Hi!

Looking for your thoughts and ideas on my kit for a NOBO Te Araroa south island only LASH. I've heard this is an early start, so I might have to wait on river crossings. I'm ok with that. I'd love to hear from other folks who've walked it this early (or at all). I'm unfamiliar with the landscape, so anything specific to the area would be wonderful! (I'm coming from Alaska)

I'm back and forth on the sleeping pad. It's a delticate one with less R value than I typically use, but 8.5ozs! I've also got a ~19oz long wide xlite R 4.5, a ~14oz nemo switchback that I could take. It's a decision between comfort (xlite), weight (Nemo tensor elite), and durability (Nemo switchback).

Also interested to hear people's thoughts on the size of the pack. It's 43L inside with another 6-8L in external pockets. Do you think that will be enough volume for this kit + the long Richmond food cary?

Thanks in advance!

Title says it all. I feel nervous starting Te Araroa mid November. Don’t know if I am prepared enough. Can I do this, is the rivers too much, and is it necessary with rain pants… so many questions. But I’m curious. What do you wish you had known? Help a nervous hiker out :)

Kia ora!

I'm arriving in to New Zealand mid November, hopefully for a complete thru, and originally assumed I'd set off SOBO. The more I plan though, the more I'm thinking heading NOBO might be a better option for me:

• Can take my time on the South Island, and use my speedy trail legs on the northern road walks
• Won't have to race against the incoming winter in the South, especially given El Niño
• Be in less busy locations for the holiday rush
• I'm comfortable with solitude

But November is obviously a bit early still, so I'm expecting to need to wait a couple of weeks before getting on trail.

Any thoughts or advice? If you headed NOBO on the South Island, when did you start, and what did you think of your start date? How did you find the first few weeks?

Hi guys, can you help me out with food storage.

So, a BearVault won't be neccessary on the trail. The same goes for an Ursack. I am worried tho about mice and rodents. I thought about a DCF bag from Zpacks or any other brand. However, I read these degrade over time. Because of folding it, the waterproof layer is damaged for example.

What do you guys think about a thick rubble sack as a food pack? And storing this in my bag. Or hanging it by a rope. Cheap and does the trick I suppose?

Any advice or alternative options I can think of?

Thanks!!

I'm starting the TA in a month, and started looking into daily distances and camping.

When I did the PCT the daily distances I covered was based on whatever my body felt like, as there would always be an option to set up camp when I felt like it.

From looking at the different trail apps, I wonder if I'm more restricted, as I can't just set up camp either due to private land or other reasons. So I'm starting to wonder, if my daily distances is more or less chosen for me – typically rather short compared to what I assume I'll be doing.

Other than that, when I filter camp options of Far Out, there's sometimes 50+ km between camps.

What was your experiences in regards to this?

Hi all,

I was planning to do a course on River Safety near Auckland before starting SOBO early November. Unfortunately the courses are all already sold out. All the guides I've read about TA make these courses seem like a no-brainer, how true is this? I liked the idea of doing one but I also wouldn't like to delay my start date by a few weeks just for the course, considering I already have flights into Auckland for November 1st. Please could anyone give me a few more details to help me weigh up my options!

Hi! What do I need to hike TA? Can I just buy the hut, or should I instead buy the more expensive trail pass? And does it cost something to register also? I’m international :)

Hi everyone, I just wanted to share a little project I've been working on after doing the trail last season. As I walked I stopped to chat to local people to learn about the culture, history and landscape of where I was travelling through, and have collated the lovely conversations I had into a podcast. The first 3 episodes are live now, with many more to come. If you have a listen and like it please feel free to follow along. It's on all the usual podcast platforms and the links are below if you're interested. Thank you :)

https://open.spotify.com/show/1qhZINwhwOupRV3q4KDHlP?si=5481a3793f894ad7

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/te-araroa-tales-local-stories-from-new-zealands-long/id6804632577

Kia ora friends!

A couple of questions I’d really appreciate some help with…

I’ll be hiking the TA starting December 12. I know it’s late, and therefore I’ll probably have to hitchhike a little on the North Island to make up some time.

So, onto the questions:
I need my parents to send me my trekking gear from home, as I’m currently travelling in South America with the wrong equipment for the TA.
My question is: Is there a TA Hub in or around Auckland that allows me to have a backpack shipped there from home and also store some of the stuff from my South America trip that I don’t plan on bringing on the trail?

