Waikanae in the Wellington Region is the first town hikers hit after completing the rough, muddy hike through the Tararua Range.

There is approximately 100km left of North Island Te Araroa at this point, most of which is easy coastal walking with good access to shops, facilities and public transport.

Tip: I chose to ‘slack pack’ my final days on the North Island, taking a bus to Wellington to drop off my heavy hiking pack at accommodation, then taking public transport and carrying just what I needed for the final few days walks along the Escarpment Track and final sections down to the North Islands Southern Terminus.