Longstride

Trail Journal Chapters

1. Journey to Aotearoa (10/30/2023 - 11/10/2023)
2. The North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) (11/10/2023 - 1/29/2024)
3. The South Island (Te Waipounamu) (1/30/2024 - 4/7/2024)
4. After the Trail… (4/9/2024)

Journey to Aotearoa
October 30, 2023 - November 10, 2023

1. Why Te Araroa?
   10/30/2023 12:00 pm
2. Journey to Auckland: Leaving the US is Harder Than It Should Be
   11/1/2023 7:41 pm
3. Journey to Auckland: Arrival in Auckland
   Auckland
   11/2/2023 9:48 am
4. Auckland: Getting Situated
   Auckland
   11/2/2023 7:03 pm
5. Auckland: Recovery from Jet Lag
   Auckland
   11/4/2023 9:36 pm
6. Auckland: The Calm Before the Storm
   Auckland
   11/7/2023 10:43 pm
7. Auckland: Can’t Go Hiking Without Food
   Auckland
   11/8/2023 11:34 pm
8. Auckland: Ready to Go!
   Auckland
   11/9/2023 11:27 pm
9. Te Araroa Gear
   11/10/2023 12:00 pm
10. Northern Terminus of Te Araroa
    Cape Reinga, Northern Terminus of Te Araroa
    11/10/2023 6:34 pm

The North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui)
November 10, 2023 - January 29, 2024

1. Day 1: And Away We Go…
   Tapotupotu Bay Campground (5.9 km)
   11/10/2023 9:29 pm
2. Day 2: In the Shadow of Giant Sand Dunes
   Te Paki Stream / Giant Sand Dunes (25.5 km)
   11/11/2023 8:59 pm
3. Day 3: Ninety Mile Beach (Day 1)
   Maunganui Bluff Campsite (49.1 km)
   11/12/2023 4:01 pm
4. Day 4: Ninety Mile Beach (Day 2)
   Hukatere Lodge Campground (79.7 km)
   11/13/2023 9:35 pm
5. Day 5: Ninety Mile Beach (Day 3)
   Ahipara / YHA Aphiara (110.8 km)
   11/14/2023 4:40 pm
6. Day 6: Road Walk From Ahipara to Kaitaia
   Kaitaia / Beachcomber Lodge and Backpacker (125.5 km)
   11/15/2023 11:12 pm
7. Day 7: Road Walk from Kaitaia to Raetea Forest
   Abhay and Jayanti’s Krishna Sanctuary (144.9 km)
   11/16/2023 9:37 pm
8. Day 8: A Muddy Trek Through the Raetea Forest
   Makene Road Campsite (163.9 km)
   11/17/2023 10:14 pm
9. Day 9: Road Walk to the Puketī Forest
   Blackbridge Camp (186.7 km)
   11/18/2023 9:57 pm
10. Day 10: Puketī Forest: The River, The Ridge, And Rain
    Puketi Campsite (207.2 km)
    11/19/2023 9:18 pm
11. Day 11: Roads and Waterfalls on the Way to Kerikeri
    Kerikeri (233.2 km)
    11/20/2023 9:41 pm
12. Day 12: Zero in Kerikeri
    Kerikeri (233.2 km)
    11/21/2023 9:56 pm
13. Day 13: Road Walk from Kerikeri to Paihia
    Paihia / Waitangi Holiday Park (252.4 km)
    11/22/2023 8:13 pm
14. Day 14: Road Walk (and Boardwalk) Around the Russell Forest
    The Farm (281.4 km)
    11/23/2023 3:54 pm
15. Day 15: Road Walk to Helena Bay and Helena Ridge
    Hay Road Campsite (306.4 km)
    11/24/2023 7:40 pm
16. Day 16: Road Walk to Whananaki
    Whananaki Holiday Park (329.2 km)
    11/25/2023 8:27 pm
17. Day 17: A Long Footbridge, and Road Walk to Ngunguru
    Nikau Bay Eco Camp (355.8 km)
    11/26/2023 9:06 pm
18. Day 18: Horahora River, Taiharuru River, and Ocean Beach
