Te Araroa: The North Island

Over nearly 1,750 kilometers, from Cape Reinga to Wellington, Te Araroa travels across towns, cities, and the diverse landscape of New Zealand’s North Island. Continue reading for a glimpse at what New Zealand — and Te Araroa — have to offer. North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) The North Island was an incredible (though mixed) experience. Starting off at Cape Reinga at the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, my partner, CareFree, and I made our way along roads, highways, beaches, rivers, and thick and muddy forests to Wellington, at the south end of the North Island, 80 days later.The Lighthouse at Cape Reinga × The Lighthouse at Cape ReingaTe Werahi Beach × Te Werahi BeachRunning Sheep × Running Sheep After reaching Ninety Mile Beach, Te Araroa’s first and longest beach walk, we spent three full days walking along the beach. It was the longest time I’ve ever spent on a beach, and the first while on a long hike. That by itself was pretty epic. We got quite lucky with the tides, being…