Towering mountain ranges, surging rivers, and spectacular beaches – this 3,000-kilometre hiking trail has it all.
From the very tip of the North Island down to the southern-most bluff, the Te Araroa trail spans the length of Aotearoa New Zealand, offering one of the world’s most diverse long-distance hikes.
The route showcases the unique beauty of the country’s landscapes and the bustling diversity of its urban centres. Roughly, two thousand walkers make the journey each year, but many more complete sections of it, either as a goal in itself or as part of a commitment to finish the trail a chunk at a time.
To walk the trail in one stretch, usually over four months, hikers need at least a moderate level of fitness and have backcountry hiking experience, with skills in navigation, river crossings, and basic survival.
When it comes to walking Te Araroa, good planning is key. Hikers must register in advance, so they receive support and guidance, up-to-date information, and exclusive benefits from trail partners.
The trail is best tackled north to south, beginning from the top of the North Island at Cape Reinga in late spring. The traverse of the South Island then falls in mid-to-late summer, when the mountain passes are clear of snow and river levels are low. Some of the lowland and urban sections of the trail are safe to walk throughout the year; however, if you are intending to do the entire walk, it is recommended that you keep within the walking window of November to May.
