Looking After Te Araroa, Hut Etiquette and Trail Fees with Matt Claridge

Matt Claridge has led the Te Araroa Trust since 2022. He shares the story of Te Araroa, from Geoff Chapple's idea in the 1990s to more than 3,000 km of backcountry tracks and city footpaths, and why it's a trail for Kiwis and international visitors alike. Matt talks about what the Trust does, from trail maintenance, volunteer crews and hut rangers to a new bridge and the official Te Araroa app, now used to navigate and book huts. He explains why walkers register and pay their way, and shares hut etiquette for TA walkers and the Kiwis who meet them. He shares the Trust's focus on connecting more New Zealanders with Te Araroa, from a simpler, more affordable registration for Kiwis to a trail that's never far from home. He reflects on the brutality and beauty of the trail and the connections walkers make. Matt shares practical tips for anyone walking Te Araroa this summer, from gear testing to letting your trail legs kick in.

Thank you so much for tuning in and coming along for the ride. If you love the show and enjoyed listening, please take the time to leave a review on Apple or Spotify. I would also love to connect with you, so send me a DM on Instagram, leave me a voice message and I can't wait to see you next time. Until then, keep adventuring :)

Follow Te Araroa on Instagram: https://instagram.com/teararoatrail/

Plan your Te Araroa walk: https://www.teararoa.org.nz/

Follow Aotearoa Adventures on Instagram: https://instagram.com/aotearoa_adventures_/

Follow Abigail on Instagram: https://instagram.com/abigailhannnah/

Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah

Follow Aotearoa Adventures on Instagram: instagram.com/aotearoa_adventures_