Te Araroa Trail has grown and developed exponentially over the past 12 months, says Te Araroa Trust executive director Matt Claridge. That includes more walkers, more infrastructure projects and greater community engagement.

“A growing area of interest for us is the increase in New Zealanders on Te Araroa. Over one third of registrations this season are New Zealanders, up from just under a quarter last season.”

Claridge attributes this to cheaper registration for Kiwis than internationals, and more positive associations with the trail, which he says the trust has worked hard to foster. An international hiker’s registration fee, trail pass and maintenance contribution are now bundled together and cost $1350 for the full thru-hike, compared to $310 plus an optional donation for locals.

Final statistics for the 2025–26 season are not yet available, but there are reports of more walkers on the trail. About two-thirds of all thru-hikers are thought to register, and last season 2100 walkers completed registration. 

The number of northbound walkers is also on the up. Last season a quarter of walkers went northward, up from one fifth. Claridge expects that number will be even higher this year.

Infrastructure upgrades have taken place around the country, including the Link Pathway extension in Marlborough, a re-route in Northland, and more rafts laid on Burttons Track in Manawatū. 

Funding has been secured for the Whangaehu River bridge, costed at $700,000, and construction is expected to be completed by May. The swingbridge will be the longest in the country and remove 32km of road walking. In Southland, the trust plans to reroute the trail away from the muddiest sections of the Longwood Range and install boardwalks in others (see p42). 

It is also working with the Backcountry Trust to determine what is needed in the Tararua Range. “I’m pretty sure we’ll see some improvements to the huts and trail there over the next 12 months,” Claridge says. 

A northern trail operators coordinator was hired to focus on the Waikato, the region with the most trail that the trust is responsible for maintaining. As well, upgrades have been made to the trail app, businesses are connected with walkers via the Te Araroa Locals initiative, and a partnership has been announced with Earth Sea Sky to outfit tiaki rangers who engage with walkers on the trail.

Claridge thanked all volunteers for their continued efforts.