January 9, 2026
Slaty Hut to Mt Rintoul Hut
TA km marker 1908.5 to 1921.5
Hiked today: 13.0 km. Ascents: 1100m, descents: 1240m

We got up slightly earlier today and were rewarded with a beautiful dawn around the surrounding mountains.

After a quick brekkie, we commenced the ascent on a steep scree slope,  soon summiting our first peak of the day which brought us to a long stretch of ridge walking with breathtaking views to either side. This section was easy walking along a clear path.

As we could see rain clouds approaching, we hastened on through forest where we passed the turnoff to Old Man Hut, then commenced another ascent, first through the forest and then on and up another steep scree path.

Above the treeline, we are walking on rocky ground with tussock grass and low shrubs. Again we were treated with views to the ocean and mountains on either side. It felt like we were on top of the world. Also, we had some phone reception which allowed Rob to check the weather forecast. Despite the forbidding skies, the cloud was not supposed to bring rain today.

Over the top of Little Rintoul Mtn the very steep descent was on loose scree with sections of clambering. I had to drop my poles down parts so that I could use my hands to lower myself safely down the sheer rock sections. Finally, with relief we made it safely to the lowest point where we stopped briefly to have a bite of lunch.

Then, as the cloud was coming over, we commenced the next very steep climb to summit Mt Rintoul. We could only just see the next trail marker as we reached the one before, and there was very light misty rain for a stretch. It would have been another stunning viewpoint but unfortunately we hiked this mountain in cloud. Strong wind gusts threatened to blow me off the top and continued until we were descending, again on a steep sliding shale surface.

Then, we were into forest again but still descending steeply until we reached Rintoul Hut – our end point for today. We are 5th and 6th to arrive at this 6 person hut. All in all, a hard but epic day that we will long remember.