When researching the trail and talking to others, there were definitely sections that got my attention. I survived the Richmond Range, and I knew that Nelson Lakes was another section ‘to survive.’ Side note: little did I know that the trail throws in random shit like a near vertical wall of trees and roots and rocks to climb up and over and along, and not in any of the ‘named’ sections. There is no trust going forward; I finally learned this. Anyways, the hardest part of Nelson Lakes is Waiau Pass. It’s just steep. I was extremely grateful that I was hiking southbound and went up the steep scree, not down it. I passed a Aussie gal in the Richmond’s who said ‘If you can do this and then Waiau Pass, you can do anything.’ I don’t know if she’s right, but I’ll take it. What I haven’t mentioned is, Nelson Lakes NP is beautiful, with the most clear lakes I’ve ever seen. They are cherished by the Māori and swimming in them isn’t allowed due to an invasive algae in other water bodies.

I heard stories of having to ‘rock climb’ down the other side. More exaggeration and fear mongering. It was more hanging onto a rock and sliding down.

After the climb up to and over then down the pass, then an annoyingly long section of large rocks to hop among, the trail turned into an appealing, gentle grassland. I had joined a couple from Bozeman whom I had met on the North Island then caught back up to on the South Island. Bryce and Hannah are a delight; just the best. We hike similar speeds and distances, so we end up around the same places each night and they are very pleasant company.