I woke up earlier than I expected which has been a common theme since I arrived in New Zealand. A group of four from France set off before the sunrise. Their plan was to hike from the Waihohonu Hut all the way back to Whakapapa Village. A total distance of 30 KM. It’s definitely doable but it seems like the ultimate challenge. I hope they finished without any issues.
Surprisingly my muscles were not sore at all. I was tired but my muscles were ready to go the additional 15 KM back to the village. I set off around 8 AM with the intention of getting back to the village by lunchtime.
Thankfully the track was mostly flat. It was a welcome reprieve. The views of both mountains were fantastic as I was walking in the valley between them. There were times when I was all alone. It felt like I was the only person on Earth, a feeling you don’t experience back at home. The walk was quite meditative.
About halfway through I started encountering more people. The last part of this trail is a day hike to Taranaki Falls, a small waterfall in the valley. I had some lunch by the waterfall and rested up for a bit before finishing off the last leg.
As I got over the last hill I could see the village in the distance, no more than a thirty-minute walk away. It was one of those moments that you laugh to yourself because you are so relieved. I was proud of myself. I can’t remember being more proud of myself in recent memory.
This was a challenge of both body and mind. I rallied myself and finished off the track with a smile. Had I made other choices I would be sitting behind a desk reviewing tax extensions at that moment. A feeling of triumph permeated through me. I felt as if I was directing my life in the direction I wanted it to go. There is no better feeling.
When I got back to Whakapapa village I hitched a ride to the hostel. Thankfully someone picked me up quite quickly. I didn’t feel like walking another 3 hours back!
Today I will jump on a bus and head to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. I will only stay overnight. My flight to Queenstown, a small city in the South Island, leaves in the morning tomorrow.