Hi all!

I’m thinking about doing some part of the TA. My initial idea was to do the full SI, but i realised it can be quite demanding. I’m dealing with a certain grade of low-vision, which can make it more challenging for me. Wayfinding is okay, since i use gps-navigation. I’m just curious how this translates tot he TA since i read often the path is overgrown and not visable anyway. Besides that descending can sometimes be more tricky for me, or at least takes me more time since depth is harder for me to see. Therefore i like to reduce the amount of very technical terrain to a minimum. Ascending is no issue. I have quite some experience in remote areas in Europe (in Scotland and northern Sweden).

It might be hard to understand if you are not familiar with low-vision. Anyway i hope your experiences can help me judge if this adventure is doable for me. Bottom line; I like a little challenge, am in good physical condition and think the TA can be a suiteable if i skip out the most challenging parts (technical terrain) and thoughest water crossings. I would love to get some advise on which sections would suit me from your experiences. I’m not a purist, just like to cherry-pick a route of 1-2 months which is doable and has amazing scenery, little road walking. Curious for your thoughts!

I was thinking of starting just south of Rengitata river and walk south to Queenstown, or finish all the way in Bluff or end the TA with one of the great walks; Routeburn Track or Kepler Track.  Which parts are most challenging? Alternatively I could pick a smaller section on the SI and combine it with a section on the NI. The section of Timber Track to Whanganui seems quite cool to me as well, and i could add Tongariro.

I’m looking for advise on what route could be doable for me and maybe some information about certain parts to look further in to or to avoid or possible detours around them. Hope you can help. Thank you in advance!

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to hike Te Araroa SOBO, starting in late October 2026, and I expect to be on trail for about five months.

This will be my first-ever thru-hike, so while I'm incredibly excited, I'm also trying to make the best decisions possible before I book flights and commit to everything. I've been training and planning this trip for a long time, and it's something I've dreamed about for years.

One thing that's making me a bit nervous is the discussion around a possible Super El Niño during the 2026–27 season.

I've read plenty about El Niño in general, but I'm struggling to translate that into what it could actually mean for someone hiking Te Araroa.

For those of you who have hiked TA... or who live in New Zealand:

• If a Super El Niño develops, what would you realistically expect on the trail?
• Would you expect significantly more flooding, difficult river crossings, storms, or track closures?
• Are there sections that become much more dangerous than usual?
• Could it also make some regions drier and create water shortages?
• If you were in my position, planning your first thru-hike, would this possibility change your plans, your start date, or would you just send it?

I'm not looking for predictions....just trying to understand what experienced hikers and locals think is the most likely scenario based on past El Niño years.

I'd really appreciate any insight, especially from people who've hiked TA during unusually wet or dry seasons.

Thanks!

Hi all!

seeking advice on planning section hiking the south island. I have five weeks starting on january. My first plan was to test out my gear on tararuas and then starting the south island. The initial idea was that if I encounter any problems with my gear I can adjust in Wellington and replace stuff if needed.

However, I'm leaving to Europe from Christchurch after fiveish weeks. If I skip the tararuas I might get to Lake Tekapo and take the bus from there. Adding the tararuas before makes it a bit challenging timewise.

For context, I am experienced hiker, fit early forties. Baseweight is 7-8kg depending what I'm bringing. Should I play it safe and just allow more time for the Richmonds and forget about tararuas? Also I'm partial to hike sobo for the social experience.

Thank you in advance!

kia ora! Thinking about expanding my list of ideas of resupply stuff - what were your favourite meals on trail? I'm not planning my resupplies or meals hard out (except for that first few days), just keeping a list of general ideas that i can pick from based on vibes, in the hopes that I don't have to think too hard about it when I actually hit a supermarket [edit to add: I don't eat tuna and I also normally live in NZ so I am familiar with the brands/general options here so I'm mostly looking for outside the box ideas outside of my list]

Here's my current running list of things to possibly buy (based on NZ supermarkets):

