WELLINGTON – WAIKANAE
Section Distance = 91 km
Total Distance = 91 km
Te Araroa (The Long Pathway) stretches for 3000km from Cape Reinga in the north of New Zealand to Bluff in the south.
It follows coastal beaches and river valleys, crosses volcanoes and mountain ranges, wanders through city streets and forest tracks, ventures across farmland and backcounty frontiers. All of this terrain I will be traversing on my journey!
Unlike some of the other long distance thru-hikes around the world the TA is not a single continuous trail, but joins many trail sections across the country to create a truly unique experience.
Welcome to my adventures tackling Te Araroa!
“Only those who risk going to far, can possibly find out how far one can go!” – T.S Elliot
ISLAND BAY – WELLINGTON CBD
While it was neither the starting point nor date I had planned, I finally started my epic journey along New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail.
After covid restrictions closed access to the north of NZ I decided to instead begin in Wellington, hike north for as long as possible (until I reached a covid restricted area) and then plan my next steps from there. After planning this trip for a year I was a little disappointed to not be able to begin in Cape Reinga as originally planned but the positive side was I began in Wellington, literally walking out my front door and onto the trail.
The section between Island Bay and Wellington CBD was a lovely day hike along the Wellington Southern Walkway to kick off what will be an epic adventure.
WELLINGTON CBD – PORIRUA
What a send off!!! Gale force winds, rain and even an earthquake, it will be a long time before I forget my first few days on trail. Battling head winds and getting blown over (literally) on the summit of Mt Kaukau before settling on a bunk at Camp Elsdon for the night. Heavy rain and thunderstorms were forecast but I at least began the next day dry.
PORIRUA – PAEKAKARIKI
I woke to a sunny morning after heavy rainfall all night. Did not regret paying a tiny bit more for the bunk instead of a tent site for a minute! I set of early as more rain and hail were predicted for the afternoon. There were a lot of paved sections but they led to the stunning Escarpment Track. Due to the strong winds, I decided not to test my balance on the exposed ridgeline and many swing bridges but I have done the Escarpment Track many times and it gives stunning views over the Kapiti Coast.
At Paekakariki I met my first trail angel who saved me from spending the night in my tent in a hailstorm by coming to pick me up and host me for the night. The next section was a wet and windy (a tail wind this time thankfully) hike along the beach to Waikanae. I think I blew there rather than hiked…
While I had challenging conditions to start out, there were also spectacular views back over Wellington harbour, my first beach section and my first trail angels!!!
Why have I decided to embark on this mad endeavor?
My main goals are to explore this beautiful country and fundraise for community groups working for wildlife conservation along the trail route (I will introduce you all to them along the way 😉)
Next stop Te Araroa Part 2 Waikanae – Palmerston North…via a very steep, very muddy Tararua Range 😬🥾
Want to see more photos and a daily breakdown of my journey?
Instagram- @discover_with_danni
