NEW ZEALAND
Te Araroa
Te Araroa means “the long pathway” in Maori. Completed in 2011, it’s a 3,000-kilometer continuous trail extending from Cape Reinga on the North Island to Bluff on the South.
![I hadn’t the faintest idea if I possessed the grit, the fortitude and determination, and the sheer pig-headedness to stick with a walk of 1,864 miles.](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_0491-846x1024.jpg)
Te Araroa, New Zealand – Oct-Mar, 2018—19
Did I possess the grit, fortitude, determination, and the sheer pig-headedness to stick with a walk of 1,864 miles?
![I love my work as a classical music radio host, but I wanted to see what a long distance thru-hike would do to my body, mind and spirit so asked for a leave.](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2153-1024x1024.jpg)
TA audio narrative: who is this “blissful hiker” you speak of?
I love being a DJ, but wanted to experience a thru-hike before it was too late.
![When in doubt, make a fool of yourself.](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_0041-1024x1024.jpg)
TA audio narrative: Does orange make my butt look fat?
It’s said that people fear public speaking – and looking ridiculous – more than death.
![The great philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wants us to be wanderers, “though not as a traveler to a final destination: for this destination does not exist.”](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_0548-2.jpg)
TA audio narrative: no outcomes backpacking
If you arrive at a final destination, it’s a sign that you’ve set your sights too low.
![The Blissful Hiker packs her ultralight gear for New Zealand.](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_0636-1-1024x1024-2-1024x1024.jpg)
TA video: ready or not…
The Blissful Hiker Alison Young packs ultralight gear to ready to go to New Zealand.
![It’s less 'seize the day' at this point then let it happen and be present while it does.](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_0657.jpg)
TA…and away she goes!
In late October, I said goodbye and set off for the other side of the world.
![Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of New Zealand](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_0810-1.jpg)
TA Day 1, Cape Reinga to Twilight Camp – 13 km
After 3 flights, and 36 hours of travel, I start the hike, falling asleep to crashing waves at Twilight.
![Rain passes through at Scott Point above Ninety Mile Beach, a relentless expanse of sand walked for three solid days.](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_0877-1.jpg)
TA Day 2, Twilight Camp to Maunganui Bluff – 28 km
Following the stairs down from Scott Point, the Blissful Hiker begins the Ninety Mile Beach.
![Spirula or Ram's horn shell on Ninety Mile Beach.](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_0943.jpg)
TA Day 3, Maunganui Bluff to Utea Park – 30 km
Awakened by wild horses, the Blissful Hiker heads back onto the long, lonely Ninety Mile Beach.
![](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_0810.jpg)
TA audio narrative: suddenly D-day
After 36 hours of travel, I arrived in New Zealand and started hiking right away.
![Blow Carting near Ahipara.](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_1036.jpg)
TA Day 4, Utea Park to Ahipara, 32 km
On the final day walking the Ninety Mile Beach, the wind changes and brings blow carts my way.
![](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_1179-1-1024x1024.jpg)
TA Day 5, Takahue Saddle Road to below Umaumakaroo – 16 km
Tuis, bell birds, roots and mud – the deepest I’ve seen in my entire life – in the Raetea Forest.