Pirongia Traverse

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Day Eight: Up Mt Pirongia (approximately 11km)


Today was an exciting day. Also one that brought me a little apprehension. After the luxury of staying with Scott and Rachel in Auckland and then with Evan and Linda in Hamilton and them very kindly shuttling us to do a few day walks, we are now on our own! It is us and our full packs until we get to Levin. Eek!!!  This is it! We are well and truly on our way now! 

Linda joined us for the first couple of hours. During that time she quickly sold me on the benefits of using the walking poles all the time. I am now a massive convert. The poles and I have become very good friends very quickly.  





After a sad goodbye to Linda we carried onwards and upwards to the summit (circa 900m). We had great weather and fantastic views. 












We then walked down for about 20 minutes to the fancy new DOC hut. As it was a Sunday night there was only one other group of two sleeping in there so we got a room to ourselves! Luxury!! 


Some interesting light as the sunset too. 





Day Nine: Down Mt Pirongia to Kaimango Road (approximately 17km)


Gosh it was a tough track going down! Mud, mud and more glorious mud! Boggy, rooty (not sure that is a word but you know what I mean) and more up than I would have liked for a decent but we made it down. 











 Then it was a bit of road walking to reach the house of Casey and Jon - our first “Trail Angels” who very kindly let us camp on the garden.  Not only that but we got to have a shower and use of a kettle. Casey also gave us some treats: oranges (vitamin C), fresh laid eggs (protein) and chocolate (all round essential food). 







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