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The New Zealand Walking Access Commission Chief Executive Ric Cullinane advises Te Araroa - now 10 years old - has grown into a New Zealand icon and is one of the world’s mostly highly regarded long walks.

Since COVID-19, the number of New Zealanders walking the trail has increased significantly. Thousands of international tourists are no longer taking months to walk the length of the 3000 kilometre-long Cape Reinga to Bluff trail. But tens of thousands of New Zealanders are taking a few hours, a day or a week to walk a local segment of the trail instead.

Cullinane notes "we want all New Zealanders to be able to walk the trail - not in one go, but over their lifetime, in segments. Starting as children we can explore the corners of our country, taking our time while walking to meet each, other, to learn our history and ecology and to marvel at our special places.

“Te Araroa contributes to local communities along the trail, to our connection to the environment, to economic development and particularly to our mental and physical health. These benefits come directly from walking in nature, making connections with nature and with each other.”

As it enters its second decade Te Araroa wants to be a safer, more fun trail for New Zealanders.

Cullinane added "currently about 15% of Te Araroa involves walking on the road. We’re working with councils, mana whenua, private landowners and local communities to move more of the trail off road and into nature.

“Two great examples of this are the newly opened Invercargill to Bluff pathway and the Mercer to Hampton Downs trail upgrade.

"We also want to spend Te Araroa’s teenage years improving the maintenance and facilities along the trail, so walkers have a better experience.”

Image courtesy of Te Araroa New Zealand’s Trail

Related Articles

6th November 2020 - New Zealanders outnumber international tourists on Te Araroa Trail

26th August 2020 - Te Araroa Trust partners with Walking Access Commission

9th August 2020 - Appointments made at new Te Araroa Northland Trust

1st October 2019 - New walking season set to see growing numbers embark on the Te Araroa trail

4th September 2019 - Te Araroa trail celebrated in New Zealand postage stamp series

17th July 2019 - Te Araroa Trust plan looks to deliver sustainable walking experiences over next three years

23rd May 2019 - Rural businesses benefiting from growth in Te Araroa walker numbers

21st December 2018 - Young walkers on track to set Te Araroa record

24th October 2017 - Taumarunui to remain a key stop on Te Araroa trail

31st July 2017 - More New Zealanders walking Te Araroa trail

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