By Max Sakarai-Sarll , 08 August 2026
One weekend, ten trampers gathered for a mission to Otaki, one of the first since the landslide last year. This came at the end of a personal four-weekend streak of non-stop tramping, and as the first time leading a tramp, I considered it a worthy debut not just in tramp leading, but in longer, harder days.
Shitty weather meant I spent much of the walk trying not to get my glasses absolutely soaked so that I could actually see, a decision that unfortunately led me to wander down what I thought was the path multiple times before being told no, it’s the other way. (Damn hunting trails.) Anyway, we made it to the hut with plenty of daylight left, taking care not to take the shortcut down the river (thank you to the participants of the first girl’s trip out there for your sacrifice), I changed and dumped my shit, and immediately shut my eyes. I get up after realizing everyone needs to socialize once in a while, and spend a lovely night playing cards with some of the newer faces. (The word games, on the other hand, were not fun, I am never playing those again, there is no way in HELL I can pay attention at 8 at night after a long day of walking when my brain is fried.)
Anyway, check out this picture of Liam absolutely MOGGING it next to a Jenga stack:
The next day, we rose, I violently shook Liam awake to his semi-shock (I said I would do it Liam!), we get ready (remember to clean the hut next time Max!), and walk back out. Rain was still present but not as bad this time around, and I finished the walk very tired but happy. Overall, an excellent start to leading tramps and I’m looking forward to leading another one (hopefully!) soon.