Hillary Trail Tag lll + lV

After getting up early, we were immediately allowed to cross a small river by refreshing cold water at the beginning. Shortly afterwards, we reached a kilometer-long black sand beach. On one side, the mountains from which we came, on the other side, the sound of the big waves. So we hiked along the beach together until sunrise, no other person in sight. After the beach section, we climbed mountain ridges again, which led us past inaccessible bays surrounded by cliffs. With further magnificent views, we descended, past a waterfall where we couldn't resist cooling off for a short while. On our way, we arrived in Piha, where we met a German work and traveler in the only shop around, who was earning some extra money as a waitress there over the summer. There we stocked up on water and had a feast for dinner: sausages with rice and tomato sauce! In Piha, we also visited the beach with Lionsrock before we started the ascent to our third camp. When we arrived there, we noticed that there were fewer and fewer people hiking with us, as we had the whole campsite to ourselves. Third day: 23km and 900Hm.

After the last good night all alone at our private campsite (which we then shared with local animals making squeaking and strange noises, calling one after the other and definitely wondering about our tent), and after being awakened by the sound of the sea, we started our last hiking route at 6:30 a.m. Since rain was forecast for the afternoon, we wanted to arrive in Auckland beforehand. On one side, the steep coast and the sea, on the other side, the dawn, we set off. Through the jungle, on narrow paths, countless steps, we treaded the last mountains and thus the last stage towards Swanson. From there, the train took us to Auckland. Arriving happily at the hostel, it started raining immediately. That's what you call perfect timing! Fourth day: 21km and 900Hm.

Conclusion: 85km and 3300Hm in 27 hours of pure hiking time.