Fueling the Journey: How to Eat Well and Stay Hydrated on Trail
Food and water are two of the most important, and heaviest, things you’ll carry on Te Araroa. Planning well can make your journey safer, lighter, and more enjoyable.
Carrying Food: think light, eat well
You’ll need to carry enough food to get you between resupply points, which can range from a couple of days to over a week apart in remote areas. When planning your meals:
- Prioritise lightweight, high-energy foods like dehydrated meals, nuts, oats, and energy bars.
- Plan for variety to avoid food fatigue – you’ll be burning a lot of calories!
- Repackage food into zip-lock bags to reduce bulk and rubbish.
- Know your daily calorie needs and use that to help plan what to carry.
- The Trail notes and the Trail App will help you plan where to resupply.
All registered walkers get 15% off all online Backcountry Cuisine orders.
Water: where to find it and how to treat it
Water sources are common along the trail, from streams and rivers to huts and town taps. But not all are safe to drink untreated.
- Know how much water you need each day and where you can refill.
- All mains water in all towns and cities is safe to drink
- Always treat water from natural sources and hut tanks.
- Carry a water filter, purifier, – lightweight options are available and easy to use.
- Plan ahead in dry or exposed sections where water may be scarce.
- Check the app for water source info and recent walker updates.
Pack It In, Pack It Out
There are limited rubbish facilities on trail, especially in remote areas. That means:
- Take all your rubbish with you, including food wrappers and hygiene products.
- Use reusable containers where possible to reduce waste.
- Dispose of waste properly in towns or designated bins.
Leaving no trace helps protect the trail and ensures it remains beautiful and accessible for future walkers.
Good planning = good walking
By thinking ahead about food, water, and waste, you’ll be better prepared for the challenges of Te Araroa and better able to enjoy the journey.