Day 64: Windy Wellington

December 13, 2019

Kilometers: 1636.2-1673.2

Pukerua Bay Airbnb to Ngaio Trail Angels house 

We woke up to find our Airbnb host leaving for work. She laid out toast and cereal for us before our days hike. We ate as we looked out at the view from the deck. After saying goodbye to ralphie we hit the road. 

Matthew had started walking at 5:30am and was stopped at the dairy near our Airbnb. We met him there at 8:30 and started our hike through suburbia. It began on a path that ran alongside the busy state highway 1. After 6kms the pathway crossed over the highway and began walking next to the train tracks. We crossed a bridge, making our way into Porirua.

We had already cruised through the first 13km and decided to stop for first lunch as it was the last place to buy food for the day. The three of us decided on a bakery with a bunch of options. Ethan and Mathew got fried chicken and fries among other things, such as milkshakes. I got a quiche and a chicken kebab. Ethan and I then headed over to the New World quickly to buy some food for second lunch later in the day. 

The tougher parts of the days hike were yet to come. Immediately following our stop we had to summit Colonial Knob. The trail climbed quickly, with many stair cases taking us up. Although it was only about a 450 meter climb, it was another hot one today. Matthew quickly began to regret the milkshake decision. 

Although the climb was steep it was only a few kms. We got to a viewpoint that gave us a good view of the Wellington suburbs, but the city was still out of view. 

From the viewpoint the trail turned onto a 4WD track, we were still climbing but at a much more gradual incline. As we made our way up we got our first taste of the famous Wellington wind. It pushed us around a little bit but was well worth the views.

We came down off the high point and the trail turned into a road walk. It was about 6kms to the next climb. We sped through the road quite quickly. 

The last climb of the day was Mt Kaukau. As soon as we started walking the wind hit us hard. This was easily the hardest wind we’ve encountered on the trail so far. Honestly, it made what should have been a very enjoyable climb unpleasant. I am totally cool hiking in the pouring rain but I was actually a bit put off by this wind. Every corner we turned it would hit you, there was no leeward side. I didn’t take too many pictures because of it. 

At one point we turned a corner and could see Wellington. The whole trip we’ve been talking about getting to Wellington. Even though it’s just a checkpoint on the journey it meant a whole lot to finally see it. The end of the north island was in sight.

When we saw the city the wind stopped for a bit. It was like nature was giving us a break to take in the accomplishment. I just stood there and looked at it for minutes while the others caught up. It was gorgeous. 

From the top of the mountain it wasn’t far to the trail Angels house, only about 3km. I had reached out to Lois on Facebook the day before and she told us we could set up our tents in her front yard. 

We finished our 37km day and knocked on the door. Lois greeted us and let us know where we could set up our tents. We took showers and walked down the street to grab some Indian food for dinner. We walked back to our tents and were offered beers at the trail Angels house. Kiwi hospitality stays undefeated. 

We went to sleep pretty early. We were exhausted and ready to finish (!) the north island tomorrow. 

-Alex