomorrow’s breakfast & lunch. Mike then caught an Uber back to his car to go home get stuff & come back for dinner & stay in a cabin for the night himself as he’s rejoining me tomorrow.

I managed to have an hours nap as I was shattered from lack of sleep last night, sleeping from 4 to 5pm.

When Mike returned about 6pm we went into Paraparaumu for pizza. It was pretty good & I finished the whole thing!

Tomorrow I have a 28km day to my accommodation, Mike is going to join me but see how he copes, whether he does the whole 28km or just part of.

The end of the North island is in my sites…..

Sunday 29.01.2023

• Te Araroa kilometres done: 1628km
• Official kms: 0
• Garmin kms: 0
• Total time: 0
• Calories burned: 0
• Body battery: 8/10
• Accommodation: El Rancho studio unit
• Tent nights tally: 14
• Zero days had so far: 12

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life

Track me live here:

https://aus-share.explore.garmin.com/curtiss

A very relaxing day today, I slept in until 7:30am. When I got up Nici was already awake & relaxing outside.

Nici cooked a beautiful breakfast of bacon & eggs & smoked salmon. It was such a nice breakfast!

This morning we managed to get our washing done & dried. Jon, Caroline, Gokul & Gemma are turning up after lunch as they are temporarily skipping the Tararuas due to the weather & walking to Wellington. Nici has decided to join them as she has really missed walking with Gemma. It’s a good thing for her to do & we talked about her needing to do what’s best for her. I hope I will see her in the South Island.

The Tramily turned up around 1pm & stayed for about half an hour catching up & discussing past days on the TA as well as future plans.

After they left I set about trying to edit some videos but my editing software seems to keep crashing, it’s slowly getting there. We also had a few big downpours of rain here this afternoon.

I’ve also been in contact with my cousin Lester & he’s organised the Queen Charlotte trip for the two of us starting Waitangi Day. Thanks cuz! It’s amazing to not have to worry about organising that part!

A good friend Mike who lives in Wellington will be joining me to walk tomorrow & maybe some other days down to Wellington. He’s also offered a bed at his place for whatever nights I need as I won’t be leaving the north island until Saturday afternoon. It’s all coming together.

Looking forward to finishing off the North island & being back in my home island. With the start of it seeing my wife & both our dogs in Picton for a few nights!

Saturday 28.01.2023

• Te Araroa kilometres done: 1628km
• Official kms: 31km
• Garmin kms: 33.45km
• Total time: 10:26
• Calories burned: 4024
• Body battery: 7/10
• Accommodation: El Rancho holiday park
• Tent nights tally: 14
• Zero days had so far: 11

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life

Track me live here:

https://aus-share.explore.garmin.com/curtiss

Last night after we all went to bed (11 hut mates) at around 9pm another hiker turned up. He had started from Dracophyllum hut at 6am that morning! What a massive day! This woke the whole hut up as he got himself sorted, ate dinner & claimed a bed, it was more due to the fact his head torch was constantly beaming on you as he moved around.

Anyway I still managed pretty good sleep! Waking just before 6am & out the door & off by 7:15am. It had rained all night last night & was only drizzling by the time I left. Very lucky considering Antonia had messaged to say Auckland had severe flooding in places!

The first couple of kilometres were on gravel road before the track up & over Pukeatua (812m) commenced. This was such a change on the last few days as the track was well graded & easier walking.

The sign at the start said the car park was 6-7 hours from here & I would still have a 15km road walk after this, however I reached the summit within 3 hours & down to the car park just over 5 & a half hours.

It was around 1pm & Nici & I sat at the car park having lunch, I couldn’t stomach eating One square meal bars again so I finished my lollies & cashew nuts instead. A couple of day walkers walked past us & I commented to them on how clean they smelt, they laughed & it sparked up a good conversation on what I was doing & why. It’s amazing that when you are that many days in the bush, how you can smell colognes & perfumes & soaps very easily.

I was looking forward to a hot shower at this point so off we set to walk the road. I also took the opportunity of having reception to message Mike & ask if I could get a new shirt lol. Thanks Mike!

As we reached the skirts of Waikanae the 1st dairy came into site. I had to stop to supplement my light lunch, a sausage roll & a V was in order!

It was only just under 6kms to our accommodation for the next few nights & the majority of this involved walking beside the Waikanae river before going under SH1 then turning off to El Rancho holiday park.

Arriving at just before 6pm it was good to get a hot shower! At 6:30pm I ordered food online that had free delivery, only to find out that they couldn’t deliver until after 8:30pm!! I was starving & there was know way I could wait that long. I called them & they informed me this was due to short staffing issues.

