Kōhukohunui

I hike 35 kilometres along the Mangatāwhiri Ridge track to Kōhukohunui and back over the Upper Mangatāwhiri Track.

I left home around 0500, started hiking a bit after 0600, by head torch until the first vestiges of sunrise lightened Lilburne Road enough to stow the lamp.

It’s a beautiful day, quite in contrast to the fog and rain of my last attempt. The track has clearly been recut recently – for an off-road ultra I learn back at the carpark – meaning the fungi are fewer and smaller, but marvellous nonetheless.

I disturb kākā | bush parrot early on the hike, and as I turn onto Rata Ridge Track from Piggotts Hut and the sun nears the horizon, kōkako | blue-wattled crow serenade me. They continue all the way to Kōhukohunui. I’m gifted one fleeting glance of two birds as they fly/leap between tawa trees.

So special!

Kōhukohunui has spectacular views in all directions. The Firth of Thames is fogged over as is the Waitematā, but given the view last time I ascended (ie. two metres of visibility) I’m chuffed.

By the time I’m back at the car I’ve walked 35.26 kilometres, ascended 1,316 metres, tracked 37,844 steps, taken around 1,000 photos, and invested 9 hours and 24 minutes in some awesome adventuring.