Te Araroa

Because of their unique distinctions, it’s best to describe the trail in two sections: divided by island. Due to the trail’s young age, the exact path is still evolving and under construction. Each year the route will change a little and you will still encounter some road walks. Most trampers (this is what hikers are called in NZ) walk it SOBO (southbound: from north to south).

The North Island is mostly coastal and goes through a lot of developed areas. Beaches, villages, sheep pastures, and cities. You’ll encounter the indigenous Maori culture and heritage and also the most populated parts of the country. On the plus side, resupply is easier and contact with locals is very welcoming. On the other side, you’ll have quite a few long stretches to walk on the road. If you’re not a thru-hiking purist, you can skip them by hitchhiking. Kiwis (slang for New Zealanders) are very helpful and kind.

The South Island is an entirely different story. The island is far more remote and you’ll have to plan resupply and send food boxes to various places along the way. The trail is more isolated, and mountainous, and can be exhausting at times. All of this is well balanced with amazing views, nice little huts, and crazy river crossings.

Therefore, some people choose only to walk the 1300 kilometers of the South Island while others start the South Island section with already 1700 kilometers of training crossing the North Island.

Both islands have much to offer, just different offerings. If you’re looking to see a holistic view of New Zealand’s culture and people, then you may enjoy hiking both islands. If you’re in it just for solitude and quiet outside, the South Island may be the section you choose to focus on. Either way, there’s something for everyone on the Te Araroa.

If you are hiking the Te Araroa SOBO, you’ll want to start around October-November right after the end of the rain and lambing season, so that you can reach the end of the trail before winter returns at the end of March. NOBOs usually start at the beginning of January when the southern Alps are snow-free. New Zealand is known to have a lot of weather variations so you might get all 4 seasons in a day sometimes.

Keep in mind that the weather in the high mountains can change rapidly, and it’s important to be prepared for all conditions, including rain or snow. Always check trail conditions and local weather forecasts before starting a high-alpine hike. Additionally, consider your hiking experience and skill level, as some trails in the Tararuas and the Southern Alps can be challenging and require proper equipment and experience.

While walking the south island, it is a good idea to carry a personal locator beacon or satellite messenger, as mobile coverage is not available everywhere. Additionally, you will want to make sure you have the GPX files for the trail downloaded offline so you can access them at any time.

Be aware that not all rivers have bridges, so it might be necessary to wait for the water levels to go down after a rainy episode. River crossings can be challenging, so be careful. When in doubt, wait for other trampers to get help crossing or find an alternative route.

Packing for a thru-hike can be a challenging task, so you may find a gear list like this helpful for inspiration for what to pack. The North and South Islands are two different experiences, and you may need to change what you carry based on how you plan to complete each section.

Finally, taking a first aid course or wilderness first aid course before starting a thru-hike like this is always a good idea. Arm yourself with the knowledge to be able to help yourself and others in times of emergency, and you’ll be more confident going into the backcountry.