I then had to call an Uber to go in collect my free delivery dinner, went to the local New World, bought food for breakfast & lunch the next day to make the most of the ride in, then Ubered back to eat dinner & go to bed.

Zero day tomorrow, definitely need to wash all my clothes, work on my next video & let the body recover from the Tararuas!

Friday 27.01.2023

• Te Araroa kilometres done: 1597
• Official kms: 10km
• Garmin kms: 13.42km (don’t think gps works very well under dense bush)
• Total time: 6:20
• Calories burned: 2454
• Body battery: 6/10 sore body!
• Accommodation: Parawai lodge bed in hut
• Tent nights tally: 14
• Zero days had so far: 11

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life

Track me live here:

https://aus-share.explore.garmin.com/curtiss

Today I had a bit of a sleep in & left just after 7:30am. According to the notes it should take 5 to 7 hours to do today so a lot shorter day than the previous two 10+ hour days.

The one thing I’m concerned about is there is a massive slip that you need to navigate 2.5kms before the end of todays hike.

The trail started ok but within a few kilometres there was tree scrambling up, over & under & was quite slow going at times. It seemed to take a long time to do the first 7km. Nearly 4 hours. But then the trail became quite nice for about 1km until I reached the slip…

I went & checked out the old trail that use to go over the original slip but has now disappeared. After this I sat & had lunch for 30 minutes & mentally prepared myself for what was to come. I even read all the notes on the FarOut app to see what was the best option. At this point it also started to rain.

Marko & Frank had attempted this a few days back & informed us it took them about an hour. Reading one of the comments on the app a guy called Mat had posted how it only took him 10 minutes. I studied his directions then set off to climb up & over the slip.

To my surprise it was easy & I also done this in under 10 minutes. It seems people climb too high above the slip & end up scrambling & climbing through vines. I was so pleased with myself to get over it so easy!

It was only less than an hour from this point to the hut & I arrived before 2pm wet from the rain & being the first one here stripped off, dried myself & changed into dry clothes.

Nici turned up about half an hour later. Then slower more people turned up. There is a total of 11 of us here in the hut tonight.

I’ve been in communication with Antonia via the Inreach & she has managed to secure a cabin for the next 2 nights in Waikanae. I have an amazing wife! I’m really looking forward to a hot shower & something good to eat.

Thursday 26.01.2023

• Te Araroa kilometres done: 1587km
• Official kms: 13.5km
• Garmin kms: 14.42km
• Total time: 10:38
• Calories burned: 5015
• Body battery: 6/10 drained from yesterday
• Accommodation: Waitewaiwai hut
• Tent nights tally: 14
• Zero days had so far: 11

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life

Track me live here:

https://aus-share.explore.garmin.com/curtiss

Today is another big day, I’m expecting it to take 10 hours or so to get to our destination of Waitewaiwai hut. I woke just before 5am, motivation was low though. Leaving about 6:15am

The day started off quite cold & overcast. I had 4 litres of water on me also which added extra weight to my pack. Within the first kilometre or so there was a bit of scrambling up & over ridges some with steep drop offs.

The DOC time to Nichols hut was 4 hours & 5kms so I was expecting that, about 2.5 hours in I stopped for a quick 10 minute break to have a hydration tablet & a protein bar as I had been sweating a lot this morning. After carrying on & having to climb 400 metres elevation to gain Nichols pt 1242 & then dropping nearly 100 metres of elevation I was at Nichols hut in just under the 4 hour mark.

I was so happy that this tank had water & got to work filtering water to refill my bladder & drank 1.5 litres while I was there also. Nici who started after me this morning soon turned up. I sat there for a good 45 minutes in total before getting up & starting again.

Loaded with water again it was a good 300 metre climb with some parts literally climbing to gain Mt Crawford, the highest point on this section of 1462 metres above sea level. I could imagine the views from here would be spectacular, unfortunately the visibility today only allowed you to see 50 metres in front of you. Nici & I sat here for a break for about 30 minutes.

From this point there was only 6km to the hut, it would be undulating with a descent of over 1000 metres, after dropping a few hundred metres we got below the clouds & the view’s opened up.

When the last climb was done at about 1300 metres it was a steep descent of 3km & 1000 metres down. This was hard work & my knees were really struggling but seemed to survive!

I reached the hut just on 5pm there were 4 others at this large 16 bed hut. I said hello, claimed a bed then went straight back down to the river to wash myself & my clothes. Nici was just walking up as I was heading down to the river so she joined me.

