kayjeckel

New Zealand is made up of the North Island and the South Island. I hiked Southbound, starting at the top of the North Island. All the amazing, Lord-of-the-Rings glorious epic scenery is in the South Island. There's lots of cool shit in the North Island but it's not on the Te Araroa (except for Tongarrio Crossing which is just a dayhike or the Whanganui River which is a float trip). So in short, the Te Araroa was a fabulous thru-hike but I'd recommend only hiking the South Island and adding side trips along the way. Also, I feel your pain about the unexpected helicopter ride. My partner and I got in over our heads, getting stuck on a sandbar between rushing rivers and had to hit the SOS button and get a chopper ride out of there. The best and worst part of the TA was: water water everywhere. Clean, clear, beautiful water every day in the form of rivers, lakes, estuaries, bays, oceans, waterfalls, and hot springs. Just watch the river crossings :-D Another question: do you recommend getting a porter or guide while in Nepal if you are an experienced backpacker? Also did you buy Travel Insurance?

Do you think the Annapurna section is packed with people during Oct-Dec?

Wow that is HiGH HIGH up! And to think that's just trekking, not technical mountaineering! Getting so pumped for my trip to Nepal this upcoming October/November. I have hiked the Appalachian Trail and the Te Araroa, but I have heard this is the toughest thru-hike there is. Congrats!