    Ocean Beach / Jagger’s Camp (381.7 km)
    11/27/2023 9:35 pm
19. Day 19: Ocean Beach, Bream Head, and Road Walk to Reotahi Bay
    Reotahi Bay Campsite (400.0 km)
    11/28/2023 7:59 pm
20. Day 20: A Ferry, Uretiti Beach, and Road Walk from Ruakākā to Waipu Cove
    Camp Waipu Cove (428.7 km)
    11/29/2023 6:05 pm
21. Day 21: Brynderwyn Hills and Mangawhai Cliffs
    Mangawhai Heads / The Costal Cow (452.8 km)
    11/30/2023 11:59 pm
22. Day 22: Zero in Mangawhai Heads
    Mangawhai Heads / The Costal Cow (452.8 km)
    12/1/2023 11:34 pm
23. Day 23: Te Arai and Pakiri Beaches
    Pakiri Beach Holiday Park (479.5 km)
    12/2/2023 10:03 pm
24. Day 24: Mount Tamahunga, The Dome, and Mud
    Kraack Hill (508.3 km)
    12/3/2023 9:38 pm
25. Day 25: Roads, Farms, and Trails to Puhoi
    Puhoi / Puhoi Pub (532.6 km)
    12/4/2023 9:27 pm
26. Day 26: Hibiscus Coast Highway and Wenderholm Park
    Waiwera / Auckland (541.1 km)
    12/5/2023 11:18 pm
27. Day 27: Zero in Auckland
    Waiwera / Auckland (541.1 km)
    12/6/2023 6:33 pm
28. Day 28: Waiwera Beach, Ōrewa Beach, Silverdale, Stillwater, and the Okura Bush Walkway
    Dacre Cottage (567.2 km)
    12/7/2023 5:40 pm
29. Day 29: Auckland North
    Auckland Domain (600.0 km)
    12/8/2023 9:50 pm
30. Day 30: Auckland Central
    Auckland Airport (631.3 km)
    12/9/2023 11:37 pm
31. Day 31: Second Zero in Auckland
    (631.3 km)
    12/10/2023 9:30 pm
32. Day 32: Auckland South
    Drury / Applaud B&B (660.6 km)
    12/11/2023 9:55 pm
33. Day 33: Drury to Mercer
    Mercer / Mercer Motel (696.3 km)
    12/12/2023 10:20 pm
34. Day 34: Overgrown Farms from Mercer to Rangiriri
    Rangiriri / Cathy’s Cabin (721.9 km)
    12/13/2023 8:34 pm
35. Day 35: Farm and Road Walk to Huntly
    Huntly / Lake Hakanoa Motor Caravan Park (738.3 km)
    12/14/2023 9:32 pm
36. Day 36: Hakarimata and Waterworks Walk to Ngāruawāhia
    Ngāruawāhia / RiverBed Motel (757.1 km)
    12/15/2023 9:20 pm
37. Day 37: Te Awa River Ride and Road Walk to Whatawhata
    Whatawhata / Village Cafe (793.0 km)
    12/16/2023 10:16 pm
38. Day 38: Roads, Farms, and the Tahuanui Track to Pirongia Summit
    Pāhautea Hut (823.9 km)
    12/17/2023 10:27 pm
39. Day 39: The Very Muddy Hihikiwi Track
    Jo’s Funny Farm (838.9 km)
    12/18/2023 9:59 pm
40. Day 40: Road and Amazing Trail to Waitomo
    Waitomo / Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park (873.1 km)
    12/19/2023 9:12 pm
41. Day 41: Road and Farm Walk to Te Kūiti
    Te Kūiti / Motel Te Kuiti (891.1 km)
    12/20/2023 4:47 pm
42. Day 42: Road Walk to a Farmhouse
    Snow’s Farmhouse (929.7 km)
    12/21/2023 9:02 pm
43. Day 43: Road Walk to the Pureora Forest
    Pureora Cabins (952.9 km)
    12/22/2023 9:04 pm
44. Day 44: Timber Trail (North Half)
    Piropiro Campsite (988.8 km)
    12/23/2023 8:28 pm
45. Day 45: Timber Trail (South Half)
    Bennet Road Campground (1030.9 km)
    12/24/2023 8:45 pm
