Te Araroa – Day 40

Mid Wairoa Hut to Red Hills Hut

22 miles

Mile 1190.0

I spent my morning following a river up the mountain. The water was low, so the going was easy, but I could imagine this section being treacherous after heavy rain.

When I reached Top Wairoa Hut the terrain changed drastically.

I climbed through almost desert like flora over red hills and fields of rocks.

After I’d climbed to the top of the mountain I followed its ridge around it to find the valley below choked with smoke.

Fortunately the trail led me down and away from the source of the smoke.

I topped off my water at Hunters Hut before beginning a new ascent.

I enjoyed this new terrain immensely. It reminded me a bit of home.

From Porters Hut, I cranked out the final four miles, stopping once to bath in a swimming hole before pushing on to Red Hills Hut.

I had two surprises when I arrived. First, the water tank was empty, forcing me to back track half a mile to fill up at a stream. Annoying. Second, there was only one other hiker there, so I’d finally get to sleep inside! I spent the evening chatting with Vera, a pleasant girl from the Netherlands.

Cheers!