Dedicated hikers have a new reason to visit New Zealand: A trail called Te Araroa (The Long Pathway) is aiming to become the country's answer to the Appalachian Trail in North America.
The full trail would take about three months to complete, but regional pathways offer shorter excursions to appeal to both serious and leisure walkers
The trail begins at Cape Reinga, on the tip of New Zealand’s North Island, and ends at Bluff - a fishing port at the southernmost extremity of the South Island. Midway, it passes through the capital city, Wellington. Te Araroa covers a range of New Zealand landscapes from coastal lowlands to native forests, and into hill country, alpine and volcanic landscapes. It includes sections that offer day, overnight and multi-day excursions for shorter trips.
Best of all, the trail isn't just for hikers. In the North Island, there is a lengthy water section that should be covered by kayak. A few sections can be cycled, including a lengthy section across the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island.
Visit www.teararoa.org.nz/thetrail