Trekking 3,000km Across New Zealand—In Progress!
Today marks my 18th day on the trail, and I’ve covered 380 kilometers.
This is a hiking trail called Te Araroa that starts from the northernmost tip of New Zealand’s North Island and winds through beaches, forests, streams, roads, farmland, mountains, and towns before reaching the southernmost tip of the South Island. It takes about four to five months and is known as New Zealand’s version of the PCT.
No guide, no fixed rules—just official maps and information. I can explore New Zealand at my own pace, step by step, and I believe this is the best way to appreciate New Zealand.
This wasn’t part of my original plan for coming to New Zealand. Three months ago I made a hasty decision and set off. I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d be crying my way back home within 10 days. But 18 days in, I’m still on the trail. I’ve tackled the brutal 90-kilometer beach that tested my body, trudged through muddy forests that challenged my mind, waded through forest streams, and walked past important Māori heritage sites. Trail angels have helped me along the way, and I’ve dealt with getting lost and foot injuries. Now I know I’ll keep going all the way #NewZealandBound (I guess name numerology must be real!)
Regardless of whether I’ll successfully complete the entire journey, I already have so many amazing stories to share with you from just these past couple of weeks.
I want to invite you to join this 3,000-kilometer journey. Feel free to share it with friends too. Follow my footsteps and take a slow, deep dive into this beautiful New Zealand!
Finally, I want to thank all my family and friends who helped me get started (just in case I don’t finish and never get another chance to say thanks 😅)
👣 My sister, who collected shipments for me in Taiwan and forwarded all my ordered gear to New Zealand
👣 My dad, who was worried at first but gave me his full support with an encouraging ‘Go for it!’
👣 Big Hei, who sent me resupply packages in New Zealand and held down the fort for me
👣 Old Su, my mountain mentor who taught me so many lessons as a complete beginner
👣 Demon and the COFFEE HIGHFIVE crew, my sponsors and supporters who understood my adventure
👣 And of course, my backpack sponsor Decathlon Taiwan, who equipped me for this journey
Without all of you, this journey wouldn’t have started so smoothly.
So let’s hit the road! Let’s GO!
📍 Te Araroa Trail | New Zealand 3,000 Kilometer Hiking Journal| Back to Complete Series Index
