New Zealand — Wellington
New Zealand's Te Araroa Trail is a 3000km geographic odyssey from Cape Reinga to Bluff. This demanding, multi-month walk traverses the nation's full spectrum of landscapes, from Ninety Mile Beach's salt-sprayed horizons to rugged South Island shores. Immerse yourself in diverse terrain, from ancient forests to alpine ridges, on this profound national pathway.
Distance: 3000.0 km
Elevation Gain: 80000 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 3-6 months
Te Araroa, translated from Māori as "The Long Pathway," is New Zealand's ultimate geographic odyssey—a 3,000-kilometre continuous tramping route stretching from the windswept northern tip of the North Island at Cape Reinga to the rugged southern shores of the South Island at Bluff. This is not merely a hike; it is a profound cultural and environmental immersion that traverses the full spectrum of the New Zealand landscape. From the endless salt-sprayed horizons of Ninety Mile Beach and the ancient, humid kauri forests of Northland to the volcanic plateaus of the central North Island and the formidable, glaciated peaks of the Southern Alps, Te Araroa offers a diversity of terrain unmatched by almost any other thru-hike on Earth.
Unlike many international long-distance trails that remain strictly in the wilderness, Te Araroa is designed to connect New Zealand's people and its land. The route weaves through bustling metropolitan centres like Auckland and Wellington, crosses private farmland with the generous permission of local "kiwi" farmers, and navigates remote backcountry where the only signs of civilisation are the iconic orange trail markers and the Department of Conservation (DOC) huts. It is a journey of immense physical challenge, requiring three to six months of sustained effort, navigating everything from muddy forest tracks and river crossings to high-alpine passes and even a multi-day canoe journey down the Whanganui River. For those who undertake the full journey, Te Araroa becomes a transformative experience, revealing the true soul of Aotearoa.
Te Araroa is a trail of two distinct halves, each offering a unique set of challenges and rewards. The North Island (approx. 1,600 km) is characterised by its coastal marches, dense subtropical forests, and significant road walking sections that connect various wilderness blocks. It is a test of mental fortitude and physical resilience against the infamous "Northland mud" and the repetitive nature of road walking. However, it also provides the most cultural interaction, passing through small rural towns where the hospitality of "Trail Angels" often becomes the highlight of the journey. The North Island also features the unique Whanganui River section, where trampers trade their boots for paddles for a 3-to-5-day river journey through deep siltstone canyons.
The South Island (approx. 1,400 km) is the rugged, alpine heart of the trail. Here, the scenery shifts to dramatic mountain ranges, wide braided river valleys, and vast tussock-covered high country. The South Island is significantly more remote and demanding, with fewer towns and longer stretches between resupply points. Trampers must navigate the technical Richmond Range, the stunning Nelson Lakes National Park, and the high-altitude passes of the Southern Alps. The weather in the South Island is notoriously fickle; even in mid-summer, snow can fall on the higher passes, and rivers can rise to impassable levels within hours of heavy rain. This section requires advanced backcountry skills, including river crossing techniques and alpine navigation.
The trail is managed by the Te Araroa Trust in partnership with the Department of Conservation. It is a relatively young trail, having officially opened in 2011, and it continues to evolve. New track sections are regularly built to move the trail off roads and into the bush, meaning the experience changes slightly every year. Whether you are a "thru-hiker" attempting the entire length in one season or a "section-hiker" tackling it piece by piece over several years, Te Araroa demands respect, careful planning, and an adventurous spirit. It is a journey that showcases the geological birth of a nation and the enduring spirit of its people.
The concept of a continuous trail spanning the length of New Zealand was first proposed in the 1970s, but it remained a distant dream until the mid-1990s. The primary architect of the modern trail was Geoff Chapple, a journalist and author who founded the Te Araroa Trust in 1994. Chapple's vision was to create a "long pathway" that would allow New Zealanders and international visitors to walk the length of the country, connecting existing tracks with new sections to form a single, unbroken line. In 1998, Chapple walked the proposed route himself to prove its viability and to raise public awareness. His journey, documented in his book "Te Araroa," sparked national interest and began the long process of negotiating access with private landowners and government agencies.