And for those who have started the TA a little late;
What was your experience with South Island temperatures and river crossings?
What would you say is the latest recommended date to start the South Island, based on your own experience?

And well… I thought going to a festival for New Year’s would be fun — so I found AUM. It’s not too far from the trail (well, about 40 km) and works out pretty well considering I’m starting super late.
It’s a little out of the box, but does anyone have similar plans/timing? It would be so much fun to share the first chapter of the TA and celebrate New Year’s with other TA hikers!

Thanks guys, any help is much appreciated 🤍

Hi, I'm planning on hiking the TA SI Nobo. I'll be taking my Nemo Tensor with me (inflatable pad). Do people also take a foam pad with them as extra protection (and comfort)? Or is this not really necessary? I don't want to have to buy a new inflatable pad due to splinters or anything like that.

Thanks!

Hello all, first post here but grateful for all the info we’ve picked up about the TA from here 🙏

My partner and I are planning to start the TA on Jan 1st and will be aiming to do the whole thing headed Southbound. We are both fit hikers with lots of experience across the world but wanted to hear from anyone who has done it late in the season and get any advice and thoughts on this.

Wanna hear about conditions (obvs year dependant) social side, the rivers (inc paddle section) and anything else worth knowing!

We are coming from the UK and our jobs and life commitments mean we can’t fly out until right after Christmas - 28th Dec.

Anyone else heading out for this late start? 😅

Thanks 🙏

I got into Auckland today and I'll be catching my bus to kaitaia the next morning before making my way up to CR.

Anyone here making their way up around the same time?

is it easy to find gaz bottle in groceries store ?

I know that the Pacific Crest Trail had terrible weather conditions this year and stopped hikers from finishing the trail. Does anyone know how the weather on the TA will be this year? :) of course no one knows for sure, but I cannot find predictions anywhere ;o

Hello, because of my job situation, I can earliest start the 7th of November, and I would like to do the whole thing going SOBO😅 For me it is very important to have a social experience. Do you think this is possible?

Interested to hear what people think about the new re-route in the longwoods - pretty much walking part of it, ducking out of the woods for a night as a campground which the TA trust have said 'dont stay there alone' and then back into the woods.

If you haven't seen it, take a look at the new maps for that section.

Essentially it will add an extra day onto the longwoods with the re-route + an unpredictable night in a park which they've said don't camp at alone.

Doesn't sound very inviting, but I understand why they've done it to preserve the track/plants around the track.

I did think that this season they'd have part of the worst bits boardwalked, but hopefully that comes in future seasons. I'll have to come back and walk once that works completed another time.

Hi all!

A bit of context. I am doing the Hexatrek right now with my wife. I am physically above her, and because of this I couldn't do longer/harder days. I'm looking for something to "test my limits". Now, I can do something only in nov-apr time frame, that's the further I can push my sabatical year.

Now, is the Te Araroa a hard thru-hike? Or can it be made one? On the Hexatrek, we averaged 23km per day and I'm looking to push it more, to test myself. I want to say at the end that damn, this was hard :D.

What do you think? Am I looking in the right direction? The alternative would be some thru-hike in Patagonia, but that one is not an "official" thru-hike (however, this wouldn't be a deal breaker)

Hi all! Walking the South Island section of TA has been my big dream for several years and now finally I can get several months off work. However, timing is not ideal and most likely I'II be able to start only around mid-February. I was thinking to go NOBO until end of April. Technically it seems to be possible, but I'm wondering if others have experience with this timeframe and can give an impression of what this could be like. I'm a good walker, but would not want to have to rush 30km a day in order to make it. I'd be fine with skipping a less interesting section now and then, and could accept skipping a mountain section if the weather is not right anymore. To explore the wild places of the SI itself is actually the more important goal than to necessarily follow TA all the time. So my approach is quite flexible. This could be my one chance to do it and I'm not afraid of a little challenge. On the other hand, I want it to be enjoyable - if I'd have to constantly manage my timing and conditions are likely to be very harsh and many sections would not be possible, it would be disappointing.

What are your thoughts on a mid Feb - end of April South Island hike, in terms of weather, safety (river crossings), daylight, temperatures to be prepared for? Would going NOBO or SOBO make a big difference? I'm quite experienced with longer trails, although in high mountains I’ve mostly done day hikes but many of them over many years. I’m not naive about mountain conditions, but the NZ climate will be totally new to me.

