Day 57. Windy Wellington and the End of the North Island. December 29, 2015.

25.5 km
Mt Kau Kau km 1674.5 to Island Bay Km 1700.

I slept great until 2:30am. The wind started picking up. It got pretty crazy. I had to hang on to my tent pole to keep the tent from blowing over. I am very impressed with my Gossamer Gear V-Stakes. They held strong. I waited for it to get light enough to see. Then I packed up and walked away. It was my most beautiful and memorable campsite on the North Island. And it was my worst night’s sleep. It was worth it. And it gave me a little dose of reality as I get ready to hike across the South Island.

Morning light

Lookout on Mt Kau Kau

I walked down into the neighborhoods of Wellington. I almost skipped the walk thru the Botanical gardens. I should have. The signage wasn’t clear and I spent all my time trying to figure out where to walk instead of looking at the plants.

I needed coffee and kept hoping for a cute neighborhood cafe. That didn’t happen. I finally stopped at Starbucks in the city center. I got some yogurt and fruit at New World Grocery Store and ate it on the waterfront. Brett met me there and it was nice to hear how his last few days have been.

This is the first year the TA has gone thru downtown and along the waterfront. That was a great change.

Mt Victoria was next.

I never saw the movie so didn't feel the need to check this out.

Then Mt Albert.

And finally Island Bay and the end of the North Island.

Hurricane who I know from the American trails met me there. He had Brett with him and drove us to his lovely home in Eastbourne. He and his wife Liz cooked us a great dinner. Previously I had only talked to Hurricane on 2 occasions for a total of about 30 minutes. We know so many of the same hikers and have hiked so many of the same miles. It was nice to get to know him better. I owe Shroomer a big thanks for making this happen.