The Trail
Te Aroroa is a tapestry of diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches to rugged mountain passes, challenging singletrack to peaceful farm tracks, and even urban streets. Each section offers a unique adventure, ensuring you’ll never tire of the scenery.
Explore the tracks that make up Te Araroa. There is something for everyone, whether you are looking for a day walk, a multi-day tramp or a five month adventure.
Walk a little, or walk the lot, Te Araroa is your trail to enjoy.
Te Rerenga Wairua - Motupōhue
Cape Reinga – Bluff
From the northern cape of Te Rerenga Wairua, to the southern bluff of Motupōhue, Te Araroa spans the length of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Click here to check out the entire trail, section by section.
Te Tai Tokerau
Northland
Most of through-walkers start their epic journey at Te Rerenga Wairua, Cape Reinga. It’s a spiritual place, so very fitting for what lies ahead. The Far North offers everything from laid-back seaside towns and beautiful sandy beaches to challenging backcountry hiking through forests of dense, steep bush and some challenging water crossings.
Tāmaki Makaurau
Auckland
Follow the trail along glorious white sandy beaches before heading inland to enjoy stunning native bush tracks and the beautiful Puhoi River. Head into the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s supercity, before leaving the Pacific Ocean and crossing the isthmus to the Manukau Harbour and the Tasman Sea on the other side.
Waikato
Follow the mighty Waikato River along this scenic route, before enjoying the native forest and birdlife of the Hakarimata Range as you enter the city of Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. Climb the ancient, now extinct, volcano Mt Pirongia before descending into the rich pastoral land of the King Country and passing the spectacular Waitomo Caves. Te Araroa goes deep into the central North Island forests and reaches the foot of Mt Tongariro.
Whanganui-Manawatū
Travelling from the mountains to the sea you will experience the Tongariro and Whanganui national parks along your way. Both are dramatic and spiritual places with rich Māori and European history. Entering Manawatū, travel country roads and enjoy the city life of Palmerston North with its art galleries, museums and urban street art before preparing for some hard tramping in the Tararua Range.
Te Whanganui a Tara
Wellington
Te Araroa in the Wellington region takes in the Tararua Ranges – some of our most challenging tramping country. This is balanced with some gentle walking following the stunning Kāpiti Coast. Finally, it climbs exposed ridgelines with spectacular views over Te Whanganui a Tara, Wellington. Our small but vibrant capital city is celebrated for its arts scene, café culture and nightlife.
Te Tau Ihu
Marlborough
Dolphins and secluded coves with sparkling clear water, the Marlborough Sounds are a real treat. Following the Queen Charlotte Track, you can enjoy fabulous views across the bays and some pretty relaxed tramping. The tracks are easy and you can even send your pack ahead by water taxi before spending the night in one of the comfortable lodges.
Te Tai o Aorere
Tasman
You will need to be fit, experienced, and well-equipped to take on this challenging section of the trail. The trail through the Richmond Ranges and Nelson Lakes National Park is steep, exposed and unformed in some places, although it is well marked and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking landscapes.
Waitaha
Canterbury
Prepare to be wowed by picture-perfect mountain vistas and turquoise lakes as you head into the mighty Southern Alps, known locally as the Main Divide. Catch a glimpse of Aoraki Mount Cook, Aotearoa New Zealand’s tallest mountain, and experience a classic Kiwi lifestyle as you pass hundreds of kilometres of merino sheep stations.
Ōtākou
Otago
The resort towns of Wānaka and Queenstown are the place to come for outdoor adventure. Stop a while and enjoy the buzz, or if thrill-seeking is not your scene, simply enjoy a quiet coffee by the lake and soak up the scenery. The walking is a mix of easy strolling alongside the Hawea and Clutha Rivers through to a more energetic hike along the Motatapu Track.
Murihiku
Southland
Te Araroa’s southern routes are beautifully diverse, from the majestic Mavora lakes, to the eerie Takitimu Forest and the windswept coast. Wind your way along the south coast taking in the quirky delights of seaside towns like Riverton and look out for dolphins amongst the surfers at Colac Bay.
Trail App
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