Then, when eventually, the forecast predicted a good day; however, with high winds and cold temperatures, we made our way into the Tongariro National Park, where we tackled probably the most epic day on TA so far: on our way to Whakapapa Village we would cross the volcanic plateau with the volcanoes Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu.
Suddenly, we found ourselves in the middle of the North Island. Northland north of Auckland was characterized by beaches, bays, and road walk (well, road walk describes the trail on the entire North Island); the stretch to Hamilton by walking through suburban and urban areas and crossing a lot of farmland.
After surviving the infamous stretch between Auckland and Hamilton, we decided to push through Hamilton and make it all the way to Whatawhata, where hikers are allowed to camp out behind a café. After we spent (too much) time in Auckland, we didn’t want to waste yet another day in a city.
Suddenly, John and I were almost alone on the trail. Where did all the hikers go? Because of the trail’s reputation for leading along many roads in the roughly 140-kilometer stretch between Auckland and Hamilton, many hikers skip that section and either hitch a ride to Hamilton or take public transport.
I was very much looking forward to “walking home” as I moved to Auckland over a year ago, and the trail winds its way through Aotearoa’s largest city.
After spending a few days in Auckland for work, I boarded an Intercity Bus to Kaiwaka and hitched out to Mangawhai Heads, where I caught up with John again.
The following days between Nikau Bay Camp and Ruakākā they turned out spectacularly beautiful and challenging.
The following days between Kerikeri at km 223 and Ngunguru at km 348 were characterized by lots of kilometer along roads and through farmland.
The last few days, a huge variety of weather, terrain and scenery were awaiting.
The first 5 days on Te Araroa.
After having hiked the South Island in 2018, now, it is time to check out the North Island by hiking Te Araroa.