Intro
We visited New Zealand for the first time during our world trip in 2008. Due to the time available, we only traveled to the North Island.In addition to our time with the campervan, we hiked the 5 days "Round the Mountain Track" and we loved it.
Most of the time we were pretty much alone and shared the huts with a german couple.
In 2011 we read about Te Araroa in an outdoor magazine for the first time. The trail was officially launched that year.
We quickly realized that we would love to do this adventure. The only question was when...
Well, 2017 was the year... After an intensive time in our jobs, we had a lot of overtime to compensate.
A perfect time to realize our dream... Decision was made...
Since it was our first through hike, the respect for the adventure was great.
We read a lot about possible dangers: hypothermia, river crossings, ...
We planned a lot: dangerous sections, navigation, handling of bounce boxes and resupply boxes, ...
We had intensive discussions about our gear: Hiking shoes vs. trail running shoes, ...
The only thing we didn't take seriously was the weight of our gear, well...
North Island
On 06.10.2017 we travelled to the starting point at Cape Reigna. It felt a bit like being led to the gallows.We started our hike with 6 other crazy hikers and 20 kg each on our backs.
We had pretty big blisters after 90 Mile Beach, not the best conditions for the Northern Forests.
The hike through the Northern Forests is more or less bushbashing through rainforest. Very muddy, but
incredibly beautiful.
In Kerikeri it was time for a mental reset and to sort out some equipment. We were still too heavy but didn't want to buy new gear.
For us it was ok and over time we got used to the weight.
Some of our hiking buddies called our tent the "Hilton" :-). It was a nice Hilleberg, but with 3.5kg way too heavy...
After 3 weeks we got used to everyday hiking and started loving our new lifestyle.
There is a lot of discussion in the trail community about the stretches of road walk on the North Island.
Even whether it is worth hiking the North Island? We definitely think yes!
There are so many beautiful sections and a lot of opportunities to talk to the local people.
From our point of view, the Kiwis are among the nicest people on our planet.
Our highlights on the North Island were: 90 Mile Beach, Russel Forest, Tongariro Crossing, Whanganui River and the Tararua Ranges
The less enjoyable was maybe the stretch between Auckland and Hamilton.
South Island
After a short recovery phase in Wellington and a lot of planning (2 days to send all the resupply boxes to the South Island), we started on the South Island before christmas.The first three sections are stunning: Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Ranges and the Nelson National Park.
We had a lot of respect for the Richmond Ranges as it is the longest remote section of the Te Araroa. All went good :-).
It took us 8 days to complete the ranges and the pizza with the beer afterwards in St. Arnaud were great.
Through the 3 sections we hiked in a super cool group, It felt like family!
Shortly before the end of the Waiau Pass Track, the first (out of three) cyclone hit us. The amount of rain was immense and for safety reasons we had to take a longer break.
We hitchhiked to Christchurch, went several times to the cinema, ate tons of Indian food and slept extensively.
A good change before we headed back on the trail.
The most emotional moment of the whole hike was the Stag Saddle.
It is the highest point on the Te Araroa and a milestone on the South Island, since it ends the more remote sections.
We often dreamed of walking down the ridge towards Lake Tekapo and it was as good as we imagined.
Many of our hiking buddies were happy that the hike was slowly coming to an end.
For us it was somehow different. We continued to enjoy hiking and extended the trail with 2 great walks: Routeburn Track and Kepler Track.
At the end of our hike we stood at Stirling Point with mixed feelings.
Somehow happy and proud to have done it, but also sad that the great adventure is over.
Our highlights on the South Island were: Richmond Ranges, Nelson National Park, Two Thumb Track and the Motatapu Alpine Track.
The sections around the two largest rivers (Rākaia River, Rangitata River) were a bit annoying.
Since the rivers cannot be crossed, you have to hitchhike around them.
Summary
The decision to walk Te Araroa was one of the best of our lives.The diversity of the trail is incredible. Rainforests, beaches, volcanos, mountains, rivers, cities, ...
The people are very friendly, often you eat and sleep at their home. The culture of the Maoris is fantastic and their language is beautiful.
Just go for it!
Please find all the needed information on the official page: Te Araroa
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