TA Day 78

TA Day 78: Thursday 6 March 2025

Otumaire Freedom Camping - Pipiriki

In the morning we met the other hiker, a man named Kiyogato who was also hiking NOBO. Kim recognised his name from the hut books, and now we would likely rubberband with him as well, not only Lulu and Jules.

We started last of everyone today again, but we passed Kiyo after some time, and when we 16 km later reached Matahiwi Cafe, we also caught up to Lulu and Jules here.

When we had hiked on the road, a car had stopped and informed us that there was free lemonade and soup there for TA hikers. The others had been told the same, so of course all of us stopped to have that. We also got a thick shake and a pie.

It took some time before we got our soup, which in a way was nice - we got a longer break! We left from the cafe last of all hikers, and the weather continued to be nice as we followed the river along the road.

We talked and listened to podcasts all day, and when we arrived at the campground in Pipiriki, all the others were already there and had even made a "NOBO table" for us all. So we joined them and had a nice dinner (chicken/avocado wraps etc). We also bought an ice cream from the reception 😋 Then had a super nice shower, but it was a bit hard to leave it and actually go to bed 🙈

Today's:

Distance: 39.15 km

Ascent: 628 m

Descent: 562 m

Tent nights: 45/78

Weather: Cloudy morning, then sunny