46. Day 46: Road Walk to Taumarunui
    Taumarunui / Alexander Spa Motel (1056.5 km)
    12/25/2023 9:30 pm
47. Day 47: Zero in Taumarunui
    Taumarunui / Alexander Spa Motel (1056.5 km)
    12/26/2023 10:31 pm
48. Day 48: Double Zero in Taumarunui
    Taumarunui / Twin River Motel (1056.5 km)
    12/27/2023 1:33 pm
49. Day 49: Road Walk to Ōwhango, 42 Traverse
    Mako Stream Campsite (1094.3 km)
    12/28/2023 8:37 pm
50. Day 50: 42 Traverse, Waione/Cokers Track, and Road Walk to Tongariro Holiday Park
    Tongariro Holiday Park (1120.4 km)
    12/29/2023 10:08 pm
51. Day 51: Tongariro Weather Delay
    Tongariro Holiday Park (1120.4 km)
    12/30/2023 8:46 pm
52. Day 52: Tongariro Weather Delay Day 2
    Tongariro Holiday Park (1120.4 km)
    12/31/2023 8:28 pm
53. Day 53: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
    Whakapapa Holiday Park (1154.8 km)
    1/1/2024 9:11 pm
54. Day 54: Tama Lakes and Taranaki Falls
    Whakapapa Holiday Park (1154.8 km)
    1/2/2024 10:17 pm
55. Day 55: Whakapapaiti Valley Track and Mangahuia Track
    National Park Village / YHA National Park (1174.7 km)
    1/3/2024 10:12 pm
56. Day 56: Road to Kaitieke
    Kaitieke War Memorial / Coupers Crossing (1202.4 km)
    1/4/2024 9:34 pm
57. Day 57: Road Walk to Whakahoro
    Whakahoro Campsite (1227.1 km)
    1/5/2024 9:26 pm
58. Day 58: Whanganui River Journey Day 1: Whakahoro to John Coull Hut
    John Coull Campsite (1263.2 km)
    1/6/2024 9:02 pm
59. Day 59: Whanganui River Journey Day 2: John Coull Hut to Ngaporo Campsite
    Ngaporo Campsite (1307.8 km)
    1/7/2024 9:27 pm
60. Day 60: Whanganui River Journey Day 3: Ngaporo Campsite to The Flying Fox
    The Flying Fox (1346.9 km)
    1/8/2024 10:48 pm
61. Day 61: Whanganui River Journey Day 4: The Flying Fox to Hipango Park
    Hipango Park (1380.1 km)
    1/9/2024 9:19 pm
62. Day 62: Whanganui River Journey Day 5: Hipango Park to Whanganui
    Whanganui / Braemar House B&B (1405.3 km)
    1/10/2024 10:54 pm
63. Day 63: Road Walk and Whangaehu Beach
    Koitiata Camping Ground (1439.4 km)
    1/11/2024 10:25 pm
64. Day 64: Turakina Beach and Road Walk to Bulls
    Bulls / Bulls Motel & Holiday Park (1472.5 km)
    1/12/2024 10:51 pm
65. Day 65: Road Walk from Bulls to Feilding
    Feilding / Feilding Hotel (1492.7 km)
    1/13/2024 10:48 pm
66. Day 66: Feilding to Palmerston North
    Palmerston North / Palmerston North Motel (1515.9 km)
    1/14/2024 8:49 pm
67. Day 67: Zero in Palmerston North
    Palmerston North / Palmerston North Motel (1515.9 km)
    1/15/2024 8:50 pm
68. Day 68: Trails, Cycle Paths, and Roads to Whare o Moturimu
    Whare o Moturimu (1547.4 km)
    1/16/2024 10:23 pm
69. Day 69: Road and Forest Tracks to Tokomaru Shelter
    Tokomaru Shelter (1562.2 km)
    1/17/2024 8:47 pm
70. Day 70: Mangahao-Makahika Track
    Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Center (1580.2 km)
    1/18/2024 10:12 pm
