Day 59 - Te Matawai Hut

I was the only one who slept at Tokumaru last night. Surprising considering I passed 12 hikers yesterday, none of them went as far. Most people go to the town of Levin on day 2 to do a resupply, because carrying a week worth of food is too difficult I guess. I set off alone. I hoped to enter the Tararuas today and get to the first hut, but it would be a big day. 

In the morning on top of a mini mountain I met my first proper NOBO hiker, Trent, coming from Bluff. He has been hiking from Nov 10, similar to me but in the opposite direction. 

11am photo. After descending into the valley below I walked along and across a very scenic stream. Throughly enjoyed this section. 

Out of this forest section I ran into a motorcyclist who approached me. An older gentleman who I suspect had short term memory loss problems. Our conversations kept going in circles. He would catch me up to continue talking whenever I got an opportunity to walk on. He was very kind but didn’t seem to get the hint that I really needed to be moving. He even went to the trail head and tried to walk with me (he had to run to keep up). Offering me advice and saying I could stay at his place nearby. A friendly but oblivious man. 

Now I’m in the Tararuas proper. Very steep climbs ahead of me. But I was excited for a proper multi day tramping trek. 

The tree trunks of NZ. Where there is light there is plants. 

As I went up in elevation a got past the tree line and got some stunning view of the surrounding mountains. Felt like Jurassic park. 

I reached my goal of the day, Te Matawai Hut, after a good days effort. Lots of people here tonight. At least 25 people in an 18 bunk hut. I slept on the kitchen floor. But there was lots of familiar faces. So it was a very welcoming atmosphere, and I caught up with some walker friends I haven’t seen in a while. 

Some 37km and over 2km of vertical ascent. 12hr hiking time. One of my most challenging days yet.