Dear TA hikers,

The 5th of February I will go to Bluff. I find it difficult to plan and figuring out to sent parcels with food away. How did you guys done it ?

Thanks in advance

Hi!

I'm a kiwi and have the goal to walk the whole trail at some point in my life. I have a daughter who's currently only 9 months old. So I'm not too keen on going just yet...

If you've done the trail with kids I'd love any advice. What age were they when you went? Did they enjoy it? Do you think there's a perfect age to do the walk? At the moment I'm just focusing on building up my stamina again, and getting good quality gear.

Any advice would be appreciated!

I have some time to do a big trip between now and July and have always wanted to walk the Te Araroa after doing the QCT back in 2017 on my first visit to NZ. I haven't planned anything yet, so at a push if I go full-time with the planning I could be in NZ late Feb. Is this going to be too late to do a whole island's worth of the trail? Thanks in advance for your advice.

Hi there!

I’m planning a trail trip from Japan next month and would like to inquire about the use of an underquilt for hammock camping.

Would it be possible to spend the nights without an underquilt? Period: Early February (2 nights, 3 days)

I look forward to your response. Thank you !

Any insights is greatly appreciated!

Specific trip description: NOBO starting mid February 25

Budget: Flexible

Non-negotiable Items: None

Solo / with another person: Girlfriend

Additional Information: I don’t like being too warm while I sleep

Lighterpack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/hbwseg

Karel Sabbe, world-record ultrarunner and adventurer, has started running Te Araroa a few days ago. You can follow him on Strava, Instagram, etc. Live tracking here: https://live.adventuretracking.be/te-araroa

Can't find any good blog to read their adventure. No Instagram or youtube but real blog with good writing,

Ive got my sights set on the south island SOBO for next summer, and have a couple questions on early planning and saving up:

1. Are there any specific dates things like the trail pass need to be booked by? (Edit to clarify, not after every date, just big ones like the pass that could be a shows topper if I miss in advance)

2. Do I need to book any of the great walks on the trail (e.g. queen charlotte track), or is purchasing the trail pass all ill need for all non private camping/cabins?

3. What kind of savings would I need once there for say 8 weeks on the south island (excluding flights from Aus and gear)? Maybe 6k aud?

Thanks in advance!

Is it permissible/possible to camp anywhere midway between bluff and Invercargill? I’m starting from Bluff in a couple days and expect to only walk 10-13ish miles on the day I start.

Hi all, I’m about to NOBO and wondering how commonly/where Aquamira is sold along the trail, versus places that I should plan to include it in my resupply boxes.

(I use Aquamira as my water treatment system in the US, but I checked their website and see that it is available in New Zealand.)

Anyone else starting from Bluff at the same time as me? I’m starting NOBO next week (Jan 11ish? Getting a later start than hoped for sadly)

Hi friends!
In two weeks I'll start my NoBo South Island hike and I am super pumped. I have as good as all my gear dialed in, but I'd like to share my gear list with you for some last checks/tips. I know it's not ultralight by all means. I don't intend to go UL, but open to shave some weight off where possible. I am walking to have the time of my life on trail, so happy to take some comfort items with me!

Lighterpack: https://lighterpack.com/r/t9k38l

Some stuff to keep in mind:
- Gregory backpack is sponsored so will not swap that (I know it's on the heavier side, but it's super comfy)
- I'll be hiking with a good friend in my Nemo Dagger Osmo 3p tent, we split the weight 50/50. I already had this tent (which is bombproof & has ample space for two) so we didn't want to spend money on a tent where we would have less personal space.
- My buddy will be wearing the PLB

Let me know what you think!

How popular is NOBO? I hiked the South Island in 2015 and wanna come back soon and do the whole thing but starting with what I already „know“. But I also wanna meet people going the same way.

Also: what’s the average pace on trail (either NOBO or SOBO) I feel like back then I did maybe 25km on a big day, but now I would probably do 32-40 on the TA. Would I walk past everyone or has pace increased? Back then I don’t think I met many people who did big mile days like it’s normal to do on CDT,PCT. Maybe I was just not aware of those people but there weren’t too many people that I met to start with

Thinking of hiking south island in January, can I find equipment there?

Starting my trip in a few days and can't decide between a 10,000mAh or 20,000mAh power bank. I'll be using my Garmin watch and phone for navigation, and I'll also be listening to music on my phone. Any advice

Has anyone used Trackme.nz for their TA with a Garmin Inreach? They are approved by Garmin and they offer different/better (and cheaper) monthly subscription plans, a dedicated/fixed SMS mobile number for people to contact you and also direct contact with NZ Rescue if SOS required. I first saw them recommended on an American youtuber post and it looks quite good so I'm considering. Thanks.

This is a loooong shot. I did the South Island in 2015 and met a German hiker whose name is “Johannes” (it’s also my name). He packed a paraglider and did parts of the trail with it. Does anyone happen to know this guy? I know my chances are near zero but maybe coincidence is with me.

Saw this on Strava.

Hey, we’re starting from Bluff early January and I’m curious about what to expect regarding numbers of NOBO’s on the trail? I guess that January and February are busier months regardless with day hikers on trails, but just curious as to how our first days may look like!

I’m planning on starting the full South Island SOBO in mid-February 2025.

Just wondering if this is regarded as too late for SOBOing? What can I expect in terms of running into others on the track?

Thank you!

Kia ora - I am heading back to Auckland for the holidays (20 December to 20 January) and was wondering where the bulk of TA thru-hikers will be during this period?