71. Day 71: Tararua Range Day 1: Gable End, Waiopehu, and Dora Tracks
    Te Matawai Hut (1598.9 km)
    1/19/2024 11:15 pm
72. Day 72: Tararua Range Day 2: Dora Track to Dracophyllum Hut
    Dracophyllum Hut (1606.4 km)
    1/20/2024 9:42 pm
73. Day 73: Tararua Range Day 3: Dora and Waitewaewae Tracks
    Waitewaewae Hut (1619.9 km)
    1/21/2024 10:40 pm
74. Day 74: Tararua Range Day 4: Waitewaewae Track to Parawai Lodge
    Parawai Lodge (1629.8 km)
    1/22/2024 9:26 pm
75. Day 75: Tararua Range Day 5: Pukeatua Ridge Route and Road Walk to Waikanae
    Waikanae / Ariki Lodge Motel (1655.8 km)
    1/23/2024 10:18 pm
76. Day 76: Kapiti Coast: Paraparaumu, Raumati, and Whareroa Beaches
    Paekakariki Holiday Park (1676.3 km)
    1/24/2024 10:10 pm
77. Day 77: Escarpment Track, Ara Harakeke Walkway, and Urban Tracks to Porirua
    Camp Elsdon (1704.1 km)
    1/25/2024 9:44 pm
78. Day 78: Colonial Knob and Spicer Forest
    Rifle Range Road / Wellington / Trinity Hotel (1716.5 km)
    1/26/2024 9:47 pm
79. Day 79: Wellington North
    Wellington CBD / Trinity Hotel (1735.6 km)
    1/27/2024 10:35 pm
80. Day 80: Wellington South
    Shorland Park, Southern Terminus, North Island / Wellington / Trinity Hotel (1748.4 km)
    1/28/2024 7:34 pm
81. Day 81: Zero in Wellington
    Wellington (1748.4 km)
    1/29/2024 11:20 pm

The South Island (Te Waipounamu)
January 30, 2024 - April 7, 2024

1. Day 82: Transit to the South Island
   Picton / Tasman Picton Holiday Park (1748.4 km)
   1/30/2024 10:27 pm
2. Day 83: Queen Charlotte Track Day 1: Ship Cove to Camp Bay
   Camp Bay Campsite (1775.9 km)
   1/31/2024 7:25 pm
3. Day 84: Queen Charlotte Track Day 2: Camp Bay to Mistletoe Bay
   Mistletoe Bay Eco Village (1806.6 km)
   2/1/2024 9:29 pm
4. Day 85: Queen Charlotte Track Day 3: Mistletoe Bay to Anakiwa
   Smiths Farm Holiday Park (1822.8 km)
   2/2/2024 9:18 pm
5. Day 86: Link Pathway to Havelock
   Havelock / Blue Moon Backpackers (1838.6 km)
   2/3/2024 9:12 pm
6. Day 87: Road and Farm Walk to Pelorus Bridge
   Pelorus Bridge Campground (1859.6 km)
   2/4/2024 7:06 pm
7. Day 88: Pelorus River Track
   Middy Creek Hut (1886.6 km)
   2/5/2024 10:21 pm
8. Day 89: Bryant Range
   Browning Hut (1902.1 km)
   2/6/2024 9:56 pm
9. Day 90: Richmond Range Day 1: Browning Hut to Slaty Hut
   Slaty Hut (1916.3 km)
   2/7/2024 8:04 pm
10. Day 91: Richmond Range Day 2: Slaty to Rintoul
    Mt. Rintoul Hut (1929.6 km)
    2/8/2024 9:22 pm
11. Day 92: Richmond Range Day 3: Rintoul to Mid Wairoa
    Mid Wairoa Hut (1944.8 km)
    2/9/2024 9:34 pm
12. Day 93: Richmond Range Day 4: Mid Wairoa to Hunters
    Hunters Hut (1961.9 km)
    2/10/2024 8:07 pm
13. Day 94: Richmond Range Day 5: Hunters to Red Hills
    Red Hills Hut (1980.1 km)
    2/11/2024 9:16 pm
14. Day 95: Richmond Range Day 6: Red Hills to St Arnaud
    St Arnaud / Alpine Lodge (2000.9 km)
    2/12/2024 8:43 pm
15. Day 96: Zero in St Arnaud
