A long day traversing the Tararua ranges, featuring a big climb and stunning ridgelines.

After a very chilly start it’s time to get into the Tararuas for real. The track throws up an unexcepted challenge.

It takes a while to get going and more than one kind of animal features in this section.

A shorter walking day which has it all – rivers, rain, gravel roads and a runner.

Back on trail for real, there are only 221km to go to Island Bay in Wellington.

Perhaps this section of Palmerston North Te Araroa is more scenic than yesterday’s?

Only 6.5km today but there are lots of excellent eats around.

Although no one ever seems to have positive feelings about Palmerston North, I do! Find out why I’m excited to get there.