A recent article appears to indicate that the parties involved are taking a passive stance on this? At least one Tramping group, on the other hand are opposed / vocal

As Trampers by nature are not defined under one structure, and as we are not represented by a collective, we do not have one strong voice  – what are your thoughts? Should we pay for the right. Or should we have free access to these track sections?

Te Araroa – The Long Pathway has had many descriptors attached to it

• A true necklace of gems
• New Zealands greatest citizen driven initiative
• This country’s best kept secret
• New Zealands National Trail

…and so they go on. None the wiser? Well have we got a surprise for you.

You see 20 odd years ago Geoff Chapple had a dream. Today that dream is all but complete – an off road walkway/ tramp that stretches 3000km from Cape Reinga in the the North to Bluff in the Deep South. It passes through 70 towns / 7 cities and some of the best scenery New Zealand has to offer. It includes some of the so-called Great Walks but for every Queen Charlotte Track and Tongariro Crossing that you can point to enroute, I can show you equally magnificent walking without the hoardes.

Geoff has written a book about it – but more importantly many thousands of people are out there walking it right now – people like John and Corrine (who are hiking the lot!!) or my next door neighbour – who is taking a stroll up the beach – and a coffee at either end.

You see that is the thing about Te Araroa. It probably passes right by your door; and you don’t have to walk the 3000 km’s to experience its magic. Find your piece of paradise and get onto it