Hiking 3000km on Te Araroa in New Zealand

[@rosblackmore5422]

Absolutely loved this Aaron. I have been watching during my coffee breaks over the last few days and it's been pure escapism. A fantastic journey and beautifully filmed and narrated. Thank you so much for sharing your adventure with us all

[@AaronRossPhoto]

That's so nice to hear! Thank you, and I'm glad you enjoyed.

[@emmama7541]

Lunch break for me ;) works as well than meditation to find peace 👌

[@wanderlust9081]

This is epic🎉Great pictures, wonderful music. Thank you ❤

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you!

[@mrsealpoop7781]

Sometimes you stumble upon something beautiful on KZbin, wondering how it hasn’t got 10-100x the views. This is amazing!

[@mrsealpoop7781]

Huh, been here before. Knew the video was familiar!

[@HasselBacken-fy4ms]

Beautifull eh

[@peterarcher9688]

Well done Aaron! 3000 km is no mean feat. I, as others have, enjoyed your journey and sharp videos. I last tramped your favourite place, Nelson Lakes NP in 1999 & am now long past such pursuits. I lived my first 22 years in Nelson & climbed the highest peak in the Richmond range, Mt.Richmond & another high one, Mt. Fishtail. Videos such as yours bring back the old days- I stayed in Rocks Hut a number of times over 60 years ago when it had a dirt floor, tin walls and sacking bunks. But we loved it! Keep on journeying! Kia kaha! Peter Archer

[@AaronRossPhoto]

I am glad you enjoyed Peter, and thank you for your words of encouragement. It is always wonderful to hear of people’s past hiking experiences, especially when they are back when I was just a baby! Hope you are keeping well, and thank you for stopping by.

[@edwardxiang5500]

Real master piece! Better than a lot of movies, the landscape, the Music , the story! Thanks for sharing

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed, thanks Edward!

[@DrDeepstack]

What a great watch. I did the south island solo in 2011, so nice to see the route back in detail. Great production.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching 😀

[@KiwiJohn1951]

Outstanding, Aaron. You should be very proud of what you have achieved. My brother and I are setting out out on our own sectional odyssey come late October at the ripe old age of 66 and 70. First stage........to Auckland. It's going to be a wonderful challenge! Go well, Aaron.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you John, and good on you both. Best of luck and enjoy the trail!

[@tasmanbeach]

Beautifully done! Great balance of music, natural sound and comments.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you!

[@bobason456]

Awesome journey, thanks for sharing it.

[@MoritzBaldes]

Amazing video. Congrats on completing such a long trail. That's a story for a lifetime.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers mate, it sure is :)

[@dakotayewen]

You captured the journey so beautifully! I plan to hike the TA this year and this has made me even more excited.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you! Good luck 🙂

[@robinsavard84]

There is so much to love about this video! Excellent! New Zealand is absolutely gorgeous.

[@AdventureTechie3]

Absolutely amazing!! This is truly inspiring. Thanks for sharing your adventures & experience with us, much appreciated. I could imagine what the moment was like when you finished this hike and reached Bluff ❤️.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks for watching Sarah!

[@1mnicholson]

What a fantastic watch. Inspirational. Beautifully shot. Congratulations on a fantastic achievement. Thanks for posting - superb!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you very much Shae!

[@aimee4768]

Finally got around to watching the whole thing. What a great documentation of your journey. Such awesome footage and inspiring narration too!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

That means a lot! Glad you enjoyed 🙂

[@athenajones-collings8754]

I’m going to share this in with so many people! Inspiring work:)

[@andreastitson3454]

Aaron congratulations on completing the TA. Excellent video. Lots of familiar faces and great memories.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Andrea! I hope you enjoyed the rest of your trail experience.

[@andreastitson3454]

Hello Aaron, very pleased to finish the TA at Bluff just prior to Easter. Even better, this weekend, meeting Fiona and Marie from Germany in Taupo to do some National Park walks. Keep up these entertaining videos- you are talented my friend.