    St Arnaud / Alpine Lodge (2000.9 km)
    2/13/2024 9:07 pm
16. Day 97: Lake Rotoiti
    Lakehead Hut (2011.1 km)
    2/14/2024 8:15 pm
17. Day 98: Travers Valley
    Upper Travers Hut (2031.8 km)
    2/15/2024 8:56 pm
18. Day 99: Travers Saddle and Sabine River
    Blue Lake Hut (2047.5 km)
    2/16/2024 9:56 pm
19. Day 100: Waiau Pass and Waiau Uwha River
    Waiau Hut (2063.8 km)
    2/17/2024 9:42 pm
20. Day 101: Waiau and Henry River Valleys
    Anne Hut (2089.8 km)
    2/18/2024 9:51 pm
21. Day 102: St James Walkway to Boyle
    Boyle / Hanmer Springs / Kakapo Lodge YHA (2120.1 km)
    2/19/2024 6:05 pm
22. Day 103: Zero in Hanmer Springs
    Boyle / Hanmer Springs / Kakapo Lodge YHA (2120.1 km)
    2/20/2024 9:50 pm
23. Day 104: Tui and Hope-Kiwi Tracks
    Hope-Kiwi Lodge (2146.8 km)
    2/21/2024 9:33 pm
24. Day 105: Hope-Kiwi Track and Harpers Pass Track
    Hurunui No. 3 Hut (2174.5 km)
    2/22/2024 9:35 pm
25. Day 106: Harpers Pass Track and Taramakau River
    Kiwi Hut (2198.0 km)
    2/23/2024 9:18 pm
26. Day 107: Taramakau and Ōtira Rivers
    Morrison Footbridge / Arthurs Pass / Arthurs Pass Lodge (2211.5 km)
    2/24/2024 8:52 pm
27. Day 108: Weather Zero in Arthurs Pass
    Morrison Footbridge / Arthurs Pass / Arthurs Pass Lodge (2211.5 km)
    2/25/2024 8:37 pm
28. Day 109: Deception River
    Upper Deception Hut (2223.2 km)
    2/26/2024 8:55 pm
29. Day 110: Deception River, Goat Pass, and Mingha River
    Greyney Shelter / Arthurs Pass / Arthurs Pass Lodge (2235.6 km)
    2/27/2024 10:20 pm
30. Day 111: Lagoon Saddle Track
    Hamilton Hut (2260.3 km)
    2/28/2024 9:29 pm
31. Day 112: Harper River Valley
    Harper River Campsite (2279.4 km)
    2/29/2024 9:51 pm
32. Day 113: Harper Road and Lake Hill Track
    Lake Coleridge (Raikaia River Hazard Zone) / Methven / Snow Denn Lodge (2308.5 km)
    3/1/2024 10:26 pm
33. Day 114: Zero in Methven
    Methven / Snow Denn Lodge (2308.5 km)
    3/2/2024 10:54 pm
34. Day 115: Second Zero in Methven
    Methven / Snow Denn Lodge (2308.5 km)
    3/3/2024 8:36 pm
35. Day 116: Final Zero in Methven
    Lake Coleridge (Raikaia River Hazard Zone) / Methven / Snow Denn Lodge (2308.5 km)
    3/4/2024 6:40 pm
36. Day 117: Turtons and Clent Hills Saddles
    Double Hut (2340.5 km)
    3/5/2024 9:44 pm
37. Day 118: Emily Hill Route and Clearwater Track
    Mt Potts Car Park (Rangitata River Hazard Zone) / Mount Potts Lodge (2378.1 km)
    3/6/2024 10:24 pm
38. Day 119: Rangitata River and Bush Stream
    Crooked Spur Hut (2397.2 km)
    3/7/2024 9:21 pm
39. Day 120: Bush Stream, Day Two
    Royal Hut (2412.7 km)
    3/8/2024 7:52 pm
40. Day 121: Stag Saddle
    Camp Stream Hut (2427.6 km)
    3/9/2024 9:29 pm
41. Day 122: Lake Tekapo
    Lake Tekapo / Haka House (2461.2 km)
    3/10/2024 10:25 pm
42. Day 123: Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail to Twizel
    Twizel / Twizel Holiday Park (2515.9 km)
    3/11/2024 9:14 pm
