It was a memorable birthday for not one but all three of Kristina and Nat Anglem’s kids, who celebrated while walking Te Araroa Trail.

Kiki (14), Tawhai (12) and Aria (9) hiked the 1306km South Island section of Te Araroa this summer, tackling mountain ridge lines,  roads and river crossings.

A hiking mission of epic proportions had been a dream of Kristina’s, a world champion adventure racer who competed in the Length of New Zealand Race in 2001

“It’s a passion I’ve always had, and I’m lucky our family shared my enthusiasm for this adventure,” she said. “Our longest tramp prior to this was about four days on the Milford Track, so while Te Araroa was a real step up, the kids have always been very happy in the outdoors.”

Aria’s birthday was celebrated in Nelson, Tawhai’s at a St Arnaud bach on Lake Rotoroa, where the kids baked a cake with family members. Kiki wanted to have his birthday in Arrowtown after the family completed the Queenstown section of Te Araroa.

“The kids were so adaptable and bold,” Kristina said. “I remember a section between Mid Wairoa and Top Wairoa Hut in the Richmond Ranges. It was a pretty steep edge, so I put a rope across. Of course, none of them used it.”

While hiking, the Anglems raised money for a trapping programme in Dusky Sound managed by the charter vessel Pure Salt. Over $1900 has gone towards funding a new trapline in the area.