Will there be many people still around the North Island during this time? I have a car and will be doing some traveling around the North Island.

Keen to give back a little after finishing the PCT earlier this year!

Hey everyone,

I'm arriving the 3th of January in Auckland, and planning to start my Thru hike around mid-January. As I'm starting the trail 1 or 2 months later then te majority of hikers, I'm planning to skip the first 1100km and start somewhere around the Tongariro Crossing, so I'll hope finishing the trail somewhere before mid-april. First, I was planning on just doing the SI, but I have the time and I think I will enjoy the first part of the SI more with a little warmup walking on the NI. (I am aware that crossing the Tararua Ranges isn't considered an easy warm-up) If people have any better suggestions on skipping parts or different start locations, I'm happy to hear and open for different ideas spending my 3 months on Te Araroa.

Anyways, most importantly my gearlist. The majority of items I already have and unfortunately I'm on a really tight budget. Still, I'm curious if there are any important items that I forgot to mention. Or, some budget ideas to cut some extra weight. Right now I'm quite happy with the 5.2kg BW without sacrificing to much comfort. I already have 3 questions about my list.

1. My merino patagonia shirt and merino briefs for sleeping are quite heavy. Do you think having Merino as a sleeping set is worth the extra weight? Any other ideas? (am EU based)

2. Looking for a wall plug that is compatible with New Zealand sockets. Don't want to carry a heavy EU > NZ converter.

3. I've got a super lightweight rainjacket (Frogg Toggs) and a more solid option (Rab Downpour) there is a significant weight difference between them. I think the more solid hardshell option is the way to go, as I read a lot about the heavy rainfall on the trail. What is your opinion?

4. I'm still looking for a sleeping sock that is both warm and light. Any ideas?

Hereby my Lighterpack link:

https://lighterpack.com/r/1xqg1u

As my First-aid/repair kit consists of lots of small items (quite heavy, but find it hard to cut weight on first-aid stuff) I did not mentioned them individual in my Lighterpack, so hereby:

Pills: Ibuprofen, Paracetamol(general painkiller), anti-diarrhea pills, Allergy pills, back-up water purification pills.

Items: Tick remover, Blister Patches, Leukotape, Wound antiseptic liquid, Sterile Gauze pad, small band-aid, Alcohol wipes, ORS Salt, Wound closure strips.

Repair: Needle + wire, Pad repair tape, general repair tape

Thanks for taking your time reading this long post!

Cheers,

Stijn

I’ve decided to go with a PLB instead of a Garmin inReach Messenger.

Do you have any recommendations for a lightweight option? Keeping the weight down is a priority for me.

Also, does anyone know if it’s possible to rent a PLB in New Zealand? I’ll be hiking the Te Araroa NOBO from Bluff.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I read some posts by OPs who were disappointed by North Island (lots of road walking and suburbia). As someone seeking just wilderness and beauty, would I find that in South Island? Logistically would it be better to do it SOBO or NOBO?

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to hike the Te Araroa Trail on the South Island northbound (NOBO), but I’m having trouble finding a guide in PDF or e-reader format for NOBO. Most of the guides I’ve found are designed for southbound (SOBO).

Does anyone know where I can find a NOBO-specific guide in either PDF or e-reader format?

Also, I’d really appreciate recommendations for the best Garmin GPX files for the trail.

Thanks a ton for your help!

My understanding is that I can use activated Garmin Inreach Mini 2 to send a SMS message to NZ cell numbers and that the receipent can reply to you via their sms app. I understand that for regular contacts you should use the messenger app etc, and I understand the reply to number is not 'assigned to the inreach mini' but behind the scenes a reply text message from a messaged cell phone will get back to the Inreach device.

My question if anyone has experience of is: while in NZ does a cell phone sms message receipent see a +64 phone number or do they see a overseas phone number and incur a much higher cost if they reply?

Thanks

Hey y’all,

Only have a month and some change (+1 or 2 weeks) due to working a full time job and not financially able to just quit this time around (AT ‘22). Coming from the US sometime at the beginning February.

I’m going to try to put in as many km / miles as I can with my limited time that I have, while also gracing myself with time to enjoy the country.

My original plan was to start on the South end, possibly try to explore Steward Island a bit before starting the trek? (Is it worth it?)

Will I be totally solo out there? (I would like to meet and spend time with fellow hikers while I’m out there. Not sure when Nobo’s start.)

I’m also considering starting Sobo from the North end of the South Island. (Will there be Sobos around that area at the beginning of February)

Logistically with using public transport, is it incredibly easier to start on the North end apposed to the South end? What are the two big airports y’all would recommend flying into from the US to get to each ‘terminus’?

I am trying to give myself the luxury of exploring New Zealand without expectations and a regimented itinerary.

—Trek Happy & Healthy Everyone

Hello! As the title says I'm starting the trail December 7th or 8th and since it's a bit of a later start I'm trying to decide if I should start from Auckland (where I'm flying in to) or if I should still make an effort to start at Cape Reigna. I don't have any real time constraints but I am a little concerned if I start at the start I'll be behind most of the other hikers and it might start to get a bit colder by the time I'm in the southern part of the South Island. Also I've read a bit online that the North Island maybe isn't as scenic so I could spend some extra time on side hikes if I skipped part of the North Island and started in Auckland or Hamilton. Just wanted to get some other opinions and make sure I wouldn't be missing out on too much!