Although a terrible day of rain was forecasted, we woke up to a promising friendly sky. Our hopes turned into reality when the spots of blue expanded and the sun peeked through. Excellent conditions to take a higher alternative route today, the Melina Ridge Track.

Impatient to get there before the clouds, I hiked up in record speed and once again experienced how strong my legs have gotten - they're pretty awesome I must say 😁

The whole day turned out unexpectedly spectacular, with good weather, great views and an adventurous trail. The cherry on top was our beautiful camping spot, right next to a waterfall that made for the best forest shower ever!

Lucky as we were yesterday, today we got the predicted downpour. Packing up soaking wet, we started our muddy river walk. Steep ledges, muddy ascents, slippery rocks: we hiked it all while torrential rain kept on falling. Even so, it was beautiful and the challenge still fun.

While scrambling up a long, steep and muddy trail, the sky began to clear up just before we reached the first real views. Further up, the clouds made way for the sun and we had a very enjoyable afternoon ridgewalk. Climbing up to Breast Hill, we were rewarded with great views of lakes Hawea and Wanaka.

Strong winds tried to blow us off the ridge, but we made it down safely to the modern mountain hut where we'll sleep tonight.

After starting the day with a flat white and a sweet treat, it's time to head back into the mountains. The trail goes along the lakeshore for a while, giving us time to admire the brilliant blue of lake Wanaka surrounded by stunning mountains.

At the next bay, we turn landinwards, following a creek into a forest and then up into the hills. When we arrive at the hut we're the first ones there and nobody joins us later, so we have it all to ourselves!

We woke up before the sandflies, crawling out of our damp sleeping bags to face the cold and dark morning. Time to push ourselves again, we want to make it to Queenstown today!

After a good climb up, we follow a scenic path that slowly descends into Arrowtown, where we have a quick lunch at the famed bakery. The mountainous part of the day is done, but we still have 30 kilometers to go.

We walk in fast pace past lakes and rivers, through suburbs and over roads, until we reach Queenstown and make a beeline for a huge burger. We wolf them down while watching sunset at the lake, then walk to our campsite to pitch our wet tents in the dark.