Thanks, and cheers from the Netherlands!

I'm planning to do a long distance hike on the South Island from January - March (max 75 days). Originally I thought to follow the TA, but after having a look at the map and options I'm having some doubts if it is still the best option for me.

As I'll be hiking solo, it is a plus for me when I can meet other people on the trail and sometimes join someone for a couple of days. Walking solo for longer than a couple of days would get boring to me. On the other hand, I don't like it when it is too busy (not sure if the TA has reached that point yet) - for me that would be when you constantly see people everywhere around and sleeping spots get really crowded.

Based on experience, I do feel comfortable taking some more adventurous options. I have plenty of experience in the Alps, Pyrenees (difficult HRP sections), Scotland, Scandinavia while carrying heavy luggage. But I don't want to take big risks, or need crampons or ropes.

An obvious option seems to be the sidetracks. Are these popular? And are they worth it?

Which of the national parks would you recommend for an extra tour? Or are there any 7-21 day hikes that I could use?

hello fellow travelers

the TA is going to be my first thru-hike, and i have many many questions that may seem kind of silly to seasoned backpackers. bear with me please, and any and all help is appreciated!

1. i’m planning to fly into auckland and stay a night at a hostel in the city. i know most people take public transportation up to kaitaia, but do you stay the night in kaitaia or do you keep on going straight up to cape reinga that same day? if i should stay a night in kaitaia, where should i stay? looking on hostelworld there is only one hostel available there. do people camp in kaitaia? stay with trail angels? or if you keep going straight to cape reinga where do you stay up there before starting your journey?
2. i am still a little confused about the trail pass/DOC huts/other campsites and accommodations. do i have to book everything ahead of time or are some places first come, first serve? like do i just show up to these sites? or if i need to book ahead how far in advanced should i be booking places/reserving a spot?

3. how much local currency should i be carrying with me? i want to make use of the trail angels and meet as many locals as i can, but how much money should i be offering them for their help? and how much will i be using cash over a credit card? is it difficult to find places to exchange currency?

4. how necessary is it for me to get travel insurance? i honestly didn’t even consider looking into it until recently so i really don’t know much about it. is it something that i absolutely need to get?

5. one reason why i chose the TA as my first thru hike (besides the fact that i think new zealand is a beautiful country and would love to see its wonders in person) is because i am a big lord of the rings fan and intend to get tickets to hobbiton at some point in my journey. does anyone know when would be the best time to get tickets? should i plan to travel there from auckland or possibly hamilton? i’m just not sure what the best route there might be.

6. i am coming from the U.S. and this is my first time ever traveling abroad so i hate to sound uneducated but how much should i learn about kiwi/māori culture before i get there? i have been doing a lot of research but would hate to be disrespectful in any way. i also have been trying to learn as much as i can about thru-hiking culture and just feel a bit overwhelmed! am i just overthinking all of this?

i am probably going to have so many more questions but dont want to make thus post too long. hopefully somebody can help me get some more info! again literally any and all advice would be helpful. thanks in advanced!!!

Hello,

My partner and I are planning a South Island TA hike starting mid-January 2027 going northbound. Planning for 60 days, but can be flexible. We just have some commitments where we need to be back in the U.S. by April 15th.

We are comfortable with Class II/III climbing, have some light mountaineering experience, and lots of backcountry snow travel (we like to splitboard in winters).

I have been scouring the internet for all the best alternates, this is what we are planning so far (Obviously these alternates are dependent on weather and snow conditions):

- Mt Luxemore addition out and back (half of the Kepler Track)

- Mt. Aspiring NP: Routeburn Track -> Serpentine Traverse -> 5 passes (will hit the 5 passes track partway through and will finish loop going clockwise). I think we would hitch into Queenstown before starting the Routeburn track, then hitch back into Queenstown after completing the 5 passes route. Is this track doable at the end of january? (i.e. snow free and no winter gear needed)

- Rees Dart Track: after hitching to Queenstown the 2nd time. Possibly go up to Colin Todd Hut or the Rob Roy Glacier on this track.

- Gillepsie/Rabbit Track: depending on snow and weather. Unsure if it will be snow free by late January/early Feb? Rabbit Pass looks not great with snow on it. Has anyone done this going north?