• Smallest bag of milk powder
• Smallest jar of ghee i can find
• Snack bars
• Fruit for day 1 out of town/in town
• Avocado for day 1 out of town/in town
• Other vege for day 1 out of town/in town
• Shredded chicken or other meat from supermarket for day 1 out of town/in town
• Dried fruit (mango, kiwifruit, strawberries)
• Dates for breakfast and snacks
• Cheese rounds or other crackers
• Squeezy pb or sachet pb
• Dried mushrooms
• Dried shallots
• lollies
• TVP
• Tortillas
• Cereal or oats
• Soy chunks
• Instant coffees
• Couscous
• instant pastas
• instant potatoes
• rice sachets
• instant noodles
• VINCE (dried vege stuff)
• Jerky
• ghnocchi/tortelinni
• dried peas
• Cheese
• Salami sticks
• Chocolate
• Peanut m&ms
• Cheds or other crackers
• chips
• Cashews and other nuts and seeds in various flavours
• Protein powder
• LSA
• Hot choc
• Soup packets and/or miso
• Magnesium
• Iron+vit c
• Electrolytes

this might be a long/wordy post. so my boyfriend and i are thinking about hiking the TA starting around early november and are super new to backpacking. we have done plenty of hiking through the years and are pretty fit people, but i guess im just wondering if it is plausible for us to try this trail with so little experience? we’ve only just started building up our backpacking arsenal and have done multiple day hikes with our packs to build up stamina carrying the weight, but have yet to do an overnight trip. we currently live in alaska and usually do hikes around 8-12 miles with like 3000-6000 ft elevation gain but could definitely do more strenuous hikes at this point.

is the TA something we can plan/prep for in only 3.5 months? should we only do one island since we’re new, or should we just say fuck it and try doing the whole thing? where exactly should u start, research/planning-wise? i’ve joined some facebook groups and subreddits and have started reading some stuff online, but we’ve only just decided this is something we might want to do.

any insight/tips would be appreciated. literally anything. we are very spontaneous and “we wing it & can figure anything out” type of people, but i also like to be as prepared as possible. thanks in advanced!!!

Some of you might remember my deluge of posts last year, asking for feedback on my TA wall poster map. Since then, I have fixed some typos and perhaps more importantly, created a 'cleaner' version of the map with fewer labels and visual noise.

It is still absolutely free and licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0. Here's a link.

Please consider buying me a coffee if you plan to print or otherwise use it.

If you do spot any mistakes, or have suggestions for improvement. Please comment here and I'll see what I can do!

Enjoy!

Hello! I consider doing the Te Araroa Sobo from start of November.
I am having a difficult time deciding if I should do it.

I wanna ask if TA takes a lot of preparation, or if it is entirely possible to decide late. I know that on the Pacific Crest Trail you have to know a bit early because you have to apply for the correct visa and also apply for a permit.

But I looks like it is more easy to get permission to be in New Zealand for 6 month. Is it true?
And what about permission to hike? How does it work? :)

I have been thinking of the many trail angels in NZ on the TA. I think Americans in particular should be aware that many of these trail angels are actually trail entrepreneurs. They will ask for a donation or koha, which in many cases is not either! It's often mandatory. (koha is a local term for donation).

From my stand point, I have not got a problem with trail entrepreneurs, in fact I think they offer a brilliant service and should be encouraged too and this also helps the local economy.

But I do wish they wouldn't call themselves trail angels though. They are not.

Te Araroa SOBO 2026 Shakedown – First thru, biggest concern is pack volume (22M, NZ)

Current base weight: ~5.2kg / 11.4 lb

Budget: Trying to keep costs as low as reasonably possible. Mostly shopping Macpac winter sales and AliExpress for good bang-for-buck gear.

Non-negotiable Items: InReach Mini 2 and X-Mid 1

Solo or with another person?: Solo

Additional Information:

22M from New Zealand. This will be my first thru-hike, although I've done a few multi-day trips already.

After hauling around an 80 L pack weighing ~15 kg on a previous trip, I learned I really don't enjoy carrying heavy loads, so I'm trying to go as lightweight as reasonably possible while sticking to a budget.

I'm pretty happy with my current setup, but I'd appreciate another set of eyes. What could be improved? Am I missing anything obvious?

My biggest concern is pack size. I’m looking at the RAB Syclon XP 40L since I can get one for NZ$200 atm. I really like the features on it, it would work as a carry-on as I’m planning a UK thru-hike in the near future, so it would save me a headache in the long term . A waterproof pack seems like it could suit both NZ and the UK pretty well. 40L seems doable for my setup, but possibly a bit restrictive.

My alternative is taking advantage of the Macpac winter sale and getting the Macpac Rift 40 (NZ$280). It's a fairly new pack, so there isn't much user feedback yet, but it seems like a promising choice and is closer to 47 L including the outside pockets and roll top.

Would a 40 L pack be handicapping myself too much for Te Araroa, especially in the South Island? I've read the Richmond Ranges can take anywhere from 5–8 days, but as a fit young buck I'd expect to plan for around 5–7 days of food under normal conditions, while still leaving some margin for weather or slower-than-expected progress. I also plan on making my own dehydrated meals for parts of the trail to help keep food volume down.

