This is one of the most demanding walks I have done, but I do like a good challenge, so I enjoyed it. The challenges came from the constant climbing up and down along the ridge lines. It also rained, so it was muddy and slippery. Thank god for chains to pull yourself up with, otherwise I would have never gotten up some of the slippery slopes. I also did this hike solo, so I found that a bit scary at times. The hike is rated advanced by DOC and I do agree with this.
I was supposed to do this hike with my mate Bevan, but he pulled out at the last minute and I had to decide whether to do it by myself or not. I ended up deciding to just go for it. I felt nervous, as I had never done a overnight hike before by myself. But knew I would be ok, as I had a fly, PLB(personal locator beacon) and cell phone reception sometimes.
I made it to the hut, it took me 5 hours. I took my time as I wanted to enjoy it and not rush it.
It rained heavily, and I got pretty soaked, but I had a good rain jacket so was happy about that. I walked the Tirohanga track which started from Corogan road. It said it would take 4-6 hours. It is the steepest but shortest route up.
When I arrived to the hut it was filled with girls high school students. I was like a bit gutted, as I was wanting a peaceful night away. Oh well. One of the teachers told me that the wardens hut wasn’t being used and if I wanted to I should stay in there, so I thought that’s a great idea. So I ended up having the wardens hut to myself, so stoked.
Two girls were staying in the main hut with NO sleeping bag, food, or warm clothes. They had done a day hike to the hut, but when they decided to return they realised they would be walking the last part of the hike in the dark and they had no torches. The teachers from girls high had suggested they stay in the hut as this was safer than walking back. I gave them my sleeping bag inner to use for the night I thought that’s better than no warmth. The other gave them some food. Crazy, I thought, for even a day hike you need to be prepared, and these girls were not.
They had their tent set up back at Kaniwhaniwha camp. 4-6 hours away and they arrived at the hut at 5.30pm and it gets dark at 9pm.
I’ve always been super afraid to hike by myself to a hut overnight in case of the following reasons: – I roll my ankle – I get lost – The hut is full with undesirable people.
All these thoughts go through my mind but I put them all aside and give myself a pep talk “You will be fine, do it, it’s better to explore than stay at home and do nothing”, and off I went. It turned out perfect. I was fine but I do prefer to go to huts with someone else compared to by myself. It’s more fun and cool to have the experience with someone else.
Top tips for the hike:
- Bring hiking poles, they’re so helpful as you climb up and down, they were lifesavers
- Have a good base level of fitness as this is an advanced track
- Bring heaps of warm layers, it is cold up there and can be pretty warm near the base so it is a cold place to stay the night