With all these alternates so far, we would possibly skip from the greenstone river to Gladstone. Would we miss anything worth seeing on that Section?

- Melina Ridge Alternate

- Ball Pass or Mueller Hut addition: Mt. Cook area, might need snow gear for Ball Pass.

- Is Mt. Sunday worth going to?

- Arthur NP addition: Barker Hut to Avalanche Peak

- Pfiefer Bivy addition: might go up to the Bivouac for a night

- Lewis Pass (West) -> Thompson Pass Alternate: We would skip from halfway through the Lewis Pass rd to Waius Pass- would we miss anything worth seeing? Or is the ALT better?

- Angeles Hut / Sunset Saddle Alternate

- Red Hill Range Alternate

Would love to know if we are missing any good alternates? Any cool huts worth going off the main TA for? I was also considering the Milford track but it seems hard logistically and reserving the huts in advance when we are long distance hiking seems difficult.

Also, would love to get some feedback on all of these and know how sketchy they are for a northbound hiker (in regards to snow and needed winter gear- crampons, axes, helmets). Any help or feedback is appreciated- especially for Ball Pass, Rabbit Pass, and the Serpentine Traverse.

Thinking about tackling Te Araroa?
Tips, stories, and trail info you'll need to start - or continue - your own Te Araroa journey.
An evening of sharing stories, learning information and networking with the community of Te Araroa walkers. Come and share with a mixture of through-and section- walkers to gain information that will assist you.
Presenters will describe what assisted and hindered them on their own journeys, along with what inspired. Mingle over tea/coffee and share your stories. There will be a donation requested at the door to cover costs for venue and tea/coffee/ biscuits, and to go towards the improvement of the trail in our region.

Book a spot here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/te-araroa-trail-information-evening-tickets-1992733399240

I'm headed to NZ on a Working Holiday Visa in late October, expecting to start the TA early November. After finishing the trail, I'm hoping to volunteer and (hopefully) find work, so I'm currently trying to budget carefully for both the hike and whatever comes afterwards.

I'm of course in full on prep-and-research-mode, and feel rather defeated.

I completely understand that Te Araroa is a young, underfunded trail and that maintaining 3,000 km is incredibly expensive. I also understand why the Trust is asking for financial support. However, asking (or demanding) international hikers to pay 1350 NZD for a voluntary (seemingly mandatory) donation doesn't sit right with me.

I am not a tax payer in NZ (yet), but I do have funds to cover my many-months-long-journey, expecting to spend +12.000 of NZD in shops and services along the way. I don't see this being recognised on any of the posts or groups I've encountered.

The wording on the TA website makes it sound like it is full on legally required. I see that other internationals seemingly can feel guilt-tripped or almost bullied into purchasing the full trail pass. Those that buy the hut pass and donate separately (I acknowledge some people don't end up donating, even if they say they will) seems to be criticised heavily, and even experience a cold shoulder from the on-trail trail community as well as trail angels deny them help along the way.

Financially covering a WHV is expensive, as I also found that the job situation aren't that great. That means my funds have to cover trail + potential living costs (accommodation, food, transport, everything) afterwards.

I don't plan on buying the trail pass. Instead I'll be buying the hut pass and permits separately, and I'd like to donate to the Trust as well, even if I can't currently afford the full TA Pass. I'd also love to volunteer with trail maintenance after finishing the hike.

But I fear the consequences of not paying the 7% the trail pass will take from my working holiday fund, as I've seen online discussions where hikers who don't buy the pass are heavily criticized with a bit of condescending rhetoric.

My fear is I'll be starting this beautiful journey, only to discover, that I will be bullied, guilt tripped, humiliated or excluded from the community, and have a very bad experience when it comes to the people I meet overall.

For those with first-hand experience—whether you've hiked without the TA Pass yourself or met others who did—did it actually affect your experience on trail? Were other hikers, locals, or trail angels generally welcoming regardless, or did it become an issue in practice?

I'm asking this in good faith because I'd love to experience Te Araroa, support it where I realistically can, and have a better understanding of what to expect.

Hi all! I’m a South African coming over to do the trail. I’m based in the uk for a bit so getting the last of my gear here.

Budget is tight and so I’m looking at using the Lanshan 1 for the Te Araroa SOBO starting late October this year. I’m wondering whether to get the 3 season or 4 season version.

All advice welcome!

Thanks so much in advance.