...was that the orange triangle markers are not specific to the Te Araroa trail. I also learnt that the signage on each side of the D.O.C. track signs can differ.
I found this out after going about 4km off course and getting most of the way to the Aparima Forks Hut before deciding that, according to the map on teh GPS, that this wasn't taking me in the right direction.
On the way back, coming out of the beech forest, I noticed that the sign also had directions on the back. Looking at these it's obvious what direction I should have taken but there was no visible marker in that direction to cause me to consider this as a potential route.
Given how long I'd spent on that I've headed back to the Aparima Hut for the night.
Have stocked up on wood, probably about 4 days worth. Should be dry enough for the next people through.
Just had a visitor. Jason is a music teacher from Melbourne, Australia. He was just passing through on his way to the Aparima Forks Hut. One bit of good news Jason brought was the forecast. Fine for the next 2 days.