Jess is a Wanderer arrived at Matapouri Beach where the beginning of the hike to Mermaid Pools begins. The signs warn of the unformed track and steep descents. They also recommend you continue at your own risk. I’m not sure why, but it was at this point I decided that I didn’t need any shoes.

The hike involves a stroll along the beach and then either swimming/wading through the sea or painfully scrambling over rocks to get around the ‘corner’ and beginning the descent. If it’s been raining at all in the last 24 hours then it’s certainly going to be tricky.

The path is super muddy and a rope is in place to help with pulling yourself up or letting yourself down – however, you’ll also be relying on tree branches and vines to get up and down.

Once you arrive at the pools, they’re kind of busy – one of the busiest places I’ve seen so far. That was a bit of a disappointment but it was a cool place to be nonetheless.

The waves coming into the pools are huge and there are warnings of people being washed away – take care and keep an eye out for the big waves crashing in!!

There’s also a cute old armchair which has been placed on top of the rocks so you can get some quirky photos there. All in all, well worth the slippery-sliding effort. But wear shoes.