43. Day 124: Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail to Lake Ohau Lodge
    Lake Ohau Lodge (2552.9 km)
    3/12/2024 9:59 pm
44. Day 125: Freehold Creek and Ahuriri River East Branch
    Ahuriri River East Branch Campsite 2527.4 (2576.4 km)
    3/13/2024 9:29 pm
45. Day 126: Ahuriri River, Avon Burn, and Timaru River
    Top Timaru Hut (2604.7 km)
    3/14/2024 9:00 pm
46. Day 127: Timaru River
    Stodys Hut (2618.3 km)
    3/15/2024 7:57 pm
47. Day 128: Breast Hill and Gladstone Track
    Lake Hawea / Lake Hawea Hotel (2640.2 km)
    3/16/2024 9:51 pm
48. Day 129: Hawea River Track, Clutha River, and Lake Wanaka
    Wanaka / Adventure Wanaka Hostel (2664.7 km)
    3/17/2024 8:57 pm
49. Day 130: Zero in Wanaka
    Wanaka / Adventure Wanaka Hostel (2664.7 km)
    3/18/2024 10:56 pm
50. Day 131: Glendhu Bay Track and Motatapu Track
    Fern Burn Hut (2689.5 km)
    3/19/2024 9:27 pm
51. Day 132: Motatapu Track Day 2
    Highland Creek Hut (2695.7 km)
    3/20/2024 8:35 pm
52. Day 133: Motatapu Track Day 3
    Roses Hut (2706.1 km)
    3/21/2024 7:20 pm
53. Day 134: Motatapu Track, Macetown, and Big Hill Track
    Arrowtown / Arrowtown Holiday Park (2729.4 km)
    3/22/2024 7:56 pm
54. Day 135: Wakatipu Track
    Queenstown / Adventure Q2 Hostel (2758.1 km)
    3/23/2024 11:26 pm
55. Day 136: Zero in Queenstown
    Queenstown / Nomads Queenstown (2758.1 km)
    3/24/2024 7:40 pm
56. Day 137: Second Zero in Queenstown
    Queenstown / Nomads Queenstown (2758.1 km)
    3/25/2024 10:39 pm
57. Day 138: Greenstone Track and Mavora Walkway
    Taipo Hut (2779.8 km)
    3/26/2024 9:27 pm
58. Day 139: Mavora Walkway Day 2
    Careys Hut (2797.7 km)
    3/27/2024 8:05 pm
59. Day 140: Mavora Walkway and Mararoa River Track
    Kiwi Burn Swingbridge (2820.6 km)
    3/28/2024 6:03 pm
60. Day 141: Mavora Lakes Road
    Princhester Road / Te Anau / Te Anau Central Backpackers (2851.6 km)
    3/29/2024 11:24 pm
61. Day 142: Takitimu Forest Day 1
    Aparima Hut (2874.1 km)
    3/30/2024 9:27 pm
62. Day 143: Takitimu Forest Day 2
    Telford Campsite (2895.5 km)
    3/31/2024 8:05 pm
63. Day 144: Mount Linton Station
    Struan Flat Road / Nightcaps / Nightcaps Hotel (2923.3 km)
    4/1/2024 10:49 pm
64. Day 145: Woodlaw Forest and Island Bush
    Merriview Hut (2950.5 km)
    4/2/2024 9:14 pm
65. Day 146: Longwood Forest Day 1
    Bald Hill Road Quarry (2967.0 km)
    4/3/2024 8:52 pm
66. Day 147: Longwood Forest Day 2
    Turnbull’s Hut (2982.7 km)
    4/4/2024 8:33 pm
67. Day 148: Longwood Forest and Colac Bay
    Riverton / Riverton Holiday Park (3006.7 km)
    4/5/2024 10:00 pm
68. Day 149: Oreti Beach
    Invercargil / Tuatara Lodge (3039.7 km)
    4/6/2024 7:59 pm
69. Day 150: 3,000 km, From Cape Reinga to Bluff
    Stirling Point, Bluff, Southern Terminus of Te Araroa (3074.5 km)
    4/7/2024 8:47 pm

After the Trail…
April 9, 2024

1. A Lazy Day, and Return to Auckland
   4/9/2024 11:00 pm