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Newborn on Te Araroa
One wild idea turned into a family occasion when Asanka told his wife Mariya, he wanted to walk Te Araroa.
To his surprise, Mariya replied, “let’s do it as a family”. And so Asanka, Mariya, Alexander (10), Victoria (7) and Aaron (5 months) set out to walk the length of Aotearoa.
The family started with the Cape Reinga to Paihia leg “to see if the kids could do it.” When it went well, the family hopped on a plane to Invercargill to start the trail northbound.
So far, “it’s been a challenging trail but it’s really awesome to see our son (Aaron) grow. He really likes waterfalls,” says Mariya.
“It’s been a good experience to walk with the family together,” says Asanka. “Some parts have been challenging but it’s really working. It already feels like such a big achievement and it’s great family time!”
Roses Saddle has been the unanimous favourite so far. “Tough but very stunning,” says Mariya, “as well as all the trail angels we’ve met. Everyone is so kind and welcoming.”
You can follow along on their journey here.
