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What you learned walking Te Araroa

  • 22 Mar 2022
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Milford Track December 21 c

We asked our Facebook whānau what they learned from walking sections (or all) of Te Araroa. The responses were mīharo (amazing). Here are our top 10.

Debby M told us, "I surprised myself at what I was capable of. I never once wanted to give it up. One of the best things I have ever done. If I was younger I would be tempted to do it all again...."

Peter K provided 10 bullet points to ponder:

1. It is about the journey and not the destination
2. It is not just about tramping in the wilderness, but a tour of the country, urban, rural, coastal, bush, alpine etc
3. The 'boring bits' give you a better appreciation of the 'best bits'
4. Hike your own hike. Do it your way, with your rules
5. Look after your body, especially your feet
6. Always share your coffee, tea or beer. It helps to make friends along the way
7. Look after each other, and others will be there to help you when you need it
8. Your worse day can easily turn out to be the best day of the journey. Be patient
9. Always check for bulls in the paddock, wasps in the trees, mice in the huts
10. Keep a diary, blog, photos or some record to look back on in years ahead

Wjohn S had specific points, "there's a lot of up and down on the ship cove to Anakiwa. Freehold creek is beautiful. Snake ridge had gentians in flower.

Dianne S had some practical advice from her experience walking Cape Reinga to Kerikeri, "I learnt some days are better than others, but as long as you can keep putting one foot in front of the other, it's all doable. Also, your feet are vital to you being able to do it, so your footwear is sooooooo important."

And Hayley W had some practical experience, "Be careful squatting down going for a tinkle with a backpack on."

As well as Des J, "the less you carry the happier the hike."

To all the coffee lovers, Ben W confirmed, "the coffee is consistently amazing. Petrol station in the middle of nowhere? World class barista style coffee available."

Christine W reminded us to "slow down [and] enjoy it. It’s over way too soon. Don’t stress about stuff, when you're standing under the sign it doesn’t matter and never did..."

Julie C shared, "I've only walked a few random bits. But I've watched a looooottttt of videos. I now refelct on how awesomely loooong it is. I want it all."

But Marion R summed it up, she learned "that I can do far more than I ever dreamt!"
Page last updated: Mar 22, 2022, 4:33 PM