Walking Te Araroa is an unforgettable experience – but it’s also a serious undertaking. Budgeting well is essential to making your journey safe, enjoyable, and sustainable. Whether you’re planning to walk the entire Te Araroa trail or a shorter section, having a clear financial plan will help you avoid stress and make the most of your time on trail.
How much money should you have?
We recommend setting aside $12,000NZD if you’re walking the full trail. This covers gear, food, accommodation, transport, and any unexpected costs. Your actual budget will depend on your walking pace, comfort preferences, and how much time you spend in towns or off-trail.
Costs before you start walking
Before your boots hit the trail, here are some key costs to plan for:
- Gear: Invest in high-quality, lightweight gear. It’s essential for safety and comfort. Use resources like the Mountain Safety Council gear checklist to guide your choices.
- Visa: If you’re not a New Zealand or Australian citizen, you may need a visa. Immigration NZ can help.
- Travel to the trailhead: Budget for flights, buses, or shuttles to your starting point.
- Emergency fund: Set aside money for medical emergencies or unexpected costs.
- Distress beacon: Rent a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or similar device — essential for safety in remote areas.
Costs during your walk
Your main expenses on trail will be:
- Food and resupply
- Accommodation
- Transport (like ferry rides, shuttles or buses)
- Gear replacements or upgrades
New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, and gear can wear out fast. Budget for extra nights in town and unexpected gear replacements. Avoid cutting corners on safety – skipping a PLB or camping in unauthorised areas can put you and others at risk.
Supporting local businesses along the trail also helps sustain the communities that support Te Araroa walkers year after year.
Te Araroa Locals offer great trail deals and discounts
As a registered Te Araroa walker, you’ll be offered lots of great deals and discounts by businesses along the trail – these are our Te Araroa Locals! Look out for this symbol or check out the Te Araroa Trail App for all the locations of Te Araroa Locals and the details of their offer.
They all offer something special to registered walkers and this can help to keep your costs down while walking. It’s also a great opportunity to meet the locals in the communities you walk through. You’ll need to show your valid season bag tag to redeem the offers – so make sure you register before you walk!
Helpful Budgeting Resources
Here are some great blogs and articles from past walkers about their experiences:
Budgeting well means walking well
Take the time to plan your finances so you can focus on the journey ahead.
