Sunday 3 December – The walk from Telford Burn started with a steep climb up to the Telford Ridge Tops in mist and drizzle.

I could see the markers well enough but missed out on the spectacular views from 1024m as I was walking above the clouds.

I dropped down into the Takitimu forest which had quite a few beech trees down and bits of branches littering the forest floor.

I stopped for lunch at the Lower Wairaki Hut (very cute – forgot to photograph!).

I reached Aparima Hut around 8.30pm – having taken 12 hours and 40 minutes to cover 19.4km (with lots of breaks!).