The popularity of Te Araroa Trail is booming. Before Covid there were close to 2000 hikers each year. During the 2022/23 season, more than 4000 people walked the trail and it’s believed numbers could continue to grow by 10 per cent each year.

“If the trail were to grow by 10 per cent a year … we’d be looking at around 10,000 walkers in about the year 2030,” said ​​executive director of Te Araroa Trust Matt Claridge.

With interest growing (particularly internationally), some walkers have suggested numbers should be managed, perhaps with staggered start dates. According to Claridge, such issues are being discussed.  Proposed changes could include redeveloping the walker registration process. Gathering more information from walkers when they register is key, Claridge believes, and would help form a potential start date regimen, “based on whether they want to be in a crowd or not in a crowd. We’re looking to smooth the bubble by providing walkers with more information.”

He said track carrying capacity is being assessed and is relevant to what a cap on numbers might look like. “We need to know more about the potential load the trail can sustain. Then we can look at infrastructure like accommodation, toilets – all the bits and pieces that make for a good walking experience.”

There are variables attached to setting a limit on numbers, such as timing and the direction hikers walked.

Another change in the wings is the addition of experiential value. A concept called ‘Trail Towns’ is in the works, which aims to connect hikers to local businesses and communities as they emerge from the backcountry.

Not all hikers register on Te Araroa’s site before starting the trail, and a benefits package is being considered to encourage them to do so. “Feedback from registered walkers tells us they would like to be identified,” said Claridge. “This might be by a swing tag on their pack that could link into the Trail Towns concept, making walkers eligible for a discount with trail partners. There would be access to navigation tools and the Te Araroa community in the app, too.”