The trail was officially opened on 3 December 2011, after seventeen years of dedicated work by hundreds of volunteers, regional trusts, and the Department of Conservation. The opening ceremony was held at Waitangi, a site of immense historical significance where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. This choice of location underscored the trail's role as a cultural bridge. The name "Te Araroa" was gifted by Māori, reflecting the ancient tradition of "ara" (paths) that Māori used for centuries to travel for trade, warfare, and the gathering of resources like pounamu (greenstone). Many sections of the modern trail follow these ancestral routes, particularly in the North Island and the mountain passes of the South Island.
Today, Te Araroa is more than just a recreational asset; it is a living monument to New Zealand's commitment to public access and conservation. The trail crosses the traditional lands of many iwi (tribes), and walkers are encouraged to learn about the local history and spiritual significance of the areas they traverse. The "Trail Angel" phenomenon—where locals provide food, water, or a place to sleep—has become a cornerstone of the Te Araroa culture, embodying the Māori concept of "manaakitanga" (hospitality and care for others). As the trail matures, it continues to foster a deep connection between the people of New Zealand and the diverse landscapes they call home.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
Timing is the most critical factor for a successful Te Araroa journey. New Zealand's maritime climate is highly unpredictable, and the trail spans nearly 13 degrees of latitude, meaning conditions vary wildly from north to south. Most walkers choose the Southbound (SOBO) direction, starting at Cape Reinga in late September or October. This allows them to walk through the North Island during the spring and early summer, reaching the more challenging South Island in the height of summer (January/February) when the mountain passes are most likely to be clear of snow and the river levels are generally lower.
Northbound (NOBO) walkers typically start at Bluff in December or January. This direction is often chosen by those who want to tackle the rugged South Island first while they are fresh, or by those who have been delayed in their start. However, NOBO walkers must be mindful of the "winter window" in the North Island; if they are too slow, they may find themselves in the muddy forests of Northland during the wet autumn months of May and June. Regardless of direction, the "sweet spot" for being in the high country of the South Island is between January and March. Outside of this window, the risk of heavy snow and freezing temperatures on the passes increases significantly.
Weather in New Zealand can change with startling speed. A "southerly buster" can bring Antarctic air and snow to the South Island even in mid-summer, while tropical cyclones can bring torrential rain and flooding to the North Island. The North Island is generally warmer but can be extremely humid, leading to heat exhaustion on road sections and slippery, muddy conditions in the forests. The South Island is drier but much colder, with high UV levels that can cause severe sunburn even on overcast days. Trampers must be prepared for "four seasons in one day" and should never underestimate the power of the New Zealand elements. Monitoring the MetService mountain forecasts and being prepared to wait out bad weather in a hut or town is a vital skill for any Te Araroa walker.
Region 1: Northland (Cape Reinga to Auckland)
Region 2: Auckland and Waikato (Auckland to Te Kuiti)
Region 3: Central North Island (Te Kuiti to Wanganui)
Region 4: Lower North Island (Wanganui to Wellington)
Region 5: Nelson Lakes and Richmond Range (Picton to Hanmer Springs)
Region 6: Canterbury (Hanmer Springs to Tekapo)
Region 7: Otago (Tekapo to Queenstown)
Region 8: Southland (Queenstown to Bluff)
Important Notes:
Planning for Te Araroa is a monumental task that should begin at least six months before your start date. The first step is to register with the Te Araroa Trust on their official website. While there is no mandatory fee to walk the trail, a donation (suggested NZ$500 for thru-hikers) is vital for the trail's maintenance and future development. Registration also provides you with the latest trail alerts and safety information. Physical preparation is equally important; you don't need to be an elite athlete, but you should have a solid base of hiking fitness and experience with multi-day trips in varied terrain. Many walkers find that their "trail legs" develop over the first few weeks in Northland, but starting with a good level of core strength and cardiovascular fitness will prevent early injuries.
