TA Day 70: Wednesday 26 February 2025

Te Matawai Hut - Junction Poads Rd / Gladstone Rd

Hearing the rain when we woke up this morning didn't make us very excited to leave. But after waving goodbye to the Australian SOBO we got going. We were soon wet. Both from rain, and wet from sweat.

And the trail was like yesterday, with so many ups and downs. Pretty, but slow going. The thought of a warm shower at the end of the day kept us going.

After what felt like forever we reached Waiupehu hut. Here we had planned to eat lunch. Outside the hut were two pair of shoes that we recognized. It was Lulu and Jules! They had decided to have a zero day in the hut, and it was so nice seeing them again. Another NOBO named Pedro was there too. He was also planning to go to town, to Levin, today.

When we finally managed to leave the hut, the terrain finally got easier. Still slow, but more boardwalks, mostly downhill and just generally a bit better. The rain also calmed down somewhat.

When we reached Poads Road we messaged the Trail Angel, Lynette, that we had been in touch with earlier before leaving Waikanae. In just a few minutes she was there to pick us up, and we left the trail at the junction between Poads Road and Gladstone Road. On the way towards Lynette's home, and our home for the night, we stopped at New World for a quick resupply.

Once we got to her place, we took a shower. So nice! After the shower we were invited over for food, and got chicken salad and bread ❤️

Then we headed over to the very cute and cozy little sleepout where we were staying the night.

We repacked all the food, in a very tired state, then we could finally go to bed.

Today's:

Distance: 18.83 km

Ascent: 1528 m

Descent: 2306 m

Tent nights: 41/70

Weather: Rain