Among improvements to Te Araroa is a goal to become the world’s first regenerative thru-hike.

Te Araroa Trust has focused on technological developments over the past year, driven by whakahou or “regeneration” as it works toward becoming the world’s first regenerative thru-hike.

The aim of Te Araroa Whakahou is to improve the trail’s condition and increase biodiversity over time.

The trust’s executive director Matt Claridge said geographic information system tracing of the trail route is now more accurate, and the trail app is more navigable. A new registration system, launched in October, has attracted around 2000 walkers. “We encourage walker registration, not just from a safety perspective but because it provides important data to achieve long-term funding and regenerative efforts,” said Claridge. “With registration and consistent use of the trail app, we’re able to pinpoint overcrowding. Otherwise, it’s just anecdotal.”

Through the app, walkers will be connected with trail partners and tangata whenua and learn about scheduled events, such as the removal of wilding pines in the Mackenzie Basin and tree planting at Bluff Hill Motupōhue. 

Claridge said most walkers continue to pay a koha ($5 per day is recommended). “That funding is essential because 100 per cent of donations go towards trail maintenance.” 

In terms of technical advancements and relationship-building, Claridge said the trust is seeing the benefits of having a trail man-ager. Dan Radford was appointed to this position in November 2022.

There are plans to assess the carrying capacity of the trail before winter and where new huts may be needed. Repairs to bridges and escarpments damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle have been a priority this year, and funding has been secured to build a bridge over the Whangaehu River, which will eliminate 32km of road walking near Whangārei. It is hoped the bridge will open in mid-2025.

Claridge also wanted to inform readers of the death of former trust chair, David McGregor, in December 2023. “David had a big heart and was a big contributor to where the trail is going now.”