[@GypsyGirl317]

I have this downloaded on my phone so I can watch it offline (You Tube premium 👍🏾😁), and today I watched it as I was travelling home on the bus after a week with my mokos. ❤️ You are a very talented film maker, plus your thoughts on life have depth and wisdom. I love your narration, plus your inclusion of other interesting people along the way. Excellent work, keep it up! So many fans out here - for me it is because you are authentic, humble and down to earth that I am truly enjoying your vlogs. 👍🏾 🌳 😊

[@andrewmedrano1586]

The legend is back! Incredible video, it truly made me emotional.

[@nickymd1]

Thanks Aaron for filming this journey. I've been dreaming about doing this for years now and am planning on a 2023 TA. I loved how human your video was. And almost wept for you when your tent was flooded - what a nightmare!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks Nicky - don’t stop dreaming!

[@IwanderExploreCapture23]

amazing landscape

[@Zirmbergalm_Ruhpolding]

Beautiful story Aaron

[@paularuotsalainen979]

Aaron, thank you very much for sharing this unforgettable cinematographic masterpiece of the most interesting and certainly very demanding Te Araroa 😍

[@AaronRossPhoto]

My pleasure!

[@jrobinsonabz]

Waht a beautiful film, fantastic effort. Hope to follow in your muddy footsteps later this year.

[@christophermarshall527]

Inspiring & beautiful!! Thank you!!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers Christopher!

[@jacksonlone1]

Second time I am watching this now. Cheers Aaron for taking the time to capture your experience on the Te Araroa. It's been a privilege to virtually share this experience alongside you.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Appreciate the support, thanks man.

[@nzmeateater]

Well done with your walk and with this production, could not help but smile when you made it to the end,, Thanks for sharing your adventure.😁👌👌

[@VishusB]

Just loved this, thank you for all your hard work, and putting together such a beautiful video for the rest of us to enjoy.❤

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Appreciate the support ❤️

[@sarah123295]

I have only just started watching your video so i don’t know what is in it as of yet, but I’m so glad you have released this video of something your passionate about and not felt compelled to do a reaction to the new album. I’m glad you stayed true to where you are at now. Although i have personally loved all of your videos from that time in your life and honestly do miss them and think of them when watching the other channels as no one ever quite does it the way you did.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

[@dionmcflinn2045]

Aaron, you've managed to capture some of the awe inspiring essence of this journey, your movie just make me miss the trail even more. Thank you for providing the memories. I was also on the 2021-2021 season but we didn't meet (I recognised a few of your fellow hikers, such as Milly and Tim). Only having my snapshots your movie captures the beauty for me. Early starts and stunning light. Something for me to pass on to family and friends thank you Aaron.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Hi Dion, thank you for your very kind words - it brings me a lot of joy knowing that I could provide something like that for you. Too bad we didn't meet, but the fact we met mutual people is exciting nonetheless. All the best.

[@willowworthington7181]

Awesome job Arron!!! You really captured the essence of the peace and beauty of trail life, it very nearly brought me to tears! So awesome to re live the journey though what you captured. And to watch how the rest of the trail went for you, and a few of the other Nov first crew! Yeah Orange life 4 ever!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Hey Willow, much appreciated! Glad you enjoyed.

[@samanthalane3615]

Wow! Beautiful shots and story! Very inspiring.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Samantha!

[@holleymi2000]

Well done Aaron..inspiring

[@marklawrence7791]

Excellent story and presentation of the journey. Well done Aaron!!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Mark!

[@thelosttraveller4725]

Really enjoyed this Aaron.......Thanks ,mate !!!!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

❤

[@andyONthetrail]

Awesome mate enjoyed every minute of your video/trip.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers!

[@LittleBosstheboxer]

Excellent video. Really enjoyed watching. I learned a lot about ur journey. Thank you for sharing your experience. Congrats on your amazing achievement.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you John!

[@pjsmetal73]

Yeah Aaron this was cool to watch, really enjoyed it, well done👍💯😎

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed 😊

[@carolpapworth8894]

Way Coooool, extremely enjoyable...bravo Aaron👏

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers Carol!

