Today – 17.3km from Pahautea hut to Trail Angel’s at km 823

Total 823km

Back to the mud! Left the hut after a cruisy breke, the weather was kind of spitting but not really raining.

Headed off towards the Hiwikiwi lookout on a beautiful boardwalk track, with good views back towards the hut.

And then it was down down down and it got muddy! Reports had come through from my friends a few days ahead that it was possibly just as muddy as the Raetea forest, but it wasn’t too bad and not as long for sure.

Had a snack break and a few of the others caught up, and we descended the rest of the way together and enjoyed lunch at the bottom of the track.

There was a sweet stream there that was perfect for washing up and cleaning our boots and socks.

The rest of the afternoon flew by. Some roadwalking amongst lush green hills and farmland.

Was walking with two really nice couples, Ben & Amy [NZ] and Matt & Steph and we all have osprey packs so a squad photo was in order.

A few of us had heard of a trail angel at km 823 so rolled up there and Jon and Casey, a lovely couple welcomed us and we set up camp on their lawn.

They have a gorgeous view of Kawhia and it was a really nice relaxing afternoon to spend there chilling out.

Big dinner and lots of us had a planning session for some upcoming days.

Jon made as all happy campers offering us a couple of cold ones, legend!

Sunset was another stunner.