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Route I hiked this day

I departed Waingongoro Hut for a much more leisurely walk than I had the prior evening racing darkness. I headed first to the Dawson Falls area. The waterfall which gave this spot its name fell gracefully and distinctly from a cliff to the rocks below. Afterwards I visited the Wilkies Pools — medium sized puddles of water carved into large boulders in a riverbed. The trails were very well maintained, with ample structures forming steps and bridges to make passage a breeze.

Dawson Falls

I then proceeded up to the Plateau and further to Manganui Ski field. Although clouds obstructed much of the ski area, even the bunny hill appeared extreme. I continued along the mountain’s face, just below the cloud ceiling. Peaks of the upper reaches of Mount Egmont occasionally pierced through the fog. Snow still lay in its depressions and even with good visibility and extra time, I probably could not have climbed to the top. Perhaps another time. I descended the mountain to Maketawa Hut. The track coincided with an access road for a private lodge and communications tower, making a well maintained, although relatively steep, descent.

Cloudy trails

I expected Maketawa Hut to be hopping, but with the poor mountain weather — too little snow for mountaineers, too much for trampers, low visibility for all — I had the hut to myself, save a couple day hikers that took breaks there. A short hiking day settled me into my hut by three. I spent the afternoon relaxing, enjoying the hut, scenery, and reading old newspapers and magazines people left.