About

• Features

  Te Araroa Trail is a lengthy 3,000-km walking trail from the northern tip of New Zealand all the way down to the southern tip. It passes through a variety of natural settings including national park designated forest, desert, pasture and volcanic mountains. In traversing the entire country from north to south, the trail also showcases the transition from the more heavily populated northern island to the largely untouched parts of the southern island. It incorporates a number of existing trails including the popular Queen Charlotte Track and Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

• History

  New Zealand is a land of outdoor activities and boasts many historical trails. Te Araroa Trail, opened in 2011, is a relatively new addition. The idea of a whole-of-country trail was first floated by mountaineering groups in 1960 but little was done until around 2006, when volunteer groups started working on the track in earnest. Te Araroa Trail combines existing trails with a number of newly constructed routes, including the acclaimed Motatapu Alpine Track.

• Nature

  The forested and mountainous areas of the south island are the natural habitat of the kea, a species of large parrot unique to New Zealand which is currently listed as endangered. Measuring about 50 cm in height, the kea has olive wings that spread out to reveal brilliant orange plumage underneath. It is a playful bird that has been known to make off with personal belongings. Tent campers will not have to worry about wild animals such as bears and wolves, though rats can be a problem for those using the huts along the trail—they will steal any food that is left unprotected overnight.

• Te Araroa Trail is an extended north-south route running the entire length of New Zealand from tip to tip. The words “Te Araroa” mean “long journey” in the Maori language. The trail takes in a wide variety of spectacular natural settings including sweeping pastures, virgin forest, volcanic mountains and farmland. The trail runs from Cape Reinga at the top of the northern island to the township of Bluff at the bottom of the southern island. At a pace of 25 km per day, it takes a total of 120 days or four months to complete. The northern island section of the trail, just over 1,600 km in length, offers stunning views of sandy beaches, densely forested ridges, volcanic mountains and pasture land, while the southern island section, just under 1,400 km, passes through glorious national parks, highland pastures and spectacular mountain passes. As well as providing a wonderful showcase for the diversity of scenic beauty on offer in New Zealand, the trail also takes in countless townships and Maori meeting places (called marae) along the way. If you’re planning to hike the entire trail, it is best to start at the top of the north island toward the end of spring. There are plenty of campsites on the more populated northern island. By the time you reach the south island it will be summer, so snow in the mountains and swollen rivers should not be a concern. The less populated south island has mountain huts for overnight stays. New Zealand is indeed a natural wonderland but is also famed for its unpredictable weather, giving rise to the famous saying “four seasons in one day.” Even in summer, it is not unusual to see a cold front sweeping up from the south pole and turning the rain to snow. Before embarking on a lengthy hike it is important to be well prepared for all weather conditions. The trail passes by a number of Maori meeting places (marae). These typically feature a large, elaborately curved meeting house (the wharenui) with an open space at the front (the marae atea) enclosed by a fence. Marae are used for meetings, celebrations and funerals. You can view them from the fence but, as a first-time visitor (waewae tapu or “sacred feet”), you are not permitted inside without first being formally welcomed via a process known as pohiri. New Zealanders love to walk and hike through the great outdoors, and are highly impressed by anyone prepared to take on the challenging Te Araroa Trail. You are sure to make many new friends as you work your way along the trail route, sharing conversations and maybe even being invited for a meal. Such chance meetings are part of what makes this long trek such a memorable experience. Note: Check local websites for the latest updates.