If walking the whole trail is not for you, one island is a full long-distance journey in its own right: 50 to 80 days of walking, and a complete crossing of half a country.
North or south?
Each island offers a different journey, and the choice matters more than the distance suggests.
Te Ika-a-Māui, the North Island
A mix of cultural richness, coastal tracks, farmland and urban sections. It is the more social half of the trail, with frequent towns and resupply points, and a gentler introduction to long-distance walking. Sixty-three of the trail’s sections are here.
Te Waipounamu, the South Island
Remote, rugged and wild. Expect alpine passes, river crossings and long stretches between towns. It is a backcountry experience and asks for solid hiking skills. Thirty sections, most of them serious.
Planning one island
Timing, direction and resupply all follow from which island you choose, and the walking season is short. Start with before you go for the essentials, trail logistics for huts, transport and passes, and walker safety for rivers and weather.
Walkers on a full island are asked to register. It is free, it keeps you in touch with trail updates while you walk, and it helps the Trust look after the pathway.
Not ready for a whole island?
Most people build up to it. A multi-day section is the natural place to start, and the full trail is where it leads.