Because we stopped early at the Lower Wairaki hut, we needed to hike 13 hours to get to a private hut. The DOC signs say 8 hours for the next part, over a small mountain and down to the campsite we were shooting for the day before, but the trail notes say 4 hours. then another 8-9 hours of private farm where there is no option of stopping and camping anywhere. So once we start, we have to keep going. The forecast said clear early, but rain coming in later.
The first part was 500 m of gain over just a couple km, far from brutal, but it was very humid and sweaty. Just after the top we were lucky to grab some cloudy views before the clouds came in full force.
Jayden and I got to the campsite at 10:30, at lunch (mostly because that would be the last good water source of the day), and were walking again by 11:00. Holger left the hut after us.
The rain started shortly after we left the campsite. From there it was all rain and mud and cow shit. My rain shell basically soaked through, or I was sweating enough that I was just wet anyway. The track had lots of little ups and downs. We caught up with Brad and Lisa 🇳🇿 and passed them on one of the small breaks. None of us were taking big breaks, between the weather and not many great places to hang out it was easier to just snack and walk for the most part and take little breaks to give out shoulders a rest from carrying the packs.
We finally got to the road around 6, which was shorter than the expected time (go us!). The Birchwood hut is a private hut and there were already plenty of hikers there. We grabbed beds (optionally we could have camped, but with the rain…), including one for Holger, they had beer and pizza available for purchase (yes please!) and hot showers. It wasn’t a fancy hut but I sure enjoyed the perks!