Last shower for quite some time. If my estimates are correct I'm 9 days from Havelock where there should be facilities and resupply. The plan will be to push through instead of taking a rest day though. Getting real close to the end of the South Island section now. :)
Most of the days walk was on the road. Uneventful, nothing to report. The turn off to the carpark is well signposted though.
The first section is a nice walk. The trail climebs to a ridgeline and follows that back down to what looks like an old homestead. From there it's on a 4WD trail all the way to the hut. A steady, easy climb all the way.
Bumped into two groups on the way. I missed the first couples names but they has a small excitable dog (on a leash) that was cute. They were just out for the day.
The other group was Fiona and Alistair who had just come over from Hacket Hut following the Te Araroa. Fiona was involved with some of the North Island sections, from memory. She mentioned Jeff Chappel again. I really should contact him. I've been told to a couple of times now.
Red Hills Hut is compact. Sleeps 6, has minimal facilities and is quite modern with double glazing and is well positioned to catch the evening sun.
Expecting a chilly morning though.