Each year Te Araroa hikers weigh up which direction to walk in.

Te Araroa Trust’s data shows that of every 100 walkers, 79 go SOBO (southbound) and 21 NOBO (northbound). But NOBO is growing in popularity, especially among Kiwis. Factors to consider include fitness, seasonality, logistics and community.

We ask hikers which direction they chose and why – and what the advantages were.

Missed Friday’s feature? Your daily walk matters in more ways than you think, women are being ‘alpine divorced’ by their partners while hiking, large kea flock gets RFID chips and the hiker walking the length of Aotearoa in traditional Japanese sandals and more news in last week’s The World Outdoors.

Finding new ways to reach your Walk1200km goal can be a challenge. One group of women meet on the trails every fortnight in Christchurch and support each other.

Athlete Jen Lamont is sponsored by Further Faster and manages the Women’s Trail Run Group. She says the group grew out of a simple idea.

“This all started when Julz from Further Faster wanted to bring together first-time trail-running women to train for a race in Canterbury. We had so much fun we decided to keep training together – and the group was born.

“It’s such a joy meeting new people, hearing women support each other and seeing friendships blossom while being out on the trails. We cater to all levels, from walkers to speedy runners, and no one gets left behind.”

The group runs year-round in most weather and offers a fun, supportive and safe way to stay active.

Learn more: Womens Trail Running Group.

Have a read of the NOBO or SOBO story above and let us know:

Check Wednesday’s newsletter for the results!

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Long before the Heaphy Track was touted as a Great Walk, negotiating the coastal section meant waiting for the tide to retreat. Prominent signs warned walkers of the dangerous surf. On this day, three parties departed Heaphy Hut heading south.

Only two parties arrived safely at the Kōhaihai trailhead. Tragically, three young Aucklanders had been swept off rocks at Crayfish Point, just 5km from completing the track. Search parties recovered a pack, a boot, a plate and eventually one body.

The recipient of the inaugural Shaun Barnett Memorial Scholarship has been chosen.

Twenty-nine-year-old Erin Hewetson will receive the $1000 scholarship to help her undertake a five-day tramp on the Hollyford Track in which she will retrace the steps of her Ngāi Tahu ancestors.

“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to embark on an adventure to follow in the footsteps of my Ngāi Tahu ancestors, who would have used the Hollyford Valley as a route for trading pounamu,” Hewetson said. “This will be the longest backcountry journey I have undertaken and I am excited to push the limits of my comfort zone to learn more about myself and practising self-reliance in the wilderness.”

Our photo of the week is of Penelope Hodgson (12) and Simone Shinnamon (13) hula-hooped at Luxmore Hut on the Kepler Track.

This photo was submitted as part of our “Last Weekend” column. Find out how to submit your photos here. If it’s published in the mag you’ll receive a meal from Real Meals worth $18!

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