Tuesday, 9 December 2025

Te Araroa 7/12/25

Day 75 Waitewaewae hut to Parawai Lodge.

Overnight drizzle was slow to clear and it was a bit drippy in the bush.

Leaving the hut
A warm day though, hot when the sun did break through.
Bush track?

The track goes up there!
Todays walk was through the bush with some very steep muddy, rooty parts to negotiate but I did manage to keep my feet nearly dry.
Tough walk but beautiful trees

It was slow going up and down with some stream crossings for a bit of extra interest. I met a runner who complained that it wasn't a good running path, I wasn't sure it was a good walking path!

Metal rail on the old logging track 
Eventually I came to an old logging track still with some rails on the bends, they used timber rails on the straight parts which have rotted away.
A proper track at last
For the first time in a while I was able to move at a proper walking pace but it didn't last long as there was a massive landslip to climb round and I slipped nicely on the way down the other side, no damage done.
Another fine bridge
There were a couple of huge dragonflies on the path and I actually managed to photograph one. It actually landed on my head but didn't stay long enough for a picture.
Dragonfly 
Another lovely suspension bridge took me over the Otaki River then a short distance over open ground to Parawai Lodge. A grand name for a walkers hut.
Parawai Lodge 
It was very early but the next possible campsite was at least five hours further on so I decided to stay.

River view
A swim in the river reduced the smell a bit and cleaned off the mud!

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