[@upndown-traveling]

Great shots, great scenery 👍There's definitely one 👍. 😊Thanks for the video, best regards Up'n'Down-Traveling

[@heez90]

Great film work and and overall achievement - you have re inspired me. Currently at 1265 kms and needing inspiration - thank you.

[@antoniabaker7770]

I know this was 7 months ago, but how did you go?

[@fastasdoublekicks]

Beautiful work mate... I'm starting this journey very soon when I return home to NZ. This really makes me even more excited to dig into it. Cheers

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks, and I'm excited for you! Where are you coming from, if I may ask?

[@fastasdoublekicks]

@@AaronRossPhoto Amsterdam! Been away for too long, and Te Araroa feels like the perfect way to reunite with home :)

[@AaronRossPhoto]

@@fastasdoublekicks Nice - I’m sure you’ll enjoy it greatly!

[@enochbobo3256]

Awesome brother ,so Inspiring beautiful and magical .

[@MegaGroganX]

Great watch thanks mate, looked absolutely amazing :)

[@SublimatedIce]

Fantastic job all around Aaron; loved following you on the trail. I think you did a excellent job in capturing the experience.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you very much 🙂

[@elizaburtpriddy8754]

This is so bloody cool. Very inspiring. Such a genuine experience of the trail of which I hope to complete!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Eliza - you can do it!

[@alastairforeman]

Really enjoyed this Aaron. It brought back so many great memories of our own walk and the times we crossed paths with you. Great video! Alastair and Janice.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Alastair, I’m glad you enjoyed. Hope you guys are doing well!

[@Mister0707]

Finished the trail in February 2024 and yes, the Nelson lakes area is by far the best part :) It feels familiar to watch this again :)

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Hope you had a great time!

[@untilisee]

Te Araroa is one of my biggest dream. Your film inspired me a lot. Within a few day I'll begin the visa process I hope I can see this beauty with my own eyes this year. Thank you for you film, Aaron.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

That is awesome! I wish you the best of luck, friend.

[@untilisee]

I've got visa and tickets! I will be in New Zealand on February 2 and then start my journey NOBO (South Island Only).​ I am so excited. Thank you again!

[@heatherwickham6516]

Great photography and commentary Aaron - loved it. Will share it. :-)

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Heather!

[@YaserAzfar]

Wow, this was a whole movie. Actually insane work Aaron 😮😍

[@AaronRossPhoto]

You the man Yaser ❤️

[@stevenseiler5494]

You legend❤many thanks, it is lovely to see through your eyes😍

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks Steven!

[@testing24dfas]

Thanks for making this video. This is a memorable one.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Mansoor 🙂

[@NiallJ]

Beautiful film my dude! A phenomenal achievement too, congrats on finishing the trail. Some of the cinematography is mind-blowing, I imagine the scenery was even more surreal in person! I appreciate how much extra effort you must have put in to get all the different shots, but I'm sure you'll agree it was more than worth it now that you've got this incredible film to look back on and to always remember from. I love the idea of doing something like this (on a much much smaller scale for sure) and just immersing yourself in nature for a while, but I also don't have the energy to move across my bedroom most days 😂 But yeah. Much love Aaron and congrats again 💛

[@likeahike]

I so can't wait to get started. Loved the video. Makes me want to buy a plane ticket to New Zealand tomorrow.

[@rainbowbridge1008]

A beautiful record worthy of your great achievement and an inspiration for those of us yet to make the trail. Photography and music unfolded to match the subtle ever changing rhythm and mood of the landscape. All the best for future journeys

[@abelektro5201]

Amazing movie!! So cool to see people I’ve met to a later point on my new New Zealand Journey! Well done!!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you!

[@ErikaLjung]

One of the most beautiful videos i´ve seen in long time! Thank you so much for sharing your adventure with us :)

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Erika!

[@elliee8683]

You did a really good job. Appreciate the hard work.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Ellie.

