Not yet used to the reduced daylight hours, we had a mostly dark drive to the north end of the Mt Pirongia track. Daylight arrived soon after, as I headed off alongside a st
ream, then into the bush for a steady climb for a while on a good track, getting rougher as I neared the top. Lovely views from the first 950m peak, then on to Mt Pirongia (959m) and its high viewing platform for an early lunch with views in all directions - some high cloud only.Then on to check out the Pahautea Hut, before turning off down the revised Hihikiwi track. To the Hihikiwi lookout it is on the most amazing boardwalk, which at times is quite high above the forest floor - a bit disconcerting at first - not a place to be distracted and put a foot wrong ! This has been installed recently, and dedicated to Noel Sandford who has played a huge part in getting Te Araroa to where it is today.
After the lookout the track became more standard, working its way onto a ridge heading in the right direction, then following that up and down until finally reaching the southern edge of the Pirongia Forest Park. Finally found some of the famous Pirongia mud on the way - and it hasn't been raining much lately either.
Arrived at the track exit in very good time (5.5 hours), so then went on to the next section of Te Araroa - the Pirongia South Walk - going down mostly very minor country roads with some good views, including a walk on a road through the Te Rauamoa Reserve to finish the day.
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