Search
Close this search box.

HIKE BLOG

TA Day 36, ‘zero day’ Waitomo

What luck to have the run of the spelunker's hut on such an awful day.
What luck to have the run of the spelunker’s hut on such an awful day.

I think I felt so good yesterday because it was the first time I started to really feel my rhythm on this walk. The weather was threatening, but I prepared and went out anyway. I got off trail and decided to move forward and find the trail ahead rather than retrace steps. And for that effort, I was rewarded with a Middle Earth of stunning beauty. I made my own plan along the way and took things as they came. I was perfectly in tune.

This morning, the rain is lightly pattering the alicoop. I’ve decided to take the day off to work on audio and this lovely hut is the ideal location above town and all the touristy stuff.

But it brings to mind one of the frustrations of this very young trail – you can’t just camp anywhere and every day requires some decision-making. Lots of hikers have added their suggestions directly on the map app I use called Guthook and I am so appreciative for their invaluable advice. I will add mine in time.

Tents spring up as the day goes on.
Tents spring up as the day goes on.
A hamburger and local brew at Curly's Bar in Waitomo.
A hamburger and local brew at Curly’s Bar in Waitomo.
The cavers from Kaitaia practice their technique for getting in (and out) of tight spots.
The cavers from Kaitaia practice their technique for getting in (and out) of tight spots.

Tomorrow I’ll need to resupply for a full week and I hope to camp beyond the next town, but that is all weather dependent. It’s a drenching downpour now. Chloe and Vera arrive and have their tents up before this latest squall. The good news is the forecast improves in the coming days – and I move south from this region of damp.

A hamburger, a few local brews, tents growing like mushrooms – one set up by a guy from Croatia who is practically in my vestibule – the students climbing the furniture for caving practice, and the sky at last clearing.

What do they say, pink sky at night, hiker’s delight?

Fingers crossed.

Hoping the sunset over the Hamilton Tomo Hut means clear skies for tomorrow.
Hoping the sunset over the Hamilton Tomo Hut means clear skies for tomorrow.
My ride back from town. Hitchhiking is still very safe in New Zealand.
My ride back from town. Hitchhiking is still very safe in New Zealand.

5 Responses

  1. Hi Alison! I finally got caught up with your diary and I’m really loving it. As someone who has done more than a few hikes here, I am loving the pictures of the roots and mud and reliving the joy and pain of the bush. Thanks for doing this. It’s a great adventure!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Follow in blissful footsteps

Sign up for the newsletter,
and don’t miss a single step!

Follow in blissful footsteps

Sign up for the newsletter,
and don’t miss a single step!