Questions:

- Has anyone done Te Araroa with a 40L pack, and how did it work out in practice?
- How often did you run into space issues with food carries or wet gear?
- For those who used a 40L pack, did you end up wishing for more volume in the South Island?
- Any pack-specific advice for keeping a small-volume setup workable on TA?

-Anything obvious I'm missing

Thanks for any feedback!

Lighterpack: [https://lighterpack.com/r/6twsia]

Hi everyone,

I'm an international hiker from Canada and planning on hiking the Te Araroa this year 😊

I'm planning some travel before and after the trail so I will need to bring more clothing than just my hiking clothing, however I don't want to lug it with me the entire 3000km. What have other people done in this situation? Is there a good place to store gear long-term in Auckland while hiking?

Thanks in advance!

To help the 2026-27 season’s thruhikers find a river safety course before setting out on Te Araroa, I made this quick reference sheet with dates, costs, and venues.

Courses are by:
- Wero Whitewater Park www.wero.org.nz
- Outdoor Training New Zealand www.outdoortraining.nz
- Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre www.boyle.org.nz
- OENZ- Outdoor Education New Zealand www.oenz.co.nz
- Peel Forest Outdoor Centre www.peelforestoutdoors.org.nz
- Adventure Southland www.adventuresouthland.co.nz

Let me know any corrections or additions. Happy tramping!

So I did the highlights of the South Island sobo a couple years ago (excluding the Richmond range) and loved it. I want to go back and do sobo north island highlights and end with completing the Richmond range starting Jan 1st. It would work way better with my schedule to start then (escaping the dead of winter in Midwest US, not skipping Christmas with family, doing Richmonds at the end when I have my trail legs), but I’d rather still see a few hikers around. I’m wondering if this itinerary would just leave me doing the whole thing solo? Curious to hear people’s thoughts. I’d give myself 1.5 to 2 months to do what I can, hopefully 400-600 miles total, generously skipping road walks and boring sections.

Hey everyone, I'm planning this direction because I only have 2 months, SI has more nature, and SOBO to follow the weather. Will I meet people on the trail on this time of year? What percentage of TA hikers only do SOBO SI?

PTD has recently hit me hard.

I was a South Island NOBO last season, and now that I'm back in the rhythm of the monotonous 9-5, I can't help but feel a bit put out. Things feel reversed - like the real world is out there, instead of here pursuing my career.

My question is, how do you guys deal with Post Trail Depression? Any tips??

My partner and friend want to hike part of the TA in November (from the top of South Island to Wanaka) and want me to join them. I’m a wildlife photographer, and I’ve never done a thru hike longer than 2/3 days, and I have a heavy camera setup. I’m looking at a new setup that would weigh around 1.2kg (2.7lbs ish)- How realistic would it be for me to be ready for something like this by November? It would be 3 weeks of walking and I’m not super comfortable with steep inclines. I live in BC so there’s a lot of practice around. Any tips? Anyone done this hike with a camera? Thanks!

Hi TA Community,

I am prepping to do the TA this coming season, starting late October SOBO. I am so keen to set off on this adventure, but I am needing some insight into the more challenging aspects of the trail. I have heard many podcasters/hiking influencers/youtubers etc refer to the TA as more 'technical' than the PCT or others, but I cant seem to find what that exactly means...any definition would be wonderfully helpful.

I have thru-hiked the Bibbulmun in Western Australia, which I think is considered relatively 'easy' in the world of thru-hiking, as well as the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal (carried a lot less due to nature of the hike). This being the case, the element of the TA that has me the most apprehensive is the Alpine Sections. What are these like truthfully? Does it lean toward mountaineering-ish vibes? Is this where the 'technical' element of the trail comes in?

I want to push myself and do something challenging, but I don't want to be doing anything thats unsafe and would be going more into 'beyond my means' behaviour that could warrant a rescue!

Thank you so much for taking the time, I am truly grateful for any responses!

😊🫶🏕️🥾
PS: Im a very private person, so I dont want to post this in the FB group where you cant anonymously post, so pls pls pls, someone respond to me here 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Hi there! I am looking to hike the TA 26/27 Season NOBO and was wondering what other NOBOs have done once they reached the Whanganui River / Timber Trail sections?

I know the TA NOBO trail website has some great options for doing the Whanganui River. I am very keen to do the river SOBO via canoe, and I know this is a popular choice for some NOBOs, but its hard to search up the logistics of organising it. It would be great to hear if anyone has done it and what way they did it!

