Te Araroa North Island

The Te Araroa North Island Trail is a spectacular long-distance route and forms the first, slightly longer half of the ‘Te Araroa Trail. Taking you on a 1600 km journey that winds its way through the North Island of New Zealand, from Cape Reinga, on the northwesternmost tip of the Aupouri Peninsula, of the North Island, to the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington. Taking around 2 months to ‘tramp’ or around 65 days, if hiking an average of 25 km per day and takes in the best of New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes, from wild coastlines, cities and white sandy beaches to lush native forests and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Highlights include: Bream Tail Mangawhai Walkway - crossing native bush and farmland and views out to the Hauraki Gulf. Puhoi Track – the first purpose-built track on the TA for day hikers venturing through untouched native woodland. Pirongia Mountain – traverse this extinct stratovolcano in the Waikato region of the Northland. Tongariro Alpine Crossing – journey across the active volcanic landscape within the Tongariro National Park – the oldest in New Zealand and a recognised World Heritage Site. Journey down the Whanganui River – a break from tramping, take to the river in canoe or kayak for this part of the TA. Wellington – end in New Zealand’s ‘coffee capital’ and take in all the best of New Zealand, known as the ‘windy’ city. The longer 3000 km Te Araroa trail, which means ‘The Long Path’ was launched in 2011, and combines old and new paths and road sections, which is growing in popularity with long-distance or ‘Thru-Hikers’ worldwide. Best hiked starting in spring, from North to South, the diverse and varying trail ends in the windy city of Wellington. The Te Araroa Trust requests that all hikers register before embarking to help them learn about the hikers who use the trail so they can maintain and improve the trail accordingly. Accommodation Huts and campsites can be found along the Te Araroa. Huts are basic, offering bunks, toilets, water, and basic cooking facilities, and many will need to be booked in advance. Campsites are a cheaper alternative and offer basic amenities including toilets and a water supply.To check availability and cost to stay visit https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/stay-in-a-hut Wild camping – bylaws will change depending on the district you are in; some do not allow wild or ‘Freedom’ camping on council land. Generally, camping on DOC land is allowed, but there are exceptions, usually due to conservation and protection reasons, so do plan ahead and check where you are allowed to stay. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/stay-at-a-campsite/freedom-camping/ Based on our data, the trail is graded as hard. For information on how we grade trails, please click here. Also, check our latest community posts for trail updates.This trail can be completed in approx. 65 days. Caution is advised on trail times as this depends on multiple variables. For more info, click here.