The South Island’s sustained back country tramping is a drawcard for many Te Araroa walkers, but trail veteran Mark Watson found the North Island offers a unique and varied experience of a different kind.

While Te Araroa’s South Island route mostly comprises a series of backcountry tramping trips separated by small towns and hitch-hikes to resupply; Te Ika-a-Māui is far more front country and rural adventure, and includes diverse forest reserves, two major cities, isolated beach walks, relatively frequent ice creams and curious cattle herds, along with some classic tramping routes.

“Te Araroa seemed to me a rite of passage, something everyone should do to better understand the land,” Mark says. “And try to walk both islands, because if you open your eyes, they provide quite different lessons.”

Missed Friday’s feature? DOC admits Harwood Hole Track not legally closed, man skateboards from Mexico to Alaska, old photos reveal changes in West Coast marine environment and more news in last week’s The World Outdoors.

Have a read of Mark Watson’s story above and let us know:

Check Wednesday’s newsletter for the results!

Do you have a question you want to put to other Wilderness Daily readers? Email [email protected] with your question.

Our April 2026 issue is online now and winging its way to subscribers in the post.

Here’s a sneak peek of what's in the issue:

Plus dozens more stories!

Our photo of the week comes from Diana Ward who captured the self-timer selfie above.

A self-timer selfie is one of this month’s Walk1200km microchallenges. Complete any of the microchallenges and be entered to win over $250 in prizes!

Want to receive fewer emails? Did you know you can select the days of the week you receive Wilderness Daily? Update your preferences here.