Timber Trail I am happy to walk it to be honest. But I do know its popular to cycle the track now, so was wondering if anyone has cycled it south to north?

What is the best time to walk from Cape Reinga to Auckland assuming I don't go any further?

Hi! I’m from Denmark, and I consider hiking the Te Araroa and start in November going SOBO from Cape Reinga.

I did the first half of the Pacific Crest Trail last summer and absolutely loooved it!

I have some concerns about TA, because I have heard the trail isn’t as established as the PCT.

I don’t have a good sense of direction and is a bit unsure if it is gonna be fine. Generally, I am a bit of a nervous (but adventurous!!) person

To the ones who have done the TA: is it easy to find the way? And is there some major differences (or just things) that I maybe should know about, before I decide, if this trail is for me?

I’m also a bit afraid of being alone in the trail. The PCT felt so safe because there was a lot of people, and it probably is not gonna be the same in the AT.

I have a friend who did the TA 2 years ago, and she actually was a bit disappointed, because she missed the PCT, but I still want to be open for the TA to be a nice experience for me, even though it wasn’t for her.

Any thoughts and advice is welcome!

Hi folks,

I'm hoping to do Te Araroa in Oct and have been testing out some kit.

I have a real basic question but I was camping the other night in around 7/8 degrees Celsius in Ōtaki and found despite a reasonably good sleeping bag and mat I was getting cold knees and butt. I am a side sleeper so I reckon some of it is due to putting pressure on the sleeping bag and therefore losing some of the warmth. So any tips would be great.

Would a liner help at all?

Sleeping bag - Oneplanet Nitrous - 3

Sleeping Mat - Nemo Tensor Insulated (R =2.8)

Thermals, puffer jacket, merino beanie.

Hey everyone, I’m a little intimidated by the ultralight community so thought I’d start here first 😅

I’m 20F and my two younger sisters and I are planning to hike Te Araroa southbound in early December 2028, once the youngest finishes high school. I know this is very early for a shakedown, but since I’m based in NZ and on a student budget, I want to start building a realistic picture of gear costs (including shipping) well in advance.

I’ve done a fair bit of tramping in the Tararuas, so I feel reasonably confident in both my ability and general gear choices—for shorter trips. What I’m unsure about is how well that translates to a long thru-hike like TA.

Most of my past trips involved borrowing gear, so a lot of what’s listed in my lighterpack is stuff I’d need to buy. I’m mainly looking for recommendations on tents and cook systems that are practical to get in NZ (or at least worth the shipping cost).

I’m aiming for lightweight given my body weight (around 50–55kg), but not extreme ultralight—I want gear that’s durable and will be useful beyond just this hike. Ideally, these would be long-term investment pieces.

I’d also really appreciate advice on purchase priorities. If I can’t afford everything at once, what would you recommend buying first?

Here’s my current list: [https://lighterpack.com/r/esona3\](https://lighterpack.com/r/esona3)

Thanks so much

Hi guys!

I am wanting to hike in 2027, I am available from Jan 10th till June. I am trying to figure out the best way to hike, but im getting confused. I would like to do both islands, but I would be satisfied with the South Island.

Would it make sense to start SI SOBO in Jan then go up to NI and go SOBO?

What would be your best suggestion regarding routes with my time frame?

Hi guys!

I am gonna start next November and getting my packing list together:

https://lighterpack.com/r/2c20mu

First thru hike so advice is more than welcome. What items do I forget, have better alternatives or should I lose?

I understand being as light as possible, but I will not ditch the analog camera. It is my baby on all my travels.

Kia ora! I was wondering how early on people are booking the ferry going SOBO. I’m happy to wait an extra few days but it’s looking like (if things go generally to plan) I’d be finishing the north island in about end of Dec/early Jan - this is a super busy time because of school/Christmas holidays so was wondering what people’s experiences are. I’ve got a free place to stay in Wellington so it wouldn’t cost me more money to stay an extra little while but would rather not take too many zeros/nearos

Also on that note - did those who started the queen Charlotte track in early Jan have to book things in advance? Again thinking it’ll be chocka with the holidays

I’ll hike the TA next season and saw that now you require a trail pass. Or not technically require it but it’s strongly advised and I wonder if it’s generally acceptable if you don’t have one? I’d much rather donate the 1000$ manually and not having to have to pick up this tag via mail somewhere. Or is it not really accepted to see someone without a tag?

And what if someone doesn’t know yet if they will do the whole trail? Cause a good friend of mine wants to join for the South Island but he doesn’t know yet if he’ll like thru hiking.