Another big day, but I feel fresher & am looking forward to a bit of a sleep-in tomorrow ready for a 9km day that supposedly takes 5-7 hours! The Tararuas don’t disappoint!

Wednesday 25.01.2023

• Te Araroa kilometres done: 1573.5km
• Official kms: 12.5km
• Garmin kms: 14.02km
• Total time: 9:55
• Calories burned: 4863
• Body battery: 7/10
• Accommodation: Dracophyllum hut
• Tent nights tally: 14
• Zero days had so far: 11

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life

Track me live here:

https://aus-share.explore.garmin.com/curtiss

It was an early start this morning, I left just after 6am. Nici was about 20 minutes behind me. The main reason for the early start is the fact that water is scarce up here due to the large volume of Te Araroa walkers this year. The water tanks can’t keep up with the amount of use from everyone. So I wanted to get as much done before the sun worked it’s magic.

The day started with a 140 metre climb in a short distance but the views were amazing, you could see down to Levin & across to Palmerston North with the coast in between.

I managed to get to Te Matawai hut by around 9am & I caught up with Emma & the crew from Greater Wellington Backcountry network who have just spent the last 5 day’s painting the hut inside & out, what an amazing job. These guys volunteer their time for the upkeep of the huts & if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have these amazing resources preserved the way they are.

After leaving Te Matawai it was a good climb of 500 metres of elevation to get to todays high point of 1400 metres above sea level. The views here were spectacular, you could see all around & Kapiti island also, we sat & ate lunch admiring the views.

From here it was only 6km to Dracophyllum hut a cozy 2 bed biv. It took 3 hours to get there though as it was a hard slog of undulation. I also managed to lose the track at one point & started my tracking to reconnect. I found the trail not too long after.

It was such a hot & strenuous day that I drank 750ml before I started, 1.5litres from the tank at Te Matawai hut & my 3 litre bladder of water. I was beyond thirsty when I reached Dracophyllum hut & was luck that water was drizzling out of the tank when I turned it on. We managed to get & filter another 10 litres out of the tank by tipping it as much as we could (it’s wired down) & then scooping water from the inside after removing the dead bird.

Today my total ascent gain was 1472 metres, it was a hard day & I was glad to get to the hut at 4pm. Tomorrow is another fairly big day with about 1000 metres of ascent & 1600 metres of descent. I plan to start at 6am again to get some distance done before the sun gets me.

Tuesday 24.01.2023

• Te Araroa kilometres done: 1561
• Official kms: 10km
• Garmin kms: 11.37km
• Total time: 5:00
• Calories burned: 2637
• Body battery: 7/10
• Accommodation: Waiopehu hut
• Tent nights tally: 14
• Zero days had so far: 11

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life

Track me live here:

https://aus-share.explore.garmin.com/curtiss

Early start this morning, alarm went off at 4:45am we had to leave the motel around 6am as it was about an hour and a half return trip for Antonia & she needed to start before 8am.

It was so awesome to spend the night with her & it was great that the timing lined up. We arrived at the start point just before 7am, said our goodbyes & Nici & I were off.

The first part of the trail started on gravel road & then farm track before reaching the bush. It started with a steep climb for about the first 100 metres of elevation, I could definitely feel the weight of my pack with 6 days of food & 3 litres of water in it. Water is scarce for the 1st few days so we need to carry what we need for the day.

The trail soon became a gentle climb & even had some boardwalk in places.

Occasionally you would get some nice views back down the valley & across to the West Coast.

I took my time today, even though it was a short day I stopped & had 3 breaks before reaching Waiopehu hut arriving right on midday. Our original target for today was Te Matawai hut but I was in communication with Emma who is there restoring & tidying it up & said water was scarce & the toilet full & unusable. After hearing this it was decided to stay here as there is plenty of room & only 4.5kms away.

Chris & Alicia were the only two in the hut & had stayed here from the night before after Alicia wasn’t feeling too great the day before. They are staying 1 more night & heading back down the track tomorrow.

After eating lunch & relaxing for a bit I managed to have an hour & a half’s nap. Getting back up about 4pm. Around 5pm another 3 guys doing an overnight trip from Wellington arrived, they had all the fresh ingredients for a Thai green curry.

Here I am sitting here ready for my dehydrated dinner. It should be an early night & hoping to leave early tomorrow to beat the heat. Oh & yay for reception! Let’s see how the next 4 days go.

