2. Choosing a direction
The best time to walk Te Araroa | Choosing a direction | How long it takes | Fitness and experience | Permits and fees | Accommodation | Clothing and equipment | Cost | Visas | Safety precautions | Fishing | Resupplying and food parcels | Getting to and from Cape Reinga | Getting to and from Bluff | Stewart Island Rakiura | Taking my dog, bike, horse | Navigating
You can walk Te Araroa in either direction.Most people usually start at Cape Reinga in October or November.
This means they can walk most of the South Island during the best summer weather. They will, most likely, avoid snow and snowmelt and the Southland lambing closures. At the moment Te Araroa can only supply northbound trail notes for the South Island. So North Island northbound walkers will need to do some navigation, or translate the southbound notes to suit.
