Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes

Learn about this amazing thru-hike through New Zealand called the Te Araroa, or also known as the TA. I haven’t been to New Zealand, it’s on the list, but as an American, it may be a while before I can go, but there are a few episodes on this podcast about New Zealand including experiencing Milford Sound and Black Water Rafting.

The TA thru-hike is one of the newest thru-hikes in the world, as it started in 2011. If you’re into thru-hiking, also check out the episode about hiking the Appalachian Trail. I interviewed Daniel Boothroyd for this episode who hiked the entire TA. He’s 28 years old, lives in Nova Scotia and he loves long-distance hiking. He completed the TA in 2017 and plans on hiking the PCT in 2022. Listen to the episode above to hear the experience of hiking the TA.

Queen Charlotte Track - Photo by Daniel Boothroyd

How long is the Te Araroa (TA)?

The TA is long-distance hiking trail that opened in 2011. It stretches from the North Island in Cape Reinga to the bottom of the South Island in Bluff. It is approximately 3000 km through the length of the country.

Part 1 of the TA Hike: The North Island

Daniel always wanted to go to New Zealand; the idea to hike the TA just got into his head and he knew he had to do it.

Because Daniel was intimidated by the size of the trail and the time commitment (5-6) months, he asked his friend Owen to join him on the Thru-Hike. They decided to hike the TA from North to South which is the most common way if doing the entire thru-hike. If you're only doing the South Island, then some will start at the south tip of the hike and hike north.

The first stretch of beach is 90-mile beach, which interestingly enough is only 88 km long. The first three-days of your hike are sand dunes on your left, and beach and ocean. You lose all sense of time and all sense of progress.  

90 Mile Beach on the TA Thru Hike - Photo by Daniel Boothroyd

The next part of the trail after the beach you hit the Northland Forest, where the trail is barely marked and it's a muddy, sloggy mess.

You arrive at a little town on the east coast called Karekare. If you make it to Kerikeri, you stand a good shot of making it through the whole thing.

The trail mostly travels down the east coast until you arrive in Auckland, after about 4-5 weeks. It was the biggest milestone, where they felt like they really covered some ground.

Highlight of the TA: Tongariro National Park

The next big highlight was Tongariro National Park and the Tongariro Crossing. Daily there would be about 5000 people crossing; it's one of the most beautiful walks. It's a very volcanic sort of area, where you feel like you're almost walking on Mars. If you get up super early to cross over, you won't see any tourists.

Tongariro Crossing

Paddling on a Thru-Hike

There is a portion of the trail that you paddle. They spent about a week canoeing along the Whanganui River. Make a note that you will need to book campsites along the way. It was almost a vacation from the hiking as you get to enjoy rafting and eating fresh food.

Cave on the Whanganui River - Photo by Daniel Boothroyd