Monday 23.01.2023

• Te Araroa kilometres done: 1551km
• Official kms: 22km
• Garmin kms: 23.10km
• Total time: 8:17
• Calories burned: 3646
• Body battery: 8/10
• Accommodation: Motel in Palmerston North with Antonia.
• Tent nights tally: 14
• Zero days had so far: 11

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life

Track me live here:

https://aus-share.explore.garmin.com/curtiss

I woke up to rain at around 3am this morning it also prompted me to pee & blow up my airmat. Surprisingly I had a really good sleep. My alarm went off at 6:30am & I pushed snooze. But managed to get up a few minutes later.

Nici & I were ready to go by 8am & started off down the forestry road before it turned into a gravel road. About 2.5km in we reached the no3 reservoir dam. It was another 1km before reaching the start of the bush track.

What an amazing track, a bit of mud but really good gradient & nice walking. Nici & I took our time walking this.

Just before the lookout I managed to somehow rip the top off my right shoe! We still had 13km to go, this happened about 1km before the Horowhenua lookout so I raced to there as I knew there was reception.

Once I got there I turned my phone off flight mode and I had 4G reception. So I googled shoe shops in Palmerston North. I found a shoe shop called Kelly’s shoes and gave them a call to see what they had. They didn’t have my brand but had some ASICS that seemed ok so I asked if they could put them aside & I would get someone to collect them before they closed at 4pm. (Public holiday)

I managed to get a hold of Antonia & since she is in Palmy is going to pick them up before picking us up later this afternoon. yay!!!

After leaving this lookout (sorry forgot to take photos but had amazing views) it was only another kilometre to Archey’s lookout , where I remembered to take photos. You could see all the way to the coast from both lookouts.

It seemed like a fairly quick descent from here, dropping about 300 metres in elevation. Once on the valley floor it was a very nice walk zigzagging the creek.

The last 5km was on gravel & then tar seal road, once we got to the Poads Road intersection we sat & waited until Antonia to turn up. It was so good to see her even though it was only about ten days ago that she left.

Once we got into Palmerston North we showered & went out to Burgerfuel for some dinner. Nici & I also had to repack our bags ready for the next 5 days.

I’m assuming there will be no reception for the next 5 days so won’t be able to post blogs until we get out at Waikanae.

Stay tuned……

• Te Araroa kilometres done: 1529
• Official kms: 14.5km
• Garmin kms: 15.82km
• Total time: 5:47
• Calories burned: 2421
• Body battery: 8/10
• Accommodation: Ian & Franks hut (Tokomaru hut)
• Tent nights tally: 14
• Zero days had so far: 11

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life

Track me live here:

https://aus-share.explore.garmin.com/curtiss

I woke at 6am after a long sleep, I need to buy a new airmat as there is new holes! I slept fairly well though in the hut. The other 2 that were in the hut left early. One was gone before I woke up, the other left around 6:45. They plan to do what we are doing over the next 2 days in 1 day.

Should be nice & cruisy today with only 15kms to do. I left at 8am. Nici was about 15 minutes behind me. We agreed to meet 3km up the trail at the picnic table as that was the last cell phone reception for 1 & 1/2 days. I decided to get there & call Antonia & to get yesterdays blog finished & posted.

We must of sat there for nearly 40 minutes. This was the last time I would see Nici today as she took her time enjoying the track & even having a swim. From there it was the start of Burttons track which was amazing! It was nice to be on bush trail again. It was a 200 metre descent into the Tokomaru valley.

From the valley floor it was a beautiful benched track for most of the day, there was a detour at one point that climbed 200 metres before descending the river again due to a slip. After reading some notes I decided to head up the river instead. It was easy as i zigzagged the river only a few times & I assume the bypass would only be necessary if the river was up.

I rejoined the track at the old Burtton hut site & sat & had another 30 minute break eating a handful of cashews. During this time a couple from the UK stopped to chat for 15 minutes, they were heading Northbound (NOBO). I asked to let Nici know I was sitting at the clearing when they seen me.

From this point it was only another 7km to go to get to the hut & only around 11:30am, satisfied from Cashews I pushed on to get there & arrived just after 1:30pm for a late lunch of wraps & tuna.

Nici turned up about an hour later & was so happy with todays track because previous days had been a lot of road walking!

The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing, I even had a 40 minute nap. Tomorrow is a bigger day where I’m expecting about 22km with some good elevation. Planning to leave at 8am.

Antonia is in Palmerston North for work tomorrow & will pick us up after 5pm as it’s a 40 minute drive from there, I’m going to stay back in her motel & she will drop us back leaving at 6am the following morning so she is at work before 8am.

Really looking forward to seeing her.