It is an astonishing route of 3,000 km across the country stretching from Cape Reinga to Bluff. The route was officially called Te Araroa Trail and opened in 2011 by the Governor-General of New Zealand, Sir Jerry Mateparae. This long route goes from North to South and gives you, excited hikers, a very wide window of walking opportunities.
If you head southbound, prepare to start in late September–December, so you reach the South Island before April. It is possible to go earlier, but one should remember that during some periods of August through October there might be some seasonal closures for lambing season and plenty of spring rain.
If you plan a northbound walk, aim to start in November–January when the weather is mostly settled and it is not too wet. These are broad guidelines, as the weather in New Zealand is unpredictable. It takes around 50-80 days to cross one island, so consider your plans very carefully, and remember that your walking depends on where you start the journey! Last but not least, if you are not sure about the timing, deciding for middle points of the time during these periods is probably your safest choice!
Practical info
When is the best time to hike Te Araroa?
The ideal time to go for the Te Araroa trail is between October to March, even though the weather is unpredictable, and hikers may encounter seasonal closures and a lot of rainfall. If hiking southbound, one should initiate between September-December and if hiking northbound, it's better to commence the hike from November-January to avoid unpredictable weather shifts. Show more
Where does Te Araroa trail start and end?
Te Araroa trail is roughly 3,000 km long, going through the lush forests, mountains, coastlines, and volcanoes of New Zealand. The trail starts from the northern part of the country at Cape Reinga, situated in the North Island, and culminates at Bluff on the South Island. Show more
What are the must-visit places along Te Araroa?
Te Araroa trail is a nature lover's paradise with a wide assortment of must-visit places. There are many highlights on the way, including Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Islands, and Tongariro National Park in the North Island. While Nelson Lakes National Park, Queen Charlotte Track, Fiordland National Park, Mount Aspiring National Park, Fox Glacier, and Mount Cook on the South Island are a treat to explore. Show more
How long does it take to complete Te Araroa?
The time required to complete Te Araroa entirely can vary, roughly taking four to six months. The duration depends on one's individual fitness level and their choice to stop along the way. An average of around 100 days is required to cover the trail in good weather and for experienced hikers. It is suggested to plan accordingly, keeping individual fitness levels and stop-overs in mind. Show more
What are some safety precautions to keep in mind while hiking Te Araroa?
To ensure a safe experience while hiking Te Araroa, hikers must take essential precautions. Necessary equipment like maps, GPX, and GPS must be carried. One should always be aware of local weather forecasts and avoid hiking during inclement weather. Precautions like controlling the risk of forest fires, avoiding streams with high water currents, and informing someone about your itinerary should be kept in mind. Proper planning and preparation play a considerable role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Show more
