Day 51. Tararuas. December 23, 2015.

18 km
Gladstone Rd km 1538 to Te Matawai Hut km 1556.

I woke up to blue skies. Yay! John from Makahika Outdoor Pursuits recommended taking the Gables End Track instead of the Te Araroa. We would miss one hut but this way was supposed to be faster but more importantly have more and better views. Alex and Helen had already left when the rest of us decided to go this way.

Of course the day started with a short farm track and unavoidable mud and cow poop puddles. But look at that sky!

I saw a hunter walking down the track after a very successful morning.

I could see the hut I missed from the trail I took. What a spectacular setting. 

After comparing experiences I think the TA would have been the better way to go. I still got some great views. And yes, there was lots of mud but I think I am getting used to it.

Te Matawai Hut is a sixteen person hut.

Chris that was with us on the Whanganui River is here. Plus 2 French guys I haven’t met before, Matts and Clement. Charley, Elke, Brett, Alex, Helen, Nathan, Nils and me.

From the hut we can see the first climb of tomorrow.

We have a wonderful fire going.

And outside it is still beautiful and close to a full moon.