Logistics involve deciding on your direction (SOBO or NOBO), arranging transport to the trailhead (Cape Reinga or Bluff), and planning your resupply strategy. Most walkers use a combination of buying food in towns and sending "bounce boxes" or resupply packages to remote locations where shops are limited (e.g., St Arnaud, Arthur's Pass). You will also need to coordinate the Whanganui River journey, which requires booking a canoe or kayak with an authorised operator several months in advance, especially for the peak season in January and February.
Accommodation on Te Araroa is a mix of Department of Conservation (DOC) huts, commercial campsites, holiday parks, hostels (backpackers), and the occasional "Trail Angel" stay. In the backcountry, the DOC hut network is the backbone of the trail. These huts vary from basic 4-bunk shelters to large 20+ bunk facilities with wood fires and rain-fed water tanks.
Hut and Camping Requirements:
Te Araroa does not require a single "permit" in the traditional sense, but there are several registrations and passes that are essential for a legal and supported journey. The most important is the Te Araroa Trust Registration, which should be completed online before you start. This helps the Trust track walker numbers and advocate for trail funding.
Key Permits and Passes:
International Visitors: Ensure you have the correct visa for a 3–6 month stay. Most international hikers use a Visitor Visa or a Working Holiday Visa. You must also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) when you apply for your visa or NZeTA.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Te Araroa Trail (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Te Araroa Trail, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
New Zealand is a world-class tourism destination, and many walkers take "zero days" (rest days) to experience the local attractions:
River Crossings: This is the single greatest hazard on Te Araroa. New Zealand rivers are "braided" and can rise with terrifying speed during rain. More trampers die in New Zealand rivers than from any other cause. The rule is simple: if in doubt, stay out. Learn the "mutual support" crossing technique, but never attempt a crossing if the water is discoloured, moving faster than a walking pace, or if you can hear boulders rolling on the riverbed. The Rakaia and Rangitata rivers in the South Island are considered too dangerous to cross on foot and must be bypassed by vehicle.
Weather and Hypothermia: New Zealand's weather is maritime and volatile. Hypothermia is a year-round risk, even in summer. Always carry a high-quality waterproof jacket and warm merino layers. If you get wet and the wind picks up, your body temperature can drop rapidly. Know the signs of hypothermia (the "umbles": stumbles, mumbles, fumbles) and be prepared to stop, pitch your tent, and get into your sleeping bag immediately.
Navigation and PLBs: While the trail is generally well-marked with orange triangles, markers can be lost in floods, snow, or thick forest. Always have a GPS-enabled map (like FarOut) and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). In the event of a life-threatening emergency, a PLB is your only reliable way to signal for help in the vast areas of New Zealand that have no mobile coverage.
Kauri Dieback: In the North Island, the ancient kauri trees are threatened by a soil-borne pathogen. You must use the cleaning stations provided at forest entries and exits to scrub all soil off your boots and gear. Failure to do so can kill these 2,000-year-old giants.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing: While the Te Araroa route follows the lower slopes, almost every walker takes the side trip to complete the full Alpine Crossing. It is widely considered the best one-day walk in New Zealand, featuring emerald lakes, steaming vents, and the perfect volcanic cone of Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom).
Blue Lake (Rotomairewhenua): Located in Nelson Lakes National Park, this lake has the clearest natural fresh water in the world, with visibility up to 80 metres. It is a sacred site to local Māori, so you must not touch or enter the water, but the view from the shore is ethereal.
Breast Hill: The climb out of Lake Hawea in Otago is one of the steepest on the trail, but the reward is a panoramic view of the Southern Alps and the deep blue waters of the lake that many consider the finest view of the entire 3,000 km journey.
The Forgotten World Highway: A section of the trail in the Taranaki/Manawatu region that passes through the "Republic of Whangamomona," a quirky town that declared independence in 1989. It's a great place to get your "passport" stamped and enjoy a pub meal.
New Zealand's wilderness is pristine but fragile. With the increasing popularity of Te Araroa, the "Leave No Trace" principles are more important than ever to ensure the trail remains sustainable. The Te Araroa Trust and DOC take these principles very seriously.
The Seven Principles on Te Araroa:
