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Just as Appalachian Trail is the ultimate hike in the United States, so too Te Araroa - The Long Pathway is the ultimate hike in New Zealand. This hike goes all the way from the northern tip of the North Island to the southern tip of the South Island. On this trail, one will see a spectacular array of landscapes - forests, New Zealand's largest cities, volcanoes, dramatic coastlines, and much more.

If this is too much of a hike, then consider hiking some best of New Zealand's hiking trails - these have been organized into the country's "Great Walks." What better way to really get to see and experience a country than by walking all the way across it?

Te Araroa - The Greatest Hiking Trail of New Zealand

At 3,000 kilometers or 1,860 miles, the Te Araroa spans the full length of New Zealand. Its name is Maori for "Long Path" and is the longest path in the island nation. It is the ultimate way to explore Middle Earth (after all, in Lord of the Rings, they just walked everywhere anyway).

Te Araroa first opened in December 2011. It is made up of a mix of previously made trails and walks along with new track and link sections along roadsides.

  • Length: 3,000 Kilometers or 1,860 Miles
  • North Island Route: 1,600 Kilometers or 1,000 Miles
  • South Island Route: 1,400 Kilometers or 860 Miles

The Te Araroa is a trail that showcases the immense natural beauty of New Zealand. One will see dramatic coastlines, high country sheep farming stations, eye-watering mountain passes, volcanic landscapes, and exotic forests. Sometimes one can be hiking for 8 days straight in the wilderness. The South Island is least populated than the North Island and one will find oneself hiking through remote terrain much more.

  • Terminuses: Cape Reinga, North Island's and Bluff, South Island

Related: Hiking Trails Of Wanaka That You Can't Miss While In New Zealand

Time To Complete Te Araroa And What To Expect

Along the way, one is likely to meet many local New Zealanders and enjoy the best of New Zealand hospitality. In New Zealand, the lingo is different for some things. "Trails" are called "tracks" and "hiking" is called "tramping".

If one averages around 25 kilometers or 15 miles a day, then it would take one around 120 days to walk the full length.

  • Time To Hike: Around 4 Months (Generally 3-6 Months)

The trail is subdivided into around 300 sections that range from one to two-hour walks to nine-day hikes. Around 60% of the land crossed conservation land managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC - pronounced "Doc" as in "Doc-tor"). The rest of the trail is mostly on private land.

One section in Whanganui, in the North Island, is accomplished by canoeing or kayaking down a river for 4 to 6 days. Along the way, one will hike over the world-famous Tongariro Crossing - the best of the North Island's volcanic landscapes.

Related: What To Know Of Exploring New Zealand's Famed Southern Alps

What To Know About Hiking Te Araroa

Generally, it is better to hike north to south. Start in the North Island in late spring and hike through the South Island in summer after the mountain passes have cleared from snow and the river levels are low. Still, New Zealand has a mild climate, so apart from a few mountain passes, most of it can be hiked year-round - especially in the North Island.

Hikers are asked to register before going on the trail - this is to improve Te Araroa and so that they can email important and useful information to prospective hikers. With one exception at the Queen Charlotte Track, no permits or fees are required to walk Te Araroa.

  • Fee: None (Donation Encouraged)
  • Permits: Generally None

Te Araroa Trust does request a donation of $500 NZD ($305 USD) from everyone hiking the full length of the track, but this is optional and not obligatory.

Get A Backcountry Hut Pass

It is also worthwhile to get a six-month Department of Conservation Backcountry Hut Pass so that they can sleep in the extensive network of backcountry huts. New Zealand has a well-developed system of huts on its many trails.

  • 6 Month Pass: $108.00 NZD ($66 USD)
  • 12 Month Pass: $144.00 NZD ($88 USD)

One can get the pass for six or twelve months, and it grants access to most back-country serviced and standard huts.