The wind and rain had slowed down overnight - I didn’t even get wet on my usual toilet mission in the middle of the night. I have to remember to start packing my glasses on overnighters, as putting on my contact lenses while half asleep isn’t ideal. Even without the fire, the hut had stayed warm and dry. I braced myself as I opened the door, expecting to get whipped in the face with wind and rain. There was a bit of wind and mist, but I managed to stay dry on my quick dash to the bushes.

I had arranged for my parents to pick me up at 3pm at Hot Springs Road in Katikati. The plan was to head north until the Tuahu Track junction and walk out that way - Tuahu Track can be walked from Te Aroha side of the Kaimais too. I figured I would have some mobile coverage by then and I can adjust my pick up time if needed. It usually takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Whakatāne, and more that day because of the summer holiday traffic.

After a quick breakfast and sweep of the hut, I said goodbye to the hut around 7am. The mist pretty much kept me company until I reached the junction - that’s why there are barely any photos. The rain from the day before made it slow going across the narrow sections. I was around 600m.a.s.l. and I bet if the fog had cleared, this would be one of the highlights of this mission.

I did enjoy and very much appreciate the ladders on this tramp - even with helicopters, the terrain would have made it tricky to install these. I’m what you call a scrambler, and it was nice to know that plants didn’t have to die as I crawled my way up (or slid down) on the steepest sections. I do want to come back in better weather so I can see the views I missed out on.

I got to the junction in just over a couple of hours - it was nice to see the sun again! The track sign told me that I was only a couple of hours from Hot Springs Road. I had reception again so I messaged my parents to change the pick up time to much earlier. It would be about lunch time at pick up so I also asked them to bring some food. Thanks mum and dad!

The car park was almost full when I got there around 11.30am, greeted by some roaming chickens. I found a big rock and sat down. It felt so good to get out of my wet socks and boots, wiggling my wrinkly toes in the sunshine. There weren’t any shelters at the car park, and I probably would have moved to the shade if the breeze didn’t keep the temperature down.

I plan to finish the rest of the North-South Track sometime in 2022 - it would be good to see the section between Motutapere Hut and Tuahu Track in better weather, as long as I can fit it into my next four day mission, my knees should be okay. People have also recommended checking out the views at Kauritatahi Hut (765m.a.s.l.), but that could be an overnighter instead. A big shout has to go to the volunteers of the Kaimai Ridgeway Trust who keep the North-South track accessible for most fitness levels and tramping experience. Make sure to check out their website and the Kaimai Tracks and Hut Users Facebook group for up-to-date track conditions and banter.

fivefootronna is Ronna Grace Funtelar - a thirtyish adventurer, graphic designer and writer. A woman with a curious mind who lives for hiking mountains, outdoor adventures and eating pizza. She has a unique brand of optimism that is a combination of her great enthusiasm for life and cups of coffee during the day.