[@royrolston5340]

Well done Aaron both for completing the trail and putting together a very interesting video account of your adventure. Although it was long very long in fact, I watched it in one session with some thanks to covid and our present level 4 lockdown. I did however held my interest throughout, credit to you for a good job in video editing and while your narration was minimal it was thoughtful and timely. Good job and thanks for sharing the trail.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks Roy - getting through it in one sitting is an achievement in itself!

[@mickbeckers]

Awesomely done Aaron. Great narration, cinematography and soundtrack. Throughly enjoyed watching and brought back so many memories of the trail.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Mick - I am glad I could bring back some memories for you 🙂

[@dee3six]

Just finished watching this, wow, wow, wow. Beautiful documentary of your journey, thankyou for sharing with us and well done on finishing, you're a champ mate 💪🏾💙

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers mate! Thank you for watching.

[@groundflax]

Incredible! Best Te Araroa documentary ive seen :). Cant wait to hike it in the near season

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers - excited for you!

[@florijanandres8752]

Hey man, thank you so much for your video. You made my day, you made my week, you made my wish to hike te araroa become a plan. Inspiring amazing views you've catched for your video matched perfect with that soundtrack! Keep up your hike through life, may it never end! Except you've found something that's worth for to rest!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you for your kinds words Florijan! Excited for your plan of Te Araroa ❤️

[@yannpharamin5256]

Hi. Your video was beautiful, congratulations for your trail.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Yann!

[@oldwaitekauri]

Great vid - I very much recognised which bits of music were Hammock ☺. Aucklander (67)

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers!

[@escapeartist6546]

Iv watched alot of youtube vids in my time....this video is in my top 10. I shouldnt call it a video...more like an experience. You have a remarkable gift in story telling, never stop.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

That means a lot - thank you so much.

[@RawMunchies]

Well done! what an amazing experience!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers!

[@llamalady]

absolutely incredible, thanks for transporting me to new zealand over the past 80mins! I hope to one day walk this trail, europe is on the menu first this summer :) greetings from belgium

[@AaronRossPhoto]

I'm glad you enjoyed - yes, come on over!

[@hamishperkins2307]

Mate, that was absolutely amazing. Your filming and production was spot on. I'd like to do some research, and maybe look at an October start. Thanks for your inspiration!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Hamish - go get it!

[@AdventureswithWillem]

Aaron this is the best film there is on the Te Araroa. As a fellow thru hiker class of 2019-2020, you portrayed beautifully what the TA is emotionally and physically. Such good memories that brings longing to my heart, as you said i will never forget this journey. Big thank you for sharing. As a side note what mike are you using for your sound?

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Hi Willem, thank you so much for your kind words. I am using the Rode VideoMicro in this video 🙂

[@eddydewilde4958]

Big job filming this and the walking too I guess haha. Nice work Aaron I enjoyed it.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers!

[@PhilipKorsika]

Oh hey! Just stumbled across this - was great catching you in the Richmonds - looks like you had an epic time the whole way!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Oh hey, Philip! What a coincidence, haha - great seeing you too!

[@NewTasty]

Amazing adventure.

[@Systemsturz]

Hey Aaron, I emailed you for some tips about the TA a couple of months back and - we’ll after learning tons of new things and 2 1/2 months of the trail I’ve got 500k left to go and I’m here watching this video again - I’m getting pretty darn emotional seeing this haha Thank you ❤

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Awesome to hear about your progress brother 😀 Keep it up, not far to go now!

[@tobiasottinger5200]

Reminds me a lot of Kraig Adams style, which is high praise indeed!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

He’s an inspiration 😉

[@unit777713]

That beard progression 😍

[@TheHypertrophyHub]

This is absolutely amazing I hope to do something like this next year.

[@thomasperrin981]

Inspiring... go there in octobre

[@tiger2too18]

Aaron, Thanks for your thoughts and comments on tramping the TA. I hope to do this when my teenage children have finished school / university - 10 years time. Living currently in S Korea I may be able to visit to see possible section hikes etc. Best wishes Phil

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Hi Phil, it is my pleasure! I hope you can visit some time too.

[@tiger2too18]

@@AaronRossPhoto are you based in the North Island still? I have a cousin who was seconded to engineer the road network in NZ and stayed.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

@@tiger2too18 I am based in the South Island now, however I do visit the north every now and then.

[@delphineleroux879]

Wow, what an adventure 🤩🥰 thank you so much for sharing all this amazing story with us, truly inspiring 🧡

[@AaronRossPhoto]

My pleasure, thanks Delphine!

[@colinmason329]

Fantastic journey, beautifully filmed and edited. Would love to do this also. You looked to have a light pack load which i really love, what weight were you carrying? I would like to keep it light also. Keep dreaming. Colin

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Cheers Colin! My base weight was 6kg, not too sure about with food and water, but probably around 10-12kg in total.

[@GypsyGirl317]

@@AaronRossPhoto that's an excellent base weight! Awesome movie of your incredible journey. 😊👍🏾🌿

[@sarah123295]

Missed your filmmaking so much

[@Sabout2]

Thank you! Magnificent!!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

🙌

[@testing24dfas]

Very inspiring.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Mansoor!

[@lukeduke3001]

How amazing

[@jesseharris6815]

Brilliant mate, well done!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Jesse!

[@isocapital]

this is so beautiful! i really want to hike this too one day that would be amazing!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Consider it! It’s quite an adventure!

[@jaybek7707]

Oh yeah!! I’ve been waiting a year for this!!! And it’s better than I could have thought. This is something I’d love to do, especially with where I am in life right now, totally directionless. I need something to break me out of my head and leaving society like this to push myself to an challenging but attainable goal is exactly what I need. Some kind of purpose and direction to go

[@jaybek7707]

The more I watch of this, the more I am convinced. Where do I start dude? How did you make it happen?

[@AaronRossPhoto]

@@jaybek7707 Lots of content online to find out how to go about doing a thru-hike! Maybe I’ll make a video about that?

[@jaybek7707]

Aaron Ross That would be awesome dude. Thanks

[@sreybowron-muth3468]

Watched this last night after seeing it featured on the Tramping in NZ group. Really inspiring.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks Srey - appreciate the support!

[@leonahughes377]

This was absolutely inspiring Can't thank you enough for the vlog

[@leonahughes377]

#bucketlistforsure

[@bcarrancho]

Excellent mate. Well done.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you Benjamin!

[@heathere8066]

Fantastic video😀Amazing New Zealand scenery! Well done! Do you have a gear list as I wondered what pack, hip belt, and your water filter system.

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks Heather - I’m in the process of making a gear video for the near future, so stay tuned!

[@sarahmunn9549]

Awesome video Aaron!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks Sarah!

[@davidcelaya8519]

Going to new Zealand next year as an exchange student, hoping to at least spend a month on trail

[@Deansmumsson]

I met blaze going through Nelson lakes in February, crazy guy!

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Haha, that's Blaze!

[@Simon..Chapman]

I have watched this twice, so well put together. I hiked the PCT last year and hope to hije TA in Nov 22 if allowed in. Thank you for the inspiration 😀

[@AaronRossPhoto]

That's awesome! Thank you.

[@nickspindler970]

What an incredible video! Every second of your film is a joy to watch- thank you sharing it. Can I ask which tent you started the trail with? Cheers, Nick

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thank you so much, Nick! I used the Tarptent Protrail for the full duration of my hike 🙂

[@finnneilson6229]

Thankyou for the wonderful video, ive been doing some research on this and would like to give it a go when i go back to new zealand in a years time. My question is when you get the to main river you had to kiyak down for days how to you organise that section? Is there a main kiyaking company or a group you can do it with? Also what time of year did you start? Thanks 👍

[@AaronRossPhoto]

Thanks Finn! I went with Taumarunui Canoe Hire and they were great - you can solo kayak the river, however I believe it is cheaper if you buddy up with someone in a canoe. I started 1st November - all the best 🙂

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

Beautiful story, wow 3,000km in 80 minutes, you are an impressive young man.