New Zealand walking trail Te Araroa turns 10

The New Zealand Walking Access Commission Chief Executive Ric Cullinane advises Te Araroa - now 10 years old - has grown into a New Zealand icon and is one of the world’s mostly highly regarded long walks.

Since COVID-19, the number of New Zealanders walking the trail has increased significantly. Thousands of international tourists are no longer taking months to walk the length of the 3000 kilometre-long Cape Reinga to Bluff trail. But tens of thousands of New Zealanders are taking a few hours, a day or a week to walk a local segment of the trail instead.

Cullinane notes "we want all New Zealanders to be able to walk the trail - not in one go, but over their lifetime, in segments. Starting as children we can explore the corners of our country, taking our time while walking to meet each, other, to learn our history and ecology and to marvel at our special places.

“Te Araroa contributes to local communities along the trail, to our connection to the environment, to economic development and particularly to our mental and physical health. These benefits come directly from walking in nature, making connections with nature and with each other.”

As it enters its second decade Te Araroa wants to be a safer, more fun trail for New Zealanders.

Cullinane added "currently about 15% of Te Araroa involves walking on the road. We’re working with councils, mana whenua, private landowners and local communities to move more of the trail off road and into nature.

“Two great examples of this are the newly opened Invercargill to Bluff pathway and the Mercer to Hampton Downs trail upgrade.

"We also want to spend Te Araroa’s teenage years improving the maintenance and facilities along the trail, so walkers have a better experience.”

Image courtesy of Te Araroa New Zealand’s Trail