Te Araroa stretches across one of the most beautiful countries in the world, traversing rugged mountain ranges, sweeping down coastlines and winding through cities. Whilst some hikers are local kiwis, most thru-hikers on trail have travelled a long way to experience the country and want to experience not only the wild scenery but also the unique culture that Aotearoa New Zealand has to offer.
In such a narrow country, many of the most iconic experiences in this country are only a short hitch-hike off trail. So what better way to spend a zero than taking an adventurous side quest off trail. In southbound order, here are my top side quests of Te Araroa.
Side quest one: Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands offers a well-deserved tropical respite after the endless sand of Ninety Mile Beach and knee deep mud of the Northland Forests. The trail passes directly through Waitangi and Paihia so there’s little need to even make a diversion off-route.
Waitangi
A few hours walk from Kerikeri are the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This is a great place to drop the pack for a couple hours and learn more about the history of Aotearoa New Zealand. They have multiple guided tours each day which even includes a unique cultural performance. I was especially lucky to be able to watch the local Maori people row out on a traditional waka to welcome a boat arriving from Hawaii, having sailed all the way to Waitangi using only traditional methods of navigation.
Paihia
Once in Paihia there are two choices of where to stay if you’re taking a few days of well-earned rest here: Stay in Paihia or cross on the local ferry to Russell, a historic town famous for being the first European settlement in New Zealand. Both options look out over sparkling blue waters filled with remote emerald islands.
One of my absolute highlights of the trail was taking a trip on the traditional sailing ship known as the R. Tucker Thompson. I spent a day climbing the rigging, watching dolphins surf in our wake, and exploring an uninhabited island. The chef on board happily catered for my gluten intolerance, providing an amazing lunch. There was even the option of a glass of wine whilst we sailed back to port. The ship is also a dedicated non-profit, committed to transforming the lives of Northland’s young people. Every dollar from the summer sailing trips for visitors directly funds 7-day youth voyages so that your adventure helps power theirs.
Side quest two: Scuba diving in Poor Knights Island
As the Northland coastline stretches down toward Auckland, you will pass by some of the best scuba diving in the country. Poor Knights Island is a protected marine area known for its outstanding underwater beauty and variety of sea creatures. At the right time of year you can see stingrays, moray eels and even the occasional manta ray or whale if you’re lucky.
Side quest 3: Hobbiton and the Waitomo glow worm caves
Past Auckland, the landscape changes as the country widens and you find two of the best side quests on the Te Araroa. I took a few days’ rest in Auckland to use a full day visiting both attractions at once in a small group tour. Bright and early, I was picked up in the minibus from my hostel and driven straight down to Hobbiton with the rest of the group. Passing herds of sheep, we entered the village and learnt the ins and outs of what it took to build a snapshot of hobbit life. The tour involved a peaceful stroll through the valley and through a real hobbit hole, designed just as Bag End was in the movies. Finally, the tour ended with a refreshment at the Green Dragon Inn, looking out of the water mill and the ducks treading serenely round the edge of the lake.
After, we visited the famous Waitomo glow worm caves. Entering the caves, you find yourself in a huge space with stalactites and stalagmites almost meeting throughout the room. Making your way down through the vast underground rooms, you board your boat and look up to watch the luminous worms as you pass underneath.
Side quest four: Taupo
I almost didn’t make it to Taupo but a combination of wildfires delaying my way into Tongariro National Park and a health issue meant I had a few days to spend off trail. Taupo is furthest off trail of the side quests so far but very worth it. For accommodation, I would recommend Finlay Jack’s Backpackers, a relaxed spot with private pod-style bunks, hammocks to nap in, and lots of activities in the evenings.
One popular hike takes you up to Huka Falls, a scenic spot with glacial water rushing under the bridge. On the way back, you can stop off at the hot springs for a little R&R, recovering your legs in the naturally warm waters.
For food and drinks, my recommendation is Two Mile Bay Sailing Club. The restaurant sits right on the water, with some tables directly in the lapping water (especially appreciated if it’s a very hot day and your feet are still pretty sore). With an extensive pizza selection and sunset views, it’s hard to go wrong.
Side quest five: Nelson and Tasman
The first of our South Island side quests. Two choices open up here depending on how much time you have and how in need for a rest you are after the first week in the South Island. Option 1 is to complete the Abel Tasman Great Walk. Travelling along the coast, your extra work is rewarded with remote bays of glistening waters and views of seals resting in the sun. Option 2, however, is to stay in Nelson and explore the city.
Having completed the Richmond Ranges in one go, we were feeling the need for a real rest. I had also heard great things about the vineyards of Nelson and Marlborough. As we drove through the torrential rain, the guide spoke of the history of the area and described the vineyards chosen for the day. The day consisted of crisp whites, sun-kissed rosés and earthy reds. Finally, a stop at a local farm shop brought tastes of local cheese.
Side quest six: Hanmer Springs
After days of crossing fast flowing rivers and snowy mountain passes, and evenings full of sandflies, Hanmer Springs is a much needed rest stop to recover from the strenuous hiking of the Richmond Ranges and Nelson Lakes.
Hammer Springs brings mineral waters with outdoor thermal, sulfur, and rock pools, warmed naturally from deep underground. The steam rises as you can finally relax, knowing the most technically challenging hiking is over and feeling confident that you can make it through the rest of the trail. I also opted for 30 minutes in the sauna. An individual sauna provided a private place to lie down and relax, letting my body slowly heal after the endless ascents and descents of the South Island mountain ranges.
Side quest seven: Aoraki / Mount Cook
Aoraki / Mount Cook is one of the most popular national parks in all of New Zealand and is readily accessible as a side quest for Te Araroa hikers from Tekapo. We chose to use Tekapo Shuttles to visit the park in a day.
The tour takes you all the way to the trailhead for the Hooker Valley Track, where you can also hike the Red Tarns Track for breathtaking views of Mount Cook. After a few hours of exploring, the bus stops by a lavender farm for some ice cream and onto the Mt Alpine Salmon Shop, which happens to be right on trail. Having spent the day gazing at one of New Zealand’s most iconic mountains and eating ice cream, we had skipped a large amount of road walking and continued along the trail to Twizel.
Side quest eight: Routeburn Track
The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s most famous Great Walks, and it’s right on trail! A short shuttle takes you right to the trailhead, where you enter into lush forest before ascending up to Routeburn Falls and further over to spectacular visits across the Fiordland alps. Traversing the ridge, you are almost overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape across the valley, and come up close and personal with dramatic waterfalls right on trail.
While most people take 3 days to complete the trail, Te Araroa thru-hikers eat up the trail rapidly by this point so we met back up with the Te Araroa in a day and a half. To get back to the trail, turn left when you reach MacKenzie Hut. This brings you onto the Greenstone Track all the way down to Greenstone Hut.
As the Routeburn Track is a Great Walk, it’s as popular as it is beautiful so be prepared to book your hut or campsite as soon as DOC booking opens months earlier.
Other notable mentions
There are numerous side quests you can explore on Te Araroa. I only had time for a few and can only comment on those I actually experienced but here are a few side quests of Te Araroa recommended to me by other walkers:
- Rotorua: Famous for its sulphurous geological features
- Mt Taranaki: an iconic North Island volcano
- Coromandel: Further off trail but a beautiful place for hiking and beach days
- Doubtful Sound: A quieter alternative to the crowded tour buses and boats that fill the Milford Sound each day
- Rakiura: The third largest island and home to a bird sanctuary full of kiwis
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