Te Araroa

Description

Te Araroa is one of the world’s newest long distance trails. Running from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south, the trail covers 3,000 kilometers across the length of New Zealand. The trail is marked by great scenery, an amazing trail community, and hundreds of kilometers of road walking.

I spent my time on Te Araroa on the South Island, an adventure that lasted almost exactly two months. My 58 days of hiking began in the lush coastal rainforests of the Queen Charlotte Track in the north, led me through the stunning mountain scenery of the Richmond Range, the Nelson Track, and the Southern Alps, before depositing me dusty and worn at New Zealand’s most southerly point in Bluff.

The trip was long, challenging, and entirely unforgettable. New Zealand is a wonderful place to hike and I can’t wait to head back.

Stats

Distance (official): 1,286 km/800 miles
Distance (estimated actual): 1,400 km/870 miles
Total Days: 58
Zero Days: 4 (Havelock x2, Twizel, Queenstown)
Resupplies: 13 (Havelock, Nelson, St. Arnaud, Boyle “Village,” Arthur’s Pass, Methven, Twizel, Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Otautau, Colac Bay).