Hundreds of dedicated long distance trails have been defined over the centuries or more recently in different parts of the world. To the east, across the ocean from Tasmania, lies the very beautiful country New Zealand and today I learned that a walking trail Te Araroa extends the length of the country over 3068km.
In 2013, Australian Laura Waters completed the trek often walking solo in some of the most challenging parts of the country. Currently she is writing a book about the experience but, in the meantime, you can read her blog of the walk at http://soultrekkers.com.au/blog/. An interview with her has been transcribed at http://www.newzealandonfoot.com/catching-up-with-a-te-araroa-thru-hiker.
The June-July 2015 issue of the magazine Great Walks Australia’s Bushwalking Magazine includes an article with glorious photos and her 10 tips for managing such a walk. I was interested to learn she carried 18kgs at the beginning of her walk, and only 12 kgs at the end – obviously having become more ruthless about what was essential. Laura Water’s trek is another example of someone making their dream happen. When she says ‘You’re capable of more than you think” and “don’t let fear get in the way of progress. The reality is often never as bad as you imagine it to be”, I hope this will inspire you to seek out your own projects, however large or small and pursue them with a passion – wherever you live, or wherever you travel.
Walking the Derwent River 
I have heard of the “Te Araroa” trail from a short newspaper article, but have never read of any blogs, articles or books from someone who has completed it, so thank you for sharing. I will be checking out the links about Laura Waters! 🙂
One thing I know I need to do is travel lighter, 18kgs at the beginning of her trek is incredible. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
~Carl~
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Hi Carl. I emailed Laura asking her for a list of her gear and promptly she sent it yesterday with brand names. What efficiency! She tells me the 12 kgs weight is minus food and some other bits and pieces. But, nevertheless, I am very impressed. While some of my future walks to Lake St Clair require camping overnight (where I am a long inhospitable away from roads and civilisation), I don’t think I will ever need more than 3 day/nights weight of food. So I am now in the market to see what lightweight camping gear I can acquire – so far all I can see is massive dollars! Ahhh let the adventure continue.
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That is so cool that Laura got right back to you. I love that in a person. It really makes a HUGE difference when you can replenish your food supply along the way.
Sometimes you can get high end lightweight camping gear used. Nearby in Canada, there is an outfitting company, that starts each new season with brand new gear, and they sell off the old gear in a giant “tent sale” at huge discounts.
Don’t know if there is anything like this nearby to you in Australia. but just a thought. New gear is SO expensive.
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Yes I was amazed. I always imagine people are so busy and won’t have time to reply quickly to a stranger. Very impressed. Since we are in winter now, there will be sales coming up in all our outdoor shops in the coming weeks, and I plan to tap into these sales – all the while comparing prices with online sales as well. I always do my best to buy new gear but discounted, or brilliant second hand gear. So thankfully time is on my side and I can gradually acquire what I need over the next couple of months. Possibly I will borrow. Normally I am not interested in overnight bush camping and would rather do only day walks.So my future along the Derwent with overnight camps will probably not be replicated in the future – this means I will be very mean and miserly about what I purchase.
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