Te Araroa 20/12/25

Day 90, Mid Wairoa Hut to Hunters Hut (1953)

It was a beautiful starry night but a bit cloudier in the morning when I set off up the river with Vojta, from the Chech Republic.

Beautiful morning 

Little path up by the river

The path climbs high above the river with precipitous drops before descending, crossing the river and doing the same thing on the other side.

Crossing the river the first time

A steep bit down to the river

Another crossing 

The river was beautiful but hard work 

There were eight river crossings altogether, none of them over knee deep but it would definitely be tricky if there was any amount of rain.

The river was beautiful, again, with emerald pools for swimming if the time and temperature had been right!

Above the river

A short climb from the river to Top Wairoa Hut where we had lunch. Another busy hut last night, six bunks and twelve people according to the book.

Wild goats 

Good walking 

I left Vojta eating there and carried on up the open hillside. It was a wonderful walk. Rocky in places, good but steep paths.  

It started to rain which was quite pleasant for a while and it soon blew past but after I had dried out it started heavily again with increased wind forcing me to get my rain gear out.

It was very cold on the ridge and I was glad to have the extra clothes, there was also a hint of sleet just to concentrate the mind.

I loved every minute of today's high level walk, the weather was interesting, the views beautiful and the walking was wonderful.

Down to the river

The walk down was also open ground right down to the river, so unusual to be able to see where I was going, I could even see the hut above the trees in the distance.

Bare gravel and rock

It was a very steep climb from the river up to the hut where was surprised to find Charlie who had decided to stay here rather than face the crush at the next hut.

Four of us here tonight, nice warm fire and everything drying. I'm sure it doesn't smell very nice but we don't notice at this stage.