Start – Mangaturuturu Hut
Finish – Whakapapaiti Hut
Daily Distance – 11 km
TA Distance – off-trail
Unfortunately yesterday’s sun has proven to be an aberration and we’re back to rain again today. The glass
half full interpretation is that this was probably the least spectacular Round the Mountain section, so I
wasn’t missing too much. Given the heavy rain I have also gotten in plenty of stream crossing practice,
which will be useful in the coming months. The worst was fortunately only top of knee height as much
higher and I would have had to turn back. They were all numbingly cold though and not to be lingered in.
I did meet a young guy by the trail name of Blondie today who is walking the whole TA trail in sandals,
so I won’t moan about cold feet too much. He was, however, also wearing a pair of bright yellow shorts,
which were one high step away from a public indecency charge, so he may not be the most reliable
person to turn to for sartorial advice.
Tomorrow I leave the Round the Mountain trail and head for National Park Village and my bus South. At
least, that’s the plan. If the rain continues I may have to take a long detour or be trapped here. There’s a
river crossing a short distance down the trail, which may become impassable if water levels rise further.
While I have enjoyed this alpine excursion in parts, I am impatient to get back on the TA trail. In all
honesty I am tired of North island walking now and feel ready to find out what the South has to offer. I
am looking forward to seeing Wellington over the next few days though. I have given myself 2 1/2 days
to get the tent fixed, which will hopefully leave plenty of time to explore before I head North to tackle the
Tararua ranges.
The weather precluded taking many photos today, but the ones below show tonight’s hut, which is pretty
typical of the ones on this trail.
Addendum
It has turned into a sunny, if cold, evening. It is looking increasingly like I will have the hut to myself
tonight, but with a porch and a great view of Mt Ruapehu topped with the last light of day I am content. I
have perhaps been guilty of giving too little credit to this trail. It is a wonderfully quiet alternative to the
busy Northern circuit great walk. On the occasional times the mountains choose to show themselves it is
phenomenally beautiful too. I guess I have become spoilt by all the fine weather I have experienced up
until now. To be in such a beautiful place and not see it at its best is frustrating, but all part of life I guess.
