WHERE: Te Araroa “the long pathway” – New Zealand, North Island
WHEN: November 6, 2020 – January 10, 2021
WHO: Karma & Scott
OBJECTIVE: Te Araroa thru-hike (North Island)
DISTANCE: 1846 km

This episode covers the third section of our Te Araroa thru-hike, 518 km of hiking from Pakiri Beach to Hamilton.

A write-up along this section… add or take a few km…

AUCKLAND TO WHATAWHATA (575 – 774 km):

We left the urban sprawl of Auckland city behind. Not the most enjoyable track leading into Hamilton as you spend a lot of time on roads and on the overgrown stopbanks for the Waikato River. Knee-high wet grass, electric fences, and cow poo. Lots and lots of cow poo. About a million steps brought us up onto the ridge of the Hakarimata forest—and just as many down. But it was a really beautiful forest, and we decided to camp up on the ridge before dropping down to a stay with phenomenal trail angels in Ngaruawahia. Spoiling us with homegrown food, hot showers, a real bed, and laundry. Legends!

A long day of walking through Hamilton’s urban sprawl. In and out in a day. We camped at the Backyard Bar in Whatawhata. A friendly neighborhood pub that welcomes Te Araroa hikers and lets us stay for free out back. Nice!