Southbound
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The Te Araroa is a wonderful trail in itself, by no means, this section is a critic to the TA. Even the most amazing things can be improved.
This section has a few detours that will feel more like a shortcut and save your time and energy. Others will be detours adding over 100km to the original trail, but they are worth every step. If you haven't yet, select which direction you are planning to do the hike on the top of this text (it will put the detours in order as you will encounter them). On the maps, the red lines are the official trail, the brown lines are the detours. |
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Hanmer Springs |
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If you plan to resupply in Hanmer Springs (I would recommend it, they have hot springs with slides!) this will save you some hitchhiking time. That shortcut will allow you to hitch one way only.
Direction: Once you reached the Waiau Uwna River there are a few trails heading east from the TA. Take the one you want. I personally took the first one (St James Cycle Trail) to Lake Tennyson. From there I followed Tophouse Road to Jack Pass, and then, Clarence Valley Road to Hanmer Springs. Distance: From the leaving point with the TA it's 57km long. The detour is 50km to Hanmer Springs. Side note: I have heard there is a wild hot spring close to Scotties Hut, more precisely up Cow Stream. If that is the way you take, it might be worth extra research. |
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Rees Track and Cascade Saddle |
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Direction: From Wanaka follow Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road. Then, follow West Matukituki Track to Aspiring Hut, where you will have to climb the Cascade Saddle. Follow a less marked route to Dart Hut. From the hut, follow Rees Track to Rees Valley Road which will lead you to Glenorchy (by Paradise Road).
Distance: From the meeting point to Queenstown it's 72km. For the detour, it's 111km to Glenorchy. Side note: Aspiring Hut to Cascade Saddle is a steep climb. It is ranked among some of the most dangerous trails in the world (no joke!). Its steepness might not seem so deadly, but don't be here on icy conditions. Make sure you know the conditions you will be facing. |
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Routeburn Track |
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In May 2005, the Routeburn Track was named one of the top eleven trails in the world by National Geographic Magazine. It is quite a beautiful trail! Instead of doing this trail as a side trip why not include it into your thru-hike?
Direction: From Glenorchy follow the Routeburn Road. Then follow the well-marked Routeburn Track to Lake Howden Hut, where you switch to Greenstone Track. You will meet the TA again once you reached Greenstone Hut (km 2691). Distance: The official trail goes 13km before reaching Greenstone Hut. The detour is 77km. Side note: You are not allowed to freedom camp on the Routeburn Track, you will either have to pay for hut and campground or do it in a day. |
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Otautau |
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If you plan to resupply in Otautau this detour will be more like a shortcut. If you follow the Te Araroa, you will have to walk or hitchhike 13km (one-way) to get into town. Taking this little side route, you will be walking by to the trail by skipping that return, and a lot of mud!
Direction: Around km 2862, head right away for Otautau. From Otautau follow Knutsford Road leading to the mountain top and also to the meet point with the TA (km 2862). Distance: The official trail is 25km and the detour is 32km. So the detour is longer by about 7km. |
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