Down the coastline, through the forest, across farmland, over volcanoes and mountain passes, along river valleys, and on green pathways across seven cities. New Zealand’s longest pathway, and indeed the world, passes through Tutukaka, and the Giant Kauri tree, Tane Moana.
The track climbs through delightful private pasture lands, pine forest and regenerating bush where significant efforts are being made to preserve kiwis and remove their predators.
It then enters Matariki Forest’s newly cut pine and eucalyptus plantation and follows a forest road (Seaview Track) south before turning west into another forest road (Oyster Track). This well developed road dissects a DOC native bush reserve then crosses more newly harvested forest land. The road then turns into a clay track.
Leaving the forestry lands, the last 200m of the track crosses farmed pasture to emerge on Waiotoi Rd, with occasional views of the Coast.
3,000 kilometres. Dozens of volunteers. A tramping trail from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south. Opening late 2010 – one of the world’s longest walking trails.
Look for the Te Araroa signage on this 7km, 2.5 hour walk.
