Hiking in the high security wing

In Pukeatua we make a stop at the Sanctuary Mountain - Maungatautari. A huge nature reserve, surrounded by a 47km long high-security fence. We register at the office and ask for directions. There are two different ones. One is a normal hiking trail and the other, according to the descriptions, is almost unwalkable. Very slippery, challenging and we are advised not to take it under any circumstances. The weather is also a bit worrying for people here, it's windy and we promise to turn back if it gets worse. We love a challenge and hate running up and down the same path. So we decide to walk up the difficult path and back down the easy one. In the end, the path was strenuous, but not quite as challenging as the last hike. Despite the good signage, at the summit/viewpoint we are not entirely sure whether we are really there and so it takes a while until we find the right path again. It starts to rain lightly and we go back down the normal route. Out of the forest we are greeted by very strong winds, perfect timing. We continue straight to Napier as a stopover on the way to Wellington.