How hard is Te Araroa Trail?
Stretching 3,000 km from Cape Reinga, at the top of the North Island, to Bluff, at the bottom of the South Island, the TA is defined by its challenging terrain, unpredictable weather and navigational obstacles, and just may be the toughest of the world’s major thru-hikes.
How long does it take to do the Te Araroa Trail?
A thru-tramp takes somewhere between 50-80 days per island. The time depends on fitness, tenacity, weather, and how quickly you want to progress. 50 days is quick and would need a high degree of fitness and some luck with the weather.
How many people have completed the Te Araroa Trail?
Te Araroa Trust Chief Executive Rob Wakelin said more than 550 people walked the entire length of the trail over the 2016-2017 summer season, and hundreds of thousands more walked regional sections on shorter hikes and day walks up.
What should I pack for Te Araroa?
Personal care – hand towel or cotton bandana, sunscreen, toothbrush and paste, toilet paper, sanitizing hand gel, first aid kit, plastic rubbish bag. Miscellaneous – money, credit/debit cards. Food and water – enough to get between resupply points.
When can you hike Te Araroa?
If southbound, we recommend a late September-December start. January is possible if you’re a swift traveller. You should not risk being in the South Island high country later than early-to-mid April. If you start early expect plenty of spring rain in the early stages.
How much money do you need for Te Araroa?
NZ$500pp for those walking the length of Te Araroa. NZ$250 for those walking only one island, and. smaller amounts for more specific tracks/distances.
How many people walk the Te Araroa trail each year?
Hundreds of thousands of people walk some part of Te Araroa each year, and in the 2018/19 summer the Te Araroa Trust counted 1200 through-walkers. This was up from 550 people attempting a through-hike in 2016–17, and 350 the year before.
Can you ride the Te Araroa trail?
Te Araroa is not suitable for cycling. Most tracks are only constructed to walking standards. There are only a few sections where te Araroa intersects with cycleways.
How do I plan the Te Araroa trail?
HOW TO PLAN A HIKE ON TE ARAROA
- T-12 months: persuade your work to give you time off.
- T-6 months: get an idea of what you’re getting into.
- T-4 months: be decisive on navigation and safety.
- On the TA you will cross a lot of rivers, so solid river decision-making skills are critical.
- T-3 months: agonise over gear.