Day 117 | Waitewaewae Hut
7 February 2023 | 20°C | 12km
Six hours for just 10 km to the next hut. While eating breakfast, I’m still considering starting the next big climb after the next hut today, but I quickly drop that idea.
Everything starts off smoothly, with the trail in good condition and even the sun making an appearance.
But then, suddenly, there’s a sign indicating a turn off the relatively even track towards Waitewaiwai Hut. This must be the detour someone mentioned, I think. From there, it’s all fallen trees, mud, roots, and steep steps. Progress becomes painfully slow. After a mentally exhausting six hours, I finally reach the hut around 3 p.m. There’s no way I’m continuing today.
Fortunately, a lovely trail family is already at the hut. We all head to the river for a swim and a wash, have